From Hiking to Sand Surfing: Here's How to Get Your Fill of Thrills in Regional Japan

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People are drawn to Japan's peaceful nature, from the onsens to the cherry blossom groves. But the country has far more to offer than relaxation. World-famous culinary specialties, cultural festivals, and remarkable scenery are found all across the island nation.

If you fancy raising your pulse during your stay, there are plenty of thrilling experiences to be had, from the snowy mountains of the north to the tropical islands of the south. We've teamed up with the Japanese National Tourism Organization to find out how to get your fill of thrills across Japan.

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Snorkel and Paddle in the Blue Water of the Kerama Islands

The island chain of Okinawa, in the southwestern corner of Japan's territory, has long been a world unto its own. That's plain to see for any visitor, with bustling coral reefs and tropical forests everywhere you go. One of the best places to absorb it all has to be Keramashoto National Park.

The waters of Keramashoto National Park are as blue as can be, so much so that the surrounding water is nicknamed the Kerama Blue. They're packed with coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles and even humpback whales further offshore. Get up close and personal with the local wildlife by snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding around Zamami Island.

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Slide and Climb Through Nametoko Gorge

On the southern island of Shikoku, along the southwest coast of Ehime and Kochi Prefectures, you'll find the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. This peaceful and verdant region is home to great hiking and swimming spots, an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage route and some of the country's most sacred sites. Adventurous tourists tend to congregate in the park for a specific reason, and that reason is Nametoko Gorge.

The Meguro River forges this channel of smooth granite rocks, which makes for excellent canyoning. Not only are there swimming and climbing opportunities, but the gorge also has several waterfalls that are perfect for brave participants to slide down the rock face themselves — with appropriate safety gear, of course.

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Hike Into the Dense Forests of Nikko National Park

Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Not far outside of the city limits is a wilderness filled with forests and greenery: Nikko National Park, and it's one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country. Shaped over the millennia by volcanic activity, it's a paradise of lakes, waterfalls, seasonal woodlands and volcanic mountains.

Explore on foot and make your way to the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, built in honour of the late Tokugawa Ieyasu (whose rise to power inspired the recent Shōgun series), or encounter endemic wildlife like macaques and deer. Elsewhere in the park, you can find thundering waterfalls, rushing river gorges and even an active volcano.

Explore or Swim Through the Ice of Lake Shikotsu

Hokkaido is renowned worldwide for fantastic winter comfort food, supremely powdery snow conditions and much more. Most tourists typically find themselves careening down a manicured snow slope or putting their feet up in a luxurious, steamy onsen, but there's a far more thrilling way to experience the winter. Anyone fancy a natural ice bath?

You can do just that in Lake Shikotsu. This caldera lake manages to avoid freezing over in the winter, with ice remaining close to the shoreline. You can explore those spots (while snug in a dry suit) by walking on the ice, floating on the floe, swimming in the near-freezing water and burying yourself up to the neck in snow.

Japan National Tourism Organization

Ride a Traditional Log Raft in Kitayama Gorge

Whitewater rafting has always been a favourite for adventure seekers around the world, but the locals of Kitayama Gorge have a traditional method that stands apart from your standard kayak adventure. The steep walls of the gorge have been forged over the millennia by the aquamarine waters of the Kitayama River. Locals have taken to riding the waters atop elaborately constructed log rafts.

That tradition has survived well into the modern day and makes for a popular tourist attraction. Guests and drivers stand on the rafts (life jackets provided, of course) and grip the handrails as they cruise along gentle sections and whitewater stretches alike. Pack a change of clothes — you're not staying dry on this tour.

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Lead a Team of Sled Dogs in Asahikawa

Speaking of traditional transport methods, the nearest land-based equivalent to log rafts has got to be dog sleds. It's quite the rush to take the leads of a pack of these beautiful (and bloody strong) canines. One of the best places to do that is in Takasu, which is just outside of Asahikawa, the second-largest city in Hokkaido Prefecture.

After a brief safety session and a chance to meet your intrepid team of dogs, you'll take the reins and tour a six-and-a-half kilometre course through the snowy landscape. The course leaders, Dan and Kyoko, will follow the group towing a 'paparazzi trailer' to snap some pictures, so be sure to practice posing. The dogs are famously playful and friendly, so this is a must-try for any visiting dog lovers.

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Strap on a Sandboard to Ride Down Dunes in Tottori

As we've established, Japan's snowy north is a wonderful destination for skiers and snowboarders, but there's a similar attraction further south in Tottori prefecture: a field of massive sand dunes in San'inkaigan National Park. The dunes are the most popular attraction in the area and can be explored on foot, camelback, via a paraglide or a repurposed snowboard.

Sandboarding is the fastest way to get down the dunes and is easy for beginners and experienced boarders alike. Check out the local providers for a session with training included. If you're not so good at it, the sandy slope makes for a more comfortable crash mat than you might think.

Discover more and start planning your trip to Japan at the Japan National Tourism Organization website.