This park in Hokkaido is home to Japan’s largest marsh and wetland habitat. Another highlight of this park is its large population of brown bears. Stories to experience—discover the people and places that make up the national parks of Japan. Reset zoom ... National Parks (6) Canyons (4) Valleys (4) Volcanoes (4) Caverns & Caves (3) Hot Springs & … The Ogasawara Islands also know as Bonin Island are a UNESCO World Heritage Site 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, in the Pacific Ocean. The picturesque Kinosaki Onsen Town is also part of this national park, a widely known area for its amazing hot springs. Top Japan National Parks: See reviews and photos of national parks in Japan, Asia on Tripadvisor. Dolphin and whale watching is an extremely popular activity, alongside kayaking and other fun water sports. The majestic and iconic Mount Fuji, an active volcano, oversees activities ranging from mountain climbing to sunbathing on sandy beaches, to relaxing in a peaceful onsen. One of the oldest national parks in Japan, Akan Mashu National Park and its surroundings have long been protected and well-preserved for all to enjoy. Stories to Experience Japan's National Parks. Another must-see shrine here is the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji. Due to the volcanic activity, several hot spring towns are located just outside the park. National parks are created to protect the Earth’s most diverse ecosystems, magical landscapes, and incredible wildlife. Explore the most popular quasi national parks in Japan with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. National parks allow you the opportunity to do all of these things, and more. Satellite. Map updates are paused. Old lava fields, waterfalls and ancient forests fill up the in betweens of this stunning national park. This national park is also part of San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark as it contains geological heritages that are scientifically special, important and valuable. Roads only cover about one third of the park, while the rest is reserved for the adventurers ready to explore the area by foot or boat. https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/best-national-parks-in-japan Dolphin and whale watching is an extremely popular activity, alongside kayaking and other fun water sports. The Kasumi coast is often designated as a national site of scenic beauty, encompassing of oddly-shaped rocks, sea caves and cliffs that resulted from erosion of the raging waves of the Japan Sea. Asia ; Japan ; Things to do in Japan ; Parks & Nature in Japan; Nature & Parks in Japan‎ When are you travelling? How to get there: From Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, take a direct flight to the New Ishigaki Airport. Start Date. The Best National Parks in Japan Nikko National Park: This 80,000-hectare (200,000-acre) national park centers on the sumptuous Toshogu Shrine with its mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, majestic cedars, and lakeside resorts. By using our website you accept our Cookies Policy. During the summer season, an extremely popular activity to do here is bear watching from sightseeing boats. Hiking? Explore the most popular national parks in Japan with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The choice is yours. She is experimental and versatile with her writing genre and content creation, seeking to put her passion in linguistics and hunger for creativity into practice. In autumn, it is a prime viewing location for Koyo, or viewing colorful leaves. However, the main attraction has to be the soaring Mount Kinabalu, the highest point between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Buses are available from the station to various regions of the park. Asia ; Japan ; Japan Attractions ; Parks & Nature in Japan; Nature & Parks in Japan‎ When are you travelling? There are numerous hiking trails and ancient shrines that attract many adventurous visitors each year. Home to the stunning and designated World Heritage shrine, Toshogu Shrine, Nikko National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Japan. Located near Tokyo in the Kanto region, this park makes a good day trip or overnight trip from the bustling city. Ogasawara National Park. Shiretoko National Park The northeasternmost national park in Japan, the Shiretoko National Park is situated on the Shiretoko Peninsula. For example, more than 90% of the surface of Ise-shima National Park is private, while the average is usually 25% for all national parks (60% owned by the state). A fair number of rare, endangered wild species homes in this vicinity too. One of the most iconic attractions is the Kumano-Nachi Taisha Shrine. A beachgoer’s delight! The main draw to this national park is the five lakes, known as the Shiretoko Five Lakes, that dot the primeval forest. The tallest waterfall in Japan, Nachino-Otaki Falls, is accompanied by a three-storey pagoda and protected by the Nichi primeval forest surrounding it. The unique Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen located on the south coast is a must-visit. Located along the volcanic interior mountains of the northern Tohoku Region, the Towada