7 of the best wild Japan swimming spots

Immerse yourself in nature – literally – in Japan at these pristine rivers, waterfalls and lakes that are perfect for a quick dip.

The stunning natural landscape of this country is the ultimate environment for immersive experiences, so it is little wonder that wild Japan swimming, the act of seeking out bodies of water to splash, soak and float in, is gaining in popularity.

From lakeside beaches to river shallows to waterfalls that present as waterslides, the options for taking the plunge are plentiful – and stunningly pristine, the result of a reverence for nature that is informed by the belief that everything from rivers to mountains to trees are imbued with deities (kami).

This respect for nature and its sacred sites does means that not all picturesque pools, ponds, rivers and lakes that you will come across allow swimming, so always do your research and follow the guidance of locals when possible.

1. Akigawa River

The Akigawa River running through the Akigawa Valley, just 50 kilometres west of central Tokyo, is a popular swimming spot for Tokyo locals during the hot and humid summer months.

Surrounded by the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, the translation of Akigawa is “autumn river" which means that autumn is also a great time to head here to see the leaves explode in autumnal colours.

If it is a bit chilly for a paddle in the river when you visit, you can immerse yourself in another way: Seoto-no-Yu Spa is a hot spring (onsen) popular with locals that is about soaking not swimming.

Akigawa Valley — Take a dip in Akigawa, the “autumn river".

2. Lake Motosu

Located on the north-western edge of Mt Fuji, and part of the Mt Fuji UNESCO World Heritage Site, swimming is a popular pastime at Lake Motosu, which is renowned as the clearest of the Fuji Five Lakes.

Sitting within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in Yamanashi Prefecture, less than two hours drive from Tokyo, Lake Motosu’s pristine surroundings are enough to recommend it, but add the prospect of wild swimming (accompanied by an experienced guide from the Lake Motosu Activity Center) with a view of Mt Fuji and it becomes an instantly irresistible prospect.

Lake Motosu, Japan swimming — Enjoy a view of Mt Fuji as you swim in Lake Motosu.

3. Lake Biwa

Thought to be one of the world’s oldest lakes, formed some four million years ago, Lake Biwa can also lay claim to being Japan’s largest freshwater lake.

Located in Shiga Prefecture, but still within easy striking distance of Kyoto, the lake is popular with swimmers who flock here to spend time at its lakeside beaches during the warmer months.

Omimaiko Beach, situated on the west side of the lake, has clusters of shady pines and white sands that melt into the calm waters, while Makino Sunny Beach has a welcoming, family-friendly feel.

Shirahige beach, Lake Biwa — Bring the family to the friendly Lake Biwa.

4. Ryumon Falls

Come summer, the spectacular two-tiered Ryumon Falls (taki), located in Oita Prefecture, is transformed into a natural aquatic fun park, with the slides created by the water rushing over the gently sloping volcanic rocks into a natural wading pool at the bottom delighting young and old alike.

Autumn is also a spectacular time to visit, when the temperature is still mild enough to enjoy the waters and the surrounding foliage is dappled in rich seasonal shades of red and orange.

Ryuumon daki, Japan swimming — Delight in the natural aquatic fun park of Ryuumon Falls. (Image: otsukarekun)

5. Senjokawara

Located an easy drive from Kumamoto City in Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Senjokawara is a delightful swimming spot on the Kikuchi River near Kikuchi Gorge.

Sitting within Aso-Kuju National Park, the shallows at this bend in the river are the result of a broad shelf of pyroclastic flow from the nearby Mt Aso active volcano which has created natural paddling pools that are perfect for splashing about in, which make it a popular wild swimming option for families during the warm summer months.

Kikuchi Valley, Japan swimming — Take time to explore the stunning Kikuchi Valley before you swim.

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6. Kurio River

Located in the south of Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yakushima (Island) National Park, the natural plunge pools of the Kurio River provide the perfect spot to cool off in between the bursts of energy you will expend by signing up for a kayak tour of the area.

You can swim away the day’s exertions before enjoying a barbecue dinner and then camping out under a blanket of stars.

Kurio River, Yakushima Island — Swim away the day’s exertions in the Kurio River.

7. Ta-Taki Falls

Located along the Henan River in northern Okinawa Island, Ta-Taki Falls is a set of falls cascading into a delightfully sheltered pool that is surrounded by sub-tropical foliage.

Accessing the falls involves trekking through lush forest and even hiking through gently flowing riverbeds in parts, with the reward at the end being surrounded by nature as you wade and float in the cool waters.

Ta-Taki Falls, Japan swimming — Trek through lush forest and reward your hard work with a swim in Ta-Taki Falls.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

7 of Japan’s best wild swimming spots