Happy Greenery Day: 5 Must-Visit Places to Explore During Japan’s Shinryoku Season
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Nestled amongst Japan’s vibrant festivities and cherished traditions lies a celebration rooted in reverence for nature―Midori-no-Hi (みどりの日 Greenery Day). Observed annually on 4 May, this national holiday is a testament to Japan’s profound connection with the environment, serving as a reminder to appreciate the lush landscapes that adorn the island nation, which is made of 70% mountains.
Greenery Day was originally Emperor Showa’s Birthday, honouring the birthday of the emperor of the Showa Era (1926-1989), Hirohito, who was an avid nature enthusiast. After the ascension of the next emperor, Akihito, the holiday was changed from “Emperor’s Birthday” to “Greenery Day”, and became a day dedicated solely to nature appreciation.
Not just a token gesture towards conservation or another day to extend the Golden Week vacation, Greenery Day serves as a catalyst for environmental awareness and eco-consciousness, with many schools organising tree-planting activities, communities embarking on clean-up campaigns, and families flocking to parks and gardens to immerse themselves in the magnificence of nature.
Coinciding with Greenery Day is the onset of the shinryoku (新緑) season, a time when Japan’s landscapes undergo a stunning transformation, being blanketed in vibrant hues of green, a colour teeming with life. Shinryoku translates to “fresh green,” and represents the emergence of new life and vitality.
Cherry blossoms and other flowers wilt to make way for fresh new leaves, with forests, parks, and countryside areas bursting forth with verdant greenery. With mild temperatures and stunning landscapes, the shinryoku season is the perfect time to explore Japan’s natural wonders and scenic beauty.
5 Places to Visit this Shinryoku Season
Japan’s diverse topography offers a cornucopia of natural wonders, each boasting its own unique charm and allure. As Greenery Day approaches, let us embark on a journey to five enchanting destinations that epitomise the splendour of Japan’s shinryoku season.
Tucked away in the southern Japan in Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島県) lies Yakushima (屋久島), an island steeped in myth and mystique. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima’s ancient cedar forests are a testament to the enduring power of nature. Here, colossal yakusugi (屋久杉 Yakushima cedar trees) stand tall, with some dating back over a thousand years, their gnarled trunks hinting at the centuries of life they have endured.
Embark on a pilgrimage through Yakushima’s pristine wilderness and hike along moss-laden trails, and marvel at the sheer majesty of the Jomon Sugi (縄文杉), a massive cedar tree believed to be one of Japan’s oldest. The ethereal greenery will make you feel like you are walking in a scene from Princess Mononoke.
Yakushima (屋久島) Access: Yakushima’s Miyanoura Port is a 2-hour jetfoil ferry ride from Kagoshima Port
In the heart of Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県) lies Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡), an area steeped in Shinto mythology and mystique. According to legend, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu was upset with her brother Susano-o, so she hid herself in a cave, sealed herself behind a large rock, and the world was plunged into darkness.
Without Amaterasu’s light, the world was filled with darkness and disaster. To lure Amaterasu out of hiding, the other gods started dancing hilariously and laughing merrily, and a curious Amaterasu moved the rock to sneak a peek at the merriment. Upon seeing this, the God of Strength threw the rock far away with all his might, so that Amaterasu couldn’t hide behind it anymore.
Takachiho is the area where the cave is, and the place where the large rock landed is Togakushi in Nagano Prefecture. Today, Takachiho Gorge’s dramatic landscape continues to captivate visitors with its sheer cliffs, emerald forests, and cascading waterfalls.
Explore Takachiho’s natural wonders from below by rowing a boat through the gorge’s tranquil waters, paddling under a 17m-high refreshing waterfall, or from above, strolling along a paved path that overlooks the enchanting scenery below.
Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡) Access: 30-minute walk from Takachiho Bus Center, which is a 1.5-hour bus ride from JR Nobeoka Station (延岡駅)
Nestled amidst the soaring peaks of Japan’s Northern Alps liesKamikochi (上高地), a picturesque highland region revered for its crystalline rivers and pristine alpine scenery. As spring breathes new life into the landscape, Kamikochi emerges from its winter slumber, with vibrant green foliage shining against a background of snow-covered peaks that reach 3,000m high.
Explore Kamikochi’s varied network of hiking trails, which offering panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and mirror-like ponds, and enjoy the scenery from the iconic Kappa Bridge (河童橋), where the Azusa River (梓川) glistens like liquid jade, with the snow-capped majestic Hotaka Mountain Range in the distance.
Kamikochi (上高地) Access: 60-minute bus ride from Shinshimashima Station (新島々駅)
Hidden away in the heart of Chiba Prefecture (千葉県) lies Kameiwa Cave (亀岩の洞窟), a place that has gained popularity all over social for the beautiful heart-shaped light reflection formed on the surface of the water. A rock arching over the Nomizo Waterfall (濃溝の滝), when the light shines through the cave at the right angle, the reflected scenery in the water results in a lovely heart-shape.
While the heart-shape light reflection is best seen during early mornings of the equinox months of March and September, the shinryoku season lends lush greenery to the park, where you can on wooden boardwalks and take in the refreshing air.
Kameiwa Cave (亀岩の洞窟) Access: 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride from JR Kazusa-Kameyama Station (上総亀山駅)
Located in mainland Japan’s northernmost prefecture of Aomori (青森県), the 14km-long Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流) meanders through a verdant ravine, casting a spell of tranquillity upon all who behold its beauty. Lush forests line its banks, their verdant canopies shading the cool, flowing waters below, creating an otherworldly scene of natural splendour.
Go on leisurely stroll along Oirase Stream’s easy-to-walk walking trail, passing by scenic waterfalls and picturesque rapids, and inhaling the fresh air and scent of the forest.
Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流) Access: 2-hour bus ride from JR Hachinohe Station (八戸駅) or JR Aomori Station (青森駅)
Appreciate Nature and Bask in its Wondrous Greenery
This May 4th, may the force and beauty of nature be on your mind as Japan’s Greenery Day approaches and the shinryoku season unfurls its vibrant tapestry. Embrace nature’s timeless splendour and embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation by visiting some of Japan’s most scenic landscapes―from the flowing waters of Oirase Stream to the mythical landscapes of Takachiho Gorge, and the ancient beauty of Yakushima, Japan’s natural wonders are beckoning!
Go Green with JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s “Forest Trails” Omiyage Snack Box
“Forest Trails” is a shinryoku-inspired Japanese snack box by JAPAN RAIL CLUB, made for spring adventures and outdoor escapes.
Greenery Day is the perfect time to embrace Japan’s shinryoku (新緑), or “fresh green” season, when forests and mountains glow in vibrant shades of green. As the weather turns ideal for hikes, strolls, and outdoor escapes, JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s “Forest Trails” Omiyage Snack Box captures the spirit of the season with energising snacks inspired by nature.
Filled with treats in calming green and white tones, this month’s selection is made for fresh-air adventures, peaceful picnics, and moments spent surrounded by nature.
An avid traveller fond of solo adventures, Carissa (@ciramissa) has ventured to Japan 50+ times and explored all its 47 prefectures, yet she never runs out of reasons to return. An engineering major, her decade of experience in the tourism industry was inspired by volunteering for the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. While the nature-rich Eastern Japan has become her most-visited destination, she also delights in discovering charming, lesser-known towns across the country.
A railway enthusiast and hiking aficionado, Carissa dreams of riding all of Japan’s sightseeing train and climbing all its 100 Famous Mountains. Sounds like a lofty goal? Check back in 50 years.
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“Forest Trails” is a shinryoku-inspired Japanese snack box by JAPAN RAIL CLUB, made for spring adventures and outdoor escapes.