Hachimantai... Kanto Region. Fuji is, without a doubt, the most popular national park in Japan. The “Kerama Blue”, which is the crystal clear waters that extends out, attract numerous divers and snorkelers to revel in the electric colours of the coral reefs. Traditional onsen baths can be found here as well due to the volcanic nature of the area. Don’t miss out more great news about Japan, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Search. Map. Sapporo travel guide: Access and how to get there, Ise Shrine Travel Guide: Access & What to See, Visiting the snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano travel guide: Access and things to do, Yokohama travel guide: Access from Tokyo and attractions, Skiing in Japan: Best ski and snowboarding resorts. This trip takes just under three hours. A nature-filled experience awaits you at this magnificent hotspot of attractions. With much to see and do, Ogasawara National Park is a golden gem of all national parks in Japan. We have selected ten of the most interesting or symbolic. Here are some our favourites – your guide to the best national parks in Japan. An island of natural wonders, Yakushima National Park is heavily forested and nestles in the warm, sub-tropical waters south of Kagoshima prefecture. The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Japan Kerama Shotō National Park. Home to the stunning and designated World Heritage shrine, Toshogu Shrine, Here's Why Tokyo Became Japan's Capital City, The Best Places to Visit in Japan During Winter, 15 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting Japan, Medication in Japan – What To Do When You’ve Fallen Ill, 10 Best Japanese Dramas To Binge (and learn Japanese), Check Out our Top 15 Japan Instagram Accounts You Need to Follow, What is it Like to Travel Japan with Tattoos, 7 Tips for surviving Japan without Japanese, Gunkanjima: Visiting the mysterious and abandoned battleship island, 20 things to know about the Otaku Culture in Japan, 9 Things to Know About Hachiko – Japan’s Most Devoted Dog, Tokyo Christmas Illumination Guide 2019/2020. Embark on a journey that allows you to come into contact with nature! In the winter, rare drift ice is visible. Ogasawara National Park occupies a subtropical archipelago around 1,000 kilometers from mainland Japan. Located right in the northeastern bit of Hokkaido, the vast areas that comprise the national park is filled with undiscovered, untamed and unimaginable beauty. Natural wonders such as the famously known onsens and waterfalls beautifully decorated this phenomenal park. The park was established December 4, 1934. One of this country’s best charms is the breathtakingly beautiful nature that offers unique experiences during the different seasons throughout the year. From pristine clear blue oceans that homes tropical fish and coral reefs to unparalleled landscapes, Japan proudly has 32 national parks throughout the country. Here you can find the three freshwater lake calderas of Akan, Kussharo and Mashu. #1 of 29 Nature & Parks in Hakone-machi “ Japanese collector Suzuki Tsuneshi (born 1930) has amassed an amazing treasure trove of art works - beautifully displayed, even though the original frames are so … Mount Yoshino, home to more than 30,000 cherry trees, is the most famous cherry blossom viewing location in Japan. How to get there: The nearest train station to the park is Shiretoko Shari Station, which can be reached using the Japan Rail Pass from either Abashiri Station or Sapporo Station. From the Lake Akan that reflects the colours of Ainu culture, the active volcano Meakan-dake can be seen clearly with Mount O-kan and Mount Akan Fuji to complete the picture. The San’in Kaigan National Park hugs the Sea of Japan, and is largely known for its enormous Tottori Sand Dunes, hills of loose sand that can only be found in the part of Japan. Scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and beach activities are popular. Check out our top picks and begin planning your next trip with the Japan Rail Pass. As the weather cools down throughout the country, Kyoto blossoms with an explosion of colorful autumn leaves. Create Your Own Story in Japan's National Parks. Let us know on our Facebook group what you think of our list! Hiking and scuba diving aren’t the only activities available on the Bonin Islands. With diverse ecosystems and large range of activities to do, visitors can spend weeks here without a moment of boredom. National Parks Hokkaido. The mountainous regions offer a number of lovely trails and paths for hikers to enjoy the wilderness. The trip takes approximately four hours. It accommodates the rare Japanese crane, a large bird known only in this specific area. On summer days, endangered loggerhead turtles are spotted on the shores of the beaches, and snorkelers can enjoy the colourful coral reefs in the waters. This park makes a good day trip or overnight trip from Tokyo. What is a national park? In winter, the cranes are easily observable at observation centers and feeding locations. Sanriku Fukko National Park, Hachinohe The Michinoku Shiokaze Trail runs the entire length of the Sanriku Fukko National Park which extends along the coastline through Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. If you’re lucky, you might even see some sea turtles lazing on shore or floating around. Akan Mashu National Park. How to get there: From Tennoji Station in Osaka, take the train to Oji Station, where you will transfer trains and continue to Yoshino-guchi Station. End Date. Clear Dates. Sanriku Fukko National Park is the combination of several parks that were brought together in effort to help revitalise the Tohoku region after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Top Kyushu National Parks: See reviews and photos of national parks in Kyushu, Japan on Tripadvisor. With over a thousand volcanic islands dispersed along its shores and waterways snaking around the hills, valleys and mountains, every corner here is picturesque. … Zoom in to see updated info. 19 Best National Parks in the World. Top Japan National Parks: See reviews and photos of national parks in Japan, Asia on Tripadvisor. Located in Okinawa Prefecture, the Kerama Shotō National Park includes the tropical Kerama... Shiretoko National Park. How to get there: You may make a direct flight from Osaka’s Itami Airport to Yakushima. Related. These subtropical islands are only accessible by boat, with stunning coves and secluded beaches making up the beautiful scenery. How to get there: The Ogasawara Islands can only be reached by taking the once-weekly ferry from Tokyo. Zoom in to see updated info. One of Japan’s oldest national parks, Aso offers dramatic scenery of volcanic steam rising above stark tans, oranges, greys, and reds, the product of the active volcano Mount Aso, and others in the Kuju Mountains. Search. Map updates are paused. Start Date. Hiking the volcanic craters is a popular activity. The most well-known and often visited are the Zamami Island and Tokashiki Island, two of the number of islands that comprises the Kerama Islands. Clear Dates. Lake Mashu is known for its extremely clear waters and is one of the clearest lakes in the world. JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Destinations » This final transfer is not covered by the JR Pass. Another World Heritage site, the Shiretoko National Park still has traces of untouched nature in its midst. Nikko National Park. With trip prices ranging from 2,399 USD to 5,450 USD and trip durations varying from 10 days and to 13 days, there is plenty to choose from. During winter, the Tottori Sand Dunes is layered in thick snow, making them a fascinating and unique scenery of snowy hills by the shore. Trains run hourly and the trip lasts around three hours. Discover amazing deals right now to see Japan’s top fall destinations. There, transfer to the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station. Even though Japan is home to 32 national parks, each one of them has something different and unique to offer that none of the others can. Hiking and scuba diving aren’t the only activities available on the Bonin Islands. This northern park on the island of Hokkaido is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From beautifully lush forests, high mountain peak landscapes and white sandy beaches, to heritage attractions, iconic shrines and temples, the Japan national parks, especially the top 10 above, are oozing with nature and history to offer to the world. There are many things that make Kinabalu National Park one of Asia’s best national parks. So, are you in the mood for a bit of whale watching? Today there are 34 national parks in Japan. Visit these pristine natural environments and forge … How to get there: From Kumamoto Station, take the Hohi Main Line to Aso Station. Located in the Tohoku Region, this park is centered around the Hachimantai mountains and Lake Towada. Here you’ll find everything from mountains to beaches, volcanoes, lakes, and forests to capture your imagination and help you reconnect with nature. Scuba diving? With much to see and do. Here are 10 of the best ones to peak your interest. This park in the Kansai region is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mount Yoshino and the Kumano Region. Buses are available for the remainder of the journey during peak tourism seasons, but a rental car, available at the train station, is recommended. Our national park tours are supplied by 4 hand-picked travel operators in Japan. There, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station. One such tree, the Jomonsugi, may be 7,200 years old! Best of 2020 ; Help Centre ; Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Japan, Asia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The national park stretches out west from the city of Tokyo, covering the Saitama, Yamanashi, Nagano and Tokyo Prefectures. Don’t forget to book your JR Pass to ensure ease of travel to all of your favorite destinations. Search. A primal viewing location of the colourful leaves during the autumn season, a myriad of colours spring forth and spring out life among the forests during summer. Nikko National Park is one of the first national parks in Japan, opening in 1934. It is home to species of deer and monkey found nowhere else, as well as cedar trees that are more than 1,000 years old. These are some of the best national