With holidays approaching, I assume that you are planning what to do during the summer vacation. I used to choose popular and trendy destinations for my vacations, but recently I’ve found myself drawn to places where I can connect with nature and learn about the environment.
Across Japan, there are many attractive facilities and programs where you can learn about natural environment and sustainable lifestyles while enjoying various activities. In this article, we introduce places where you can enjoy hands-on experiences at any age. Whether you are planning a solo trip, or a stay with friends or with family, find the activity that you can all enjoy.
1. Showa Memorial Park (Tachikawa City, Tokyo)
Environmental learning surrounded by nature throughout the seasons
This vast national park offers various programs where visitors can experience and learn about nature firsthand. Visitors can explore the park with self-guided activity sheets or join family-friendly interactive events such as “Nature Programs” and the “Project Wild Nature Discovery Workshop.”
Main activities:
- Observing seasonal plants and animals
- Creating crafts using nuts and leaves
▶ More info: Showa Memorial Park Official Website
2. Whole Earth Nature School (Shizuoka, Yamanashi, Okinawa, Fukushima, etc.)
Practical programs combining nature experience and environmental education
With over 40 years of experience in nature education, Whole Earth Nature School offers a wide range of programs including camps, eco-tours, and educational trips in natural areas like Mt. Fuji and Okinawa. They also cater to school groups and corporate training, making it suitable for both children and adults.
Main activities:
- Parent-child camping for families
- Beginner-friendly trekking
- Food education programs based on satoyama (traditional rural) living
▶ More info: Whole Earth Nature School
3. Picchio (Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture)
Forest education themed around biodiversity and the SDGs
Located in the forests of Karuizawa, Picchio offers programs for observing wildlife and learning about forest ecosystems. Workshops related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also held, making it a great place to reflect on sustainable living.
Main activities:
- Nightwatching for wild birds and flying squirrels
- One-day adventure camps for children
- Forest conservation and restoration activities
▶ More info: Picchio Karuizawa
4. 1.5°C Lifestyle Workshop (Kitakyushu City)
Hands-on workshop that teaches climate change action through cooking
Based on the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global temperature rise to within 1.5°C, this unique workshop encourages climate-conscious lifestyle changes. Aimed at students, it features cooking experiences themed around food and sustainability.
Program components:
- Lectures on global warming and the SDGs by experts
- Practical “1.5°C Challenge” actions for the home
- Cooking workshop by a food waste reduction expert
▶ More info: IGES Official Website
5. Gifu Recycling Center (Gifu Prefecture)
Factory tours and workshops on plastic recycling systems
This center offers tours and educational sessions where visitors can learn about resource recycling processes. Ideal for schools and corporate training, it provides a real-world example of efforts toward a sustainable society.
Main activities:
- Touring the plastic recycling process
- Learning the difference between waste and resources
▶ More info: Gifu Prefecture Environmental Learning Portal
6. Nature Games (Nationwide)
Interactive programs to learn through play in nature
Nature Games are activities that let participants use their five senses to experience nature and understand the connections between living things. These events are held across the country and are open to beginners.
Main activities:
- Games to observe nature using all five senses
- Activities that encourage thinking like a living creature
- Group nature experiences that require teamwork
▶ More info: Nature Game Official Website
Final Thoughts
I am fan of taking a relaxing trip, but it would be wonderful if I can use my vacation time to learn more about nature and sustainable living.
Many of these programs are designed to be enjoyable even for children, with games, camps, and hands-on experiences. Why not try incorporating one of them into your plans?
