Tunnels often have a dark, dreary image. But with a little bit of exploring, you’ll find that there are tunnels built by good old Mother Nature that are absolutely breathtaking. Here are 5 of the most beautiful "nature-made tunnels" you can find in Japan.

1. Wisteria Tunnel, Kawachi Fuji Gardens (Fukuoka)

During spring of every year, over 100 Japanese wisteria trees bloom in gorgeous hues of violet-blue, pink, blue, and white at Kawachi Fuji Gardens. Voted as one of the 10 Beautiful Places In The World That Actually Exist, the Wisteria Tunnel is a flower-scented heaven that will transport you to a floral fantasyland. Best time to visit is from late-April to mid-May.

2. Takebayashi Path (Kyoto)

This narrow path lies inside a bamboo forest extending along the back of the famous Tenryuji Temple. During the summer the bamboo glows green in the sunlight, but in autumn the scenery changes as the bamboo becomes colored with red leaves. If you listen closely, you’ll be able to hear the gentle sounds of bamboo trunks knocking into each other as you walk through this peaceful path.

3. Ginkgo Trees, Showa Memorial Park (Tokyo)

This lustrous line of Ginkgo trees exists inside a massive national park. The bright yellow path is the perfect place in Tokyo to celebrate the arrival of fall. What makes it even better are the gardens (including the very popular Japanese Garden), barbecue areas, lakes, bicycle rental shops, dog runs and the like that you can also enjoy at the park. Visit the Emperor Showa Memorial Museum in the Cultural Zone to get your daily dose of Japanese history.

4. Oirase Mountain Stream (Aomori)

You won’t be able to walk through this one, but the surrounding trees act as a natural canopy that adds to the inherent beauty of this flowing stream. This picturesque mountain stream is one of Japan’s most famous scenic spots, and a natural monument of Aomori. The trees are lush green in the spring and summer, but turn into brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange from late October through early November. Over a dozen waterfalls cascade along the stream, making it even more entrancing.

5. Shiomidaki Suspension Bridge, Hananuki Ravine (Ibaraki)

60 meters long, this bridge is suspended over a gorge that spreads out from Hananuki dam. During the fall the bridge is covered in red leaves, making it feel as though you are walking through a tunnel. You can hike along the promenade and enjoy the beautiful landscape.