Mount Hotaka, part of Japan's Northern Alps -- or Hida Mountains -- overlooks the Azusa River, which flows through the highland valley of Kamikochi. More of Japan's most beautiful mountainous landscapes ahead.
Mount Hotaka, Nagano prefecture —
Mount Hotaka, part of Japan's Northern Alps -- or Hida Mountains -- overlooks the Azusa River, which flows through the highland valley of Kamikochi. More of Japan's most beautiful mountainous landscapes ahead.
JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images
Known as Japan's second Mount Fuji for its resemblance to the icon, Mount Daisen is the highest peak in the Chugoku region, standing 1,709 meters tall.
Mount Daisen, Tottori prefecture —
Known as Japan's second Mount Fuji for its resemblance to the icon, Mount Daisen is the highest peak in the Chugoku region, standing 1,709 meters tall.
JNTO
The Tateyama mountain range forms a permanently beautiful backdrop to Toyama city, in the prefecture of the same name.
Tateyama mountain range, Toyama prefecture —
The Tateyama mountain range forms a permanently beautiful backdrop to Toyama city, in the prefecture of the same name.
JNTO
Mount Nipesotsu is a lava dome in the Nipesotsu-Maruyama Volcanic Group, situated in Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido.
Mount Nipesotsu, Hokkaido —
Mount Nipesotsu is a lava dome in the Nipesotsu-Maruyama Volcanic Group, situated in Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido.
JNTO
Mikurigaike Pond is a crater lake in the Northern Alps along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Mikurigaike Pond, Toyama prefecture —
Mikurigaike Pond is a crater lake in the Northern Alps along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
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<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2013%2F05%2F06%2Ftravel%2Fjapan-kumano-kodo-hike%2F">Kumano Kodo</a>, as seen here from the famous Hyakken-gura viewpoint, is a network of seven pilgrimage routes. It's one of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrimages in the world.
Kumano Kodo, Wakayama prefecture —
Kumano Kodo, as seen here from the famous Hyakken-gura viewpoint, is a network of seven pilgrimage routes. It's one of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrimages in the world.
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This Nagano mountain village is located near the city of Iida, which was once an old castle town.
Shimogurinosato village, Nagano prefecture —
This Nagano mountain village is located near the city of Iida, which was once an old castle town.
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At 3,776.24 meters, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain peak in Japan and one of the most famous in the country.
Mount Fuji, border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures —
At 3,776.24 meters, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain peak in Japan and one of the most famous in the country.
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A pass snakes up Mount Norikura, the third tallest volcano in Japan after Mount Fuji and Mount Ontake.
Mount Norikura, border of Gifu and Nagano prefectures —
A pass snakes up Mount Norikura, the third tallest volcano in Japan after Mount Fuji and Mount Ontake.
JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images
Lake Akan is a lake in Hokkaido's Akan National Park.
Lake Akan, Hokkaido prefecture —
Lake Akan is a lake in Hokkaido's Akan National Park.
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The Northern Alps, or Hida Mountains, join the Central Alps (Kiso Mountains) and Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains) to collectively form the Japanese Alps.
Northern Alps, Nagano prefecture —
The Northern Alps, or Hida Mountains, join the Central Alps (Kiso Mountains) and Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains) to collectively form the Japanese Alps.
JNTO
As part of the Aso-Kuju National Park, Mount Kuju is the highest peak on the island of Kyushu.
Mount Kuju, Oita prefecture —
As part of the Aso-Kuju National Park, Mount Kuju is the highest peak on the island of Kyushu.
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Patches of snow can be found on Mount Asahi, Hokkaido's tallest mountain, all year.
Mount Asahi, Hokkaido prefecture —
Patches of snow can be found on Mount Asahi, Hokkaido's tallest mountain, all year.
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Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, erupts regularly and offers stunning views of the area's landscapes.
Mount Aso, Kumamoto prefecture —
Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, erupts regularly and offers stunning views of the area's landscapes.
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Lake Haruna, a popular camping and fishing area during the summer, is located near the summit of Mount Haruna. Haruna is one of Gunma's three famous mountains along with Mounts Akagi and Myogi.
Lake Haruna, Gunma prefecture —
Lake Haruna, a popular camping and fishing area during the summer, is located near the summit of Mount Haruna. Haruna is one of Gunma's three famous mountains along with Mounts Akagi and Myogi.
JNTO
Covered in Japanese azalea, the Kuju range is popular among hikers looking for breathtaking views in Kyushu.
Kuju mountain range, Oita prefecture —
Covered in Japanese azalea, the Kuju range is popular among hikers looking for breathtaking views in Kyushu.
JNTO
Sometimes known as the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido, Mount Yotei attracts both climbers and adventurous skiers looking for pristine snow.
Mount Yotei, Hokkaido —
Sometimes known as the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido, Mount Yotei attracts both climbers and adventurous skiers looking for pristine snow.
JNTO
Steep mountains dominate Niigata, which faces the Sea of Japan, the waters between the Japanese archipelago, Sakhalin and the Asian mainland.
Niigata prefecture —
Steep mountains dominate Niigata, which faces the Sea of Japan, the waters between the Japanese archipelago, Sakhalin and the Asian mainland.
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