#1 Best Guide: 50+ Japanese Nature Words

What comes to mind when you think about Japan? Other than delicious Japanese food like sushi (寿司) and Japanese anime (アニメ) like Demon Slayer (鬼滅の刃), Japanese nature or 自然 (shizen), of course! From gorgeous cherry blossoms (桜) to the majestic Mount Fuji (富士山), Japan has lots to offer. That’s why you’ll be learning all about common Japanese nature words in this article!

From the fresh air to the cool wind, you’d come to appreciate Japan’s beautiful scenery even better by learning Japanese nature words. Besides, you’d get to show off your vocabulary knowledge the next time you go on a hike in a stunning Japanese forest (森) or up a Japanese mountain (山)!

An image of Japanese nature

Japanese Nature Words: Plants

You can’t learn Japanese nature words without learning how to say “nature” in the Japanese language first! That’s why the first Japanese nature word I’m teaching you is 自然 (shizen), which means, you guessed it, nature in Japanese.

If you happen to be learning Chinese as well, you’d notice that the Chinese word for nature, 大自然 (dà zì rán), is really similar to 自然 (shizen), the Japanese word for nature! This is because Chinese and Japanese are closely related and have strong historical and cultural contentions.

Now, let’s enter the world of plants, where trees, flowers, and grasses sway gracefully in the breeze. From exotic trees to delicate flower petals, each element of nature has its own unique beauty. So, let’s embrace the natural world and discover its secrets together!

Here’s a list of Japanese nature terms related to plants:

EnglishJapanese ScriptTransliterationPronunciation
Nature自然Shizen
TreeKi
GrassKusa
LeafHa
Leaf (informal)葉っぱHappa
BranchEda
RootNe
StemKuki
BudMe
Petal花びらHanabira
Fruit果物 Kudamono
Nut/ Seed木の実Kinomi
StalkKuki
Pollen花粉Kafun
Bud/ BlossomTsubomi
Cherry Blossoms (after the petals fall)葉桜Hazakura
An image of Japanese nature

Japanese Nature Words: Landforms

Now, let’s enter the vast world of landscapes, where mountains rise in quiet majesty, and volcanoes breathe fire and dry rocks. From hikes up mountains and steep slopes to the soothing sand beneath your feet, landforms are all around us. 

Here’s a list of Japanese nature terms related to landforms:

EnglishJapanese ScriptTransliterationPronunciation
MountainYama
Volcano火山Kazan
HillOka
SlopeSaka
RockIwa
SandSuna
CapeMisaki
Canyon峡谷Kyoukoku
Plain平野Heiya
ValleyTani
IslandShima
Peninsula半島Hantou
Desert砂漠Sabaku
MarshNuma
An image of Japanese nature

Japanese Nature Words: Water Bodies

With summer fast approaching, what better way to beat the scorching heat than with a relaxing day by the water? Whether you enjoy the thrill of swimming and playing in the sea, the tranquility of a lakeside picnic, or feeding fucks by a peaceful lake, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a list of Japanese nature terms related to water bodies:

EnglishJapanese ScriptTransliterationPronunciation
Sea/ OceanUmi
RiverKawa
LakeMizuumi
PondIke
Estuary河口Kouguchi
Watercourse河川Kasen
Wetland湿地帯Shitchitai
WaterfallTaki
Ravine渓谷Keikoku
ShoreNagisa
HarborMinato
Coastline海岸Kaigan
Bank (of a river)Kishi
Watersource水源Suiigen
An image of Japanese nature

Japanese Nature Words: Places

Nature provides a variety of landscapes and environments, from lush lawns to beautiful gardens. Whether you are seeking the serenity of a tranquil garden or a garden of vibrant colors in bloom, there is something lovely about the natural beauty that surrounds us so, let’s immerse ourselves in the natural world and let us search out his many wonders!

Here is a list of Japanese nature words for place:

EnglishJapanese ScriptTransliterationPronunciation
Gardens庭園Teien
Park公園Kōen
Forest森林Shinrin
Orchard果樹園Kajuen
Botanical Garden植物園Shokubutsuen
Nature Reserve自然保護区Shizen hogo-ku
Wildlife Sanctuary野生動物保護区Yasei dōbutsu hogo-ku
Wetland湿地Shitchi
Arboretum樹木園Jumokuen
Nature Trail自然散策路Shizen sansakuro
Coastal Area(海岸地帯Kaigan chitai
Mountain Area山脈Sanmyaku
Plateau高原Kōgen
Canyon峡谷Kyōkoku
OasisオアシスOashisu
Cliff断崖Dangai
Summit(山頂Sanchō
An image of Japanese nature

Japanese Nature Words: Day and Night

Nature offers spectacular day and night views and all overlays. From the rays of the sun to the serene beauty of the moon and stars, each sky holds its own beauty. Whether enjoying the vibrant colors of the sunset or watching the twinkling stars, the sky is a textile masterpiece of nature

Here is a list of Japanese natural words for day and night:

EnglishJapanese ScriptTransliterationPronunciation
Sun太陽Taiyō
MoonTsuki
StarHoshi
Planet惑星Wakusei
SkySora
Sunrise日の出Hinode
Sunset日没Nichibotsu
Dawn夜明けYoake
Dusk夕暮れYuugure
Twlight黄昏Tasogare
Constellation星座Seiza
Galaxy銀河Ginga
Auroraオーロラōrora
Meteor流星Ryūsei
Comet彗星Suisei

Japanese Nature Words: Weather

Let’s explore the ever-changing world of weather, where nature paints the sky in its many senses. From gentle rain to loud thunder, each element adds its own sound to nature’s symphony. So, let’s welcome every gust of wind and every snowflake because it’s all part of the beautiful fabric of our world.

Here is a list of Japanese nature terms related to the weather:

EnglishJapanese ScriptTransliterationPronunciation
RainAme
WindKaze
CloudKumo
Thunder雷鳴 Aimei
LighteningKaminari
SnowYuki
Sleet氷雨Hisame
Mist/ FogKiri
FrostShimi
Storm暴風雨Boufuuu
Sky condition/ storm空模様Soramoyou)

Japanese Nature Words: Elements

In the natural world, four elements – fire, water, earth, and air – are the primary determining forces of the environment. From the warmth of the sun to the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves, every factor plays an important role in sustaining life on earth.

Here is a list of Japanese nature terms related to the weather.

  • Fire – 火 (hi)
  • Water – 水 (mizu)
  • Earth – 地 (chi)
  • Air – 風 (kaze)
An image of Japanese nature

Japanese Nature Words: Seasons

In Japan, the changing seasons are deeply woven into the fabric of life, celebrated with festivals, art, and poetry. From delicate summer cherry blossoms to vibrant autumn foliage, each season brings its own unique beauty and traditions.

Let’s immerse ourselves in the wonderful moments of nature with these Japanese words:

  • Spring – 春 (haru)
  • Summer – 夏 (natsu)
  • Autumn – 秋 (aki)
  • Winter – 冬 (fuyu)

Ready To Learn More Japanese Nature Words?

素晴らしい (Subarashii)! Wow, we’ve covered lots of Japanese words related to nature. But of course, that’s not all there is to Japanese culture. There are so many more words to learn in Japanese! Interested? Then you should definitely download the Ling app.

With the Ling app, not only can you learn more Japanese vocabulary and grammar, but you can also learn phrases that are both friendly to beginners and frequently used in everyday life. So if you’re ready to take your Japanese language knowledge beyond knowing words like “sunlight” and “spring”, download the Ling app now! 

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