It is widely distributed within Japan and found on Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, as well as on some outlying islands.

It can also introgres with its sister species, Rana sakuraii.

[2] These frogs are found in mountainous areas close to streams in the leaf-litter, or underneath stones in the streams.

They lay their eggs in subterranean rivers, where the tadpoles grow into frogs.

In late spring their croaks can be heard from above ground.