Not far from Tokyo, Shizuoka prefecture has a lot of natural beauty to explore and unique food experiences to offer. If you are traveling to Japan, make sure to seek experiences beyond what is available in the major cities. We at runAway Japan did just that! Early on in our 50-day adventure through Japan, we traveled to Shizuoka prefecture and found a beautiful waterfall and tasted a flavor of ice cream unlike anything we had tried before!

A stroll through Mt. Atago in Kyoto gives travelers a refreshing and relaxing stroll through spectacular nature and the Japanese spiritual mindset.

Hailing from the small town of Newcastle under Lyme in the UK I was delighted to learn that we are twinned with an area in Japan which shares the same name: Shinshiro (literally ‘Newcastle’ in the Japanese language). I want to highlight to two main spots of natural beauty we visited in the Shinshiro area: Chiiwakyou Cliff and Atera no Nanataki Falls.

Yoshino, located in Southern Nara is home to many ancient histories and primitive vegetation of Japan. The well preserved historical assets and the unspoiled scenery of Yoshino reflect the fundamentals of Japan and it isn’t too exaggerated to state that it portrays the landscape of the heart of Japanese people.

While there are numerous charming sights to see in Karuizawa, two of the worthy visiting spots to check are the Onioshidashi Park by Mt. Asama and the Shiraito Waterfalls.

Cherry blossom season is here again, and I’m gearing up for my annual pilgrimage to Yuza, a small town on the Sea of Japan at the base of Mount Chokai. The pink flowers, the gentle curve of the river, the hanging koi fish decorations blowing in the wind, the blue sky – all of it makes for an idyllic scene.

Located in the mountains of Myoko City, southern Niigata Prefecture, Naena Waterfall provides a more-than-average waterfall experience. The drive to the waterfall is especially spectacular: you will be surrounded by dense trees and boundless rice paddies along the way.

During my trip to Fukushima prefecture I had to change my initial plans and ended up visiting Koriyama for a bit less then one day. And you know what? I totally did not regret it, and actually wish I could have stayed there for more days to enjoy the lovely atmosphere of this town.

You can enjoy the many hot springs (温泉 or onsen), some are even outside (called rotenburo 露天風呂), just by the river. You can walk around the town, which is very picturesque, and try delicious food.

A scenic hiking trail filled with lush greenery, babbling brooks, and eight stunning waterfalls lies west of Tokyo in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The hike begins in the historical post town of Magome and follows a 7.8 kilometer trail up through Kiso Valley to the next post town of Tsumago.

Wakayama prefecture is not among the most known ones across Japan. Here below is a short, essential to-do list for those who want to take some trips off the beaten paths.