All About Japan

National Parks of Japan

National Parks of Japan

All About National Parks of Japan
Discover the beauty of Japan's 34 national parks, including three World Natural Heritage Sites and four World Cultural Heritage Sites registered under UNESCO.
Walk on the Wild Side in Akan-Mashu

Walk on the Wild Side in Akan-Mashu

Hokkaido's Akan-Mashu National Park is full of lush forests, abundant wildlife, and acts as a gateway to indigenous Ainu culture.

Retreat to Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Retreat to Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Retreat to the deep mountain resort home to meditative lakes, fantastical moors, and healing hot springs!

Volcanoes, Islands, and Ancient Culture

Volcanoes, Islands, and Ancient Culture

Situated in western Japan inside parts of Shimane, Tottori, and Okayama prefectures, Daisen-Oki National Park rewards those willing to take the path less traveled with incredible beauty!

From the Mountain to the Sea

From the Mountain to the Sea

Fuji-Hakone-Izu is the most popular national park in Japan by far, receiving over 100 million visitors every year. Unlike most of Japan’s national parks, it consists of four distinct areas united by the volcanic activity.

A Mountainous Trove of Nature and Culture

A Mountainous Trove of Nature and Culture

Among all of Japan's national parks, it's hard to match the accessibility of Nikko National Park.

The Majesty of Shikotsu-Toya National Park

The Majesty of Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Sitting on Sapporo’s doorstep, Shikotsu-Toya National Park is a fascinating, tempestuous and tranquil landscape sculpted by volcanoes.

Japan’s Ocean Paradise

Japan’s Ocean Paradise

From diving, snorkeling and whale-watching to hiking and visiting historic sites, the Kerama Islands of Kerama-Shoto National Park really offer something for everyone.

Coastal Culture & Living History

Coastal Culture & Living History

A secluded paradise of maritime folklore, history, and adventure awaits just three hours by train from Tokyo Station (or just an hour and a half from Nagoya Station): Ise-Shima National Park.

Explore an Ancient Land of Volcanic Power

Explore an Ancient Land of Volcanic Power

Experience the sacred lands that birthed Japan, whose living legacy lingers in legend in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park!

Discover an Alpine Land of Natural Beauty

Discover an Alpine Land of Natural Beauty

Home of the northern Japanese Alps, Chubusangaku National Park is a fantastic destination for lovers of the outdoors!

An Incredible World in Miniature

An Incredible World in Miniature

A short journey from Kumamoto or Oita prefectures will bring travelers to Aso-Kuju National Park, a beautiful area that is one of the first official national parks in Japan.

5 Fun Festivals in Japan's National Parks

5 Fun Festivals in Japan's National Parks

Japan's national parks are not only sites of natural beauty, but long-inhabited locales where the local people have developed both new and longstanding traditions for showing their thanks for nature's bounties.

14 Stunning Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Japan

14 Stunning Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Japan

It's a tradition to watch the sunrise on the first day of the year in Japan. And the nation's national parks offer countless breathtaking options for both sunrise and sunset at any time of year!

15 Beautiful Beaches in Japan's National Parks

15 Beautiful Beaches in Japan's National Parks

Japan offers countless stunning beaches along its nearly 30,000 kilometers of coastline. Some are directly accessible by train from Tokyo, while others are surrounded by 1,000 kilometers of open sea!

12 Great Hikes in Japan's National Parks

12 Great Hikes in Japan's National Parks

You can follow the trails through Japan's national parks to mountain peaks and coastal views—and sometimes both at the same time!

22 Animals to See in Japan's National Parks

22 Animals to See in Japan's National Parks

While Japan may have an image as a land of trains and modern technology, the nation's 34 national parks offer a wealth of wildlife waiting to be discovered.

12 Amazing Mountains in Japan's National Parks

12 Amazing Mountains in Japan's National Parks

Many of Japan's most beautiful mountains can be found in the nation's 34 national parks.

5 Ways to Get Active in Japan's National Parks

5 Ways to Get Active in Japan's National Parks

There's more to do in Japan's national parks than simply look at nature—lovely as it may be. There are plenty of ways to get your hands dirty and your feet wet as well!

30 Stunning Flowers in Japan's National Parks

30 Stunning Flowers in Japan's National Parks

From June hydrangeas to September spider lilies, here are 30 reasons for flower fans to fall in love with Japan's 34 flower-filled national parks!

Share Your Pics of Japan's National Parks!

Share Your Pics of Japan's National Parks!

Enjoy Japan's national parks? Until December 31, share your photos with the My Favorite National Parks campaign hashtags and help share the nation's beautiful parks with the world!

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