One of the best things about Japan is the sheer diversity of the terrain here, from volcanic mountains to soft, sandy beaches. As a result you will find a huge mix when it comes to national parks in Japan, and which ones you choose to visit depend very much on the kind of flora and fauna you are looking for. Some lend themselves well to island living, snorkeling and diving, while others favor rock climbing and intense mountain treks. One thing is for sure, you definitely won’t be spoiled for choice.
Here are the top 10 national parks in Japan...
1) Fuji Hakone Izu National Park:
Probably the most famous national park in Japan is the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park that encompasses the areas around Mount Fuji, Hakone, and the Izu Peninsula. It is by far the busiest national park in Japan and you will find a plethora of activities to enjoy here. These of course include scaling Mount Fuji as well as enjoying Hakone’s famous hot springs and the islands of Izu. Perhaps the best thing about this national park is the wealth of different areas from volcanic mountains to pristine beaches and it is absolutely not to be missed, especially if you are staying in neighboring Tokyo.
2) Chubu- Sangaku National Park:
If you like mountains then consider a trip to Chubu-Sangaku National Park which is known for its mountain ranges that scale 3,000 meters. Depending on your time frame and fitness levels there are gentle hikes or challenging climbs here and this is also the home of the stunning Kurobe Dam which is the tallest of its kind in Japan.
3) Kerama Shoto National Park:
Also known as the Kerama Islands National Park, Kerama Shoto is located in spectacular Okinawa and is sadly under-visited by many visitors to the region.
This is also a national park with a difference and instead of mountain trekking you can expect oceans, beaches, and delightful coral reefs. Just some of the islands included in the park include Tokashiki Island and Zamami Island and you can snorkel or dive in the waters around these or take a boat trip with the chance of spotting some whales.
4) Shikotsu-Toya National Park:
Sitting in Hokkaido, the Shikotsu-Toya National Park is easily reached from Sapporo and is dotted with craggy volcanoes and glassy lakes. These include some of the finest lakes in Japan in the form of Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu and you can also enjoy splendid Mount Yotei and Mount Usu which still bubble with volcanic smoke. Popular activities here include climbing, hiking, and soaking in the hot springs caused by the heat under the ground.
5) Seto Inland Sea National Park:
The grande dame of national parks in Japan is Seto Inland Sea National Park which is the oldest in the country having been established in 1934. It covers an amazing 11 separate prefectures including Aichi, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Kagawa, Oita, Okayama, Osaka, Tokushima, Wakayama, and Yamaguchi. As you would expect from the sheer geographical spread, this is also the largest national park in Japan and you will find gorgeous seas, beaches, fields, and mountains here.
6) Shiretoko National Park:
Shiretoko National Park is famous for its signature residents in the form of graceful brown bears, so if you are an animal lover make sure not to give this one a miss. If you don’t want to get too close then you can watch the bears in their natural habitat from a sightseeing boat and this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its abundant natural beauty.
7) Ogasawara National Park:
If you really want to get off the beaten track then consider a trip to Ogasawara National Park. The park sits to the south of Tokyo and is part of what are known as the Oriental Galapagos Islands. You need take a boat from Tokyo to travel to the Ogasawara Islands but once there you can enjoy swimming, diving, and snorkeling, as well as nature tours that will show you some of the amazing indigenous species that live in this part of the world.
8) Nikko National Park:
Nikko National Park is an easy trip from Tokyo and sits in the Kanto area of Japan. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of its claims to fame is the stunning Toshogu Shrine that is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Just some of the other highlights of the park include the pretty Kinu River, Mount Nantai, as well as hot springs dotted around the region.
9) Aso-Kuju National Park
Aso-Kuju National Park is located in Kyushu so if you make it to this island then this is a sight not to be missed. The park is the home of Mount Aso which still sees volcanic activity and you can trek to the crater of the mountain and marvel at this amazing feat of nature.
10) Sanin Kaigan National Park:
This is one of the most stunning national parks in Japan and not to be missed if you are looking for something a little different. You may not imagine that Japan would be the home of sand dunes but the amazing Tottori Sand Dunes here will change your mind and are the highlight of a trip to this diverse country. The park also skirts alongside the Sea of Japan so there is also plenty to see here if you like marine life and aquatic pursuits.
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