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Collage of Japan’s National Parks –

10 Best National Parks in Japan.

Japan is home to 34 amazing national parks representing areas of outstanding national significance.

The national parks were created by the government to preserve areas of natural beauty for public enjoyment.

They are spread throughout the country, covering a wide range of ecosystems e.g. forests, marine, volcanoes, marshes and beaches.

The parks host a range of outdoor activities such as diving, camping, hiking, fishing, hot springs and photography.

From the north in Hokkaido to the south in Okinawa, the national parks offer a visitor different faces of Japan. 

Visit Japan’s national parks to experience wildlife up close and step into famous traditional temples and shrines. Here is a list of the 10 best national parks in Japan.

1.   Nikko National Park.

Lake Chuzenji Nikko National Park- Daderot-Wikimedia

The Scenic mountainous Nikko is just a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo. Nikko town is found inside the park providing you with a variety of accommodation, shops and restaurants.

It is a preferred weekend getaway for locals and tourists.

Apart from its natural beauty, it is also full of traditional Shinto Shrines. Nikko National park has wide biodiversity, you will get to see birds, bears, Japanese Deer and Macaque up close.

It is home to different tree species such as beech, maple and oak and features lakes, marshes and scenic waterfalls.

Nikko National park lies in a mountain area that has been shaped by volcanic activity making it ideal for trails.

There are trails for hiking, biking and running making it attractive for the fitness conscious visitor.

2.  Fuji Hakone Izu National Park.

Mt. Fuji By Osumi Akari- Wikimedia

For starters, Mt. Fuji is the symbol of Japan. It is the country’s highest mountain whose white peak is recognized by all Japanese most of whom consider it sacred.

It is divided into 4 areas: Mt. Fuji area, Hakone area, Izu area and Izu island area.  In the areas, you will find lakes, swamps, plateaus and hot springs.

Mt. Fuji’s symmetrical shape provides for beautiful photography.

The mountain, forests and islands are home to diverse flora and fauna specific to their area.

The wildlife is also diverse, from bird watching, learning about reptiles to diving with dolphins.

The Japanese believe there is a deity that lives in Mt.Fuji hence mountain worship. Join the locals during the Edo Period for Fujiko (spiritual mountain climbing) and enjoin in their culture.

3. Yakushima National Park.

Photo by on

The national park is a mix of mountains, forests and a marine preservation area.

The park is home to the 2000-year-old Yakusugi (Cedar) trees, the most iconic being Jomonsugi estimated to be 7200 years old.

Parts of the park have been declared UNESCO World Heritage.  It is a heavily forested subtropical island that is full of life.

The best way to experience the lush green island is by hiking the numerous trails. Furthermore, you can enrich the experience by going diving, canoeing or kayaking.

Loggerhead turtles nest on the island and hatch in the summer, a viewing site is available making for a unique encounter.

4. Akan-Mashu National Park.

Boiling Mud by Arama80-

Located in the Northern parts of Japan Akan Mashu National Park’s biggest attraction is the grouping of volcanoes surrounding the three main lakes.

The forested volcanic craters contain crystal clear lakes and hot springs. The national park is a volcanic complex offering a broad spectrum of adventures.

Apart from the clearest lake with up to 40 metres of visibility, there is also the boiling mud lake and the ball like algae growth known as Marimo.

Many vantage points are provided to ensure visitors take in all the breathtaking panoramic views of the caldera.

Inside the park are three eco-museum centres (Kawayu, Wakato and Akonhan) to introduce visitors to the natural environment endemic to their location.

Accommodation is available within the park’s area

5.  Chubu Sangaku National Park

The national park is also known as the home of the Japanese Alps. 

Mt.Hataka is known for recreational mountaineering.

Make a trip to Chubu park to explore soaring peaks, snow-blanketed valleys, hot springs, mountain streams and lakes.

In the alluring steep mountains and elevations reside wildlife such as black bears, Japanese Serows, many birds and butterflies.

Enjoy the hospitality of the southern region people who survive on the bounty of the park and engage with them in the culture of mountain worship to get the blessings of nature.

6. Shiretoko National Park.

Photo by VKaeru –

Home of Japan’s largest brown bear population and a hot springs waterfall called Kamuiwakka Falls which in Ainu mean ‘water of the gods’.

The park is only accessible by boat and on foot due to its remoteness.

The area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising mixed temperate and subalpine forests.

The park is open all year round with a short summer visiting window but the winters are extreme. 

Shiretoko will gift you the richest integrated ecosystems in the world; a symphony of terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

7. Kerama Shoto National Park.

Snorkelling with turtles by Vlad & Marina Butsky-

Kerama Shoto National Park is located in Okinawa prefecture.

 In this park, you will snorkel, watch whales, scuba dive and engage in varied beach activities.

Surrounding the island national park are the stunning blue waters of the ocean often referred to as Kerama Blue.

Visit during the day to experience idyllic island life or stay overnight to fully immerse in rural island life.

 You can get necessities in the local grocery shops.

There are local guides to take you snorkelling with turtles or on a boat to observe humpback whales in their breeding grounds.

8.Diatsetsuzan National Park.

It boasts of being the largest national park in Japan and is located in the centre of the mountainous northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

Diatsetsuzan means the ‘great snowy mountain’ is one of the mountains in the park, the park has 16 peaks over 2,000 metres offers truly rugged scenery.

 Tourists have limitless hiking possibilities.

One can take leisure walks as they view seasonal flowers or take awesome photos.

 dear, bears, birds and foxes roam in the lush forests but their sightings decline as you move to higher in elevation.

The national park is a repository of over 220 species of alpine vegetation.

9.  Ise Shima National Park.

Just a short detour from the popular Tokyo Kyoto route is a trip to the spiritual centre of Japan.

Ise Shima national park is located along the rugged coastline of the Shima peninsula.

The park hosts the important  Ise Jingu Shinto Shrine established 2000 years ago.

In the park, you will enjoy, hiking, kayaking, studying the plants of the island and watching marine turtles and lobsters in the bays.

The best attraction in Ise Shima is the people and its culture, it is like a living museum. 

Interact with the local communities to learn about pearl farming, spend time with female Ama divers to learn their unique fishing methods and how they practice sustainable fishing.

There are many diverse interests like a visit to the Toba Aquarium, The Spain Village and dining at the Ama Hut. 

10. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park.

Panoramic view of Kushiro Shitsugen   by lienyuan-

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is the largest wetland in Japan extending from the pacific ocean to inland Hokkaido.

The parks hold over 1,300 species of plants and 700 species of wildlife. 

Watch out for the protected Tancho -the red-crowned crane.

Eagles, red foxes, Siberian salamander and amphibians are residents in the park.
 

The best time to visit the park is from late April to September, there are many observation decks should you wish to take a walk in the park to sightsee.

There are reliable guides to accompany you should the adventure bug bite.

Canoe in rivers, visit archaeological sites and enjoy local culinary delights.

For those planning to stay over, there are abundant accommodation options.

There are adequate information centres to guide tourists. There is adequate transport connectivity from the main cities to the parks. In the fall, the forest’s leaves turn a beautiful colour. 

Furthermore, the active volcanic activities will welcome you to a world that is alive and unique. Japan is truly the land of fire and ice.