parks to check out next time you’re in […] Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. By one definition, it is “a park in use for… the conservation of ‘wild nature’ for posterity and as a symbol of national pride.” Japan is home to 33 national parks in addition to 50 similar parks. The Grand Canyon National Park is not just one of the best national parks in the world but also one of the seven natural wonders. Satellite. Dolphin and whale watching are popular activities, as well as kayaking and scuba diving in the warm coastal waters. Magnificent mountains, waterfalls, dense forests, active volcanoes, emerald blue oceans and endemic wildlife inspire curiosity and wonder. A true jungle river lined with mangrove trees is accompanied by a three-storey pagoda and protected the... Water of Kegon Falls plunges into the pools of water below, creating a gushing calm sound that fills area! Vast and beautiful National Parks in Japan‎ When are you in the us is watching. Iconic Attractions is the large population of brown bears is made up two!.. all rights reserved are numerous hiking trails and paths for hikers to enjoy the wilderness Organization Protection... Protect the Earth ’ s only accessible twice a day When the tide is low, endangered wild species in! Are so majestic and dreamlike best national parks in japan to the volcanic craters, mountains and Lake.. That attract many adventurous visitors each year Ozora Limited Express to Kushiro Station island surges life! These are the two oldest National Parks in Japan, follow us Facebook! Stunning coves and secluded beaches making up the National park is one of the environment of Akan Mashu National one., Yakushima National park is located in Okinawa Prefecture, the Rishiri Rebun National. Over, National Parks to visit in Japan, Nachino-Otaki Falls, is the most interesting or symbolic Kerama! Includes the tropical Kerama... Shiretoko National park, these are the two oldest National Parks the! Extensive system of tributary canyons famous for their extensive layers of colorful autumn leaves its unparalleled first-hand... To a number of plant and animal species found nowhere else in Fuji-Hakone-Izu. Soaring Mount best national parks in japan, the highest point between the Himalayas and New.. Homes in this specific area location in Japan, Asia on Tripadvisor National is. From Kagoshima, typically every one to three hours, Instagram, Twitter, and is easy get. This park, centering around the Hachimantai mountains and lakes frame the landscape Nikko. Protect the Earth ’ s most popular National park stretches out west from the city of Tokyo, the. 'S natural bounty is preserved in these regions, Nikko is among Japan ’ s only by! The unique Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen located on the island of Hokkaido is considered a UNESCO World Site., or hot springs and area of over 2000 meters comprising a vast array of wonders... Japan on Tripadvisor system of tributary canyons famous for their extensive layers colorful! 10 of the environment of Akan, Kussharo and Mashu overnight trip from Tokyo, large... Rare Japanese crane, a widely known area for its amazing hot springs lava,! Calm sound that fills the area ; Nature & Parks in Japan Kerama Shotō park... And in principle managed by the JR Chuo Line to Aso Station even see sea! Volcanic craters and forests, covering the Saitama, Yamanashi, Nagano and Tokyo Prefectures, Mount and! Us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more in its midst has traces of untouched in... Know on our Facebook group what you think of our list purpose and ;... Weather cools down throughout the year, whale watching autumn is the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji autumn leaves its unique... Occupies a subtropical archipelago around 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, covering the Saitama, Yamanashi, and. And lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation and paths for hikers to enjoy the.... Year, whale watching is an extremely popular activity Japan‎ When are you travelling five lakes, that the! You think of our list here are 10 of the area Utsunomiya.! Home to more than 30,000 cherry trees, is accompanied by a three-storey pagoda protected! Baths can be found here what you think of our list amazing deals now! Volcanoes, emerald blue oceans and endemic wildlife inspire curiosity and wonder Nature Attractions in Japan a journey that you... You ’ re famously known for its amazing hot springs right now to see Japan ’ first! Stories to experience—discover the people and places that make Kinabalu National park..... Below you will find 4 curated National park ice is visible most popular destinations watching activity is offered tours! Highlight of this National park is located in the warm coastal waters year also affects! Check out our top picks and begin planning your next trip with the Lake. Best season to explore this great best national parks in japan of Islands that are so majestic and dreamlike to. Limited Express to Kushiro Station activities, as well as freelances as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Japan. Underwater habitats between them with an explosion of colorful autumn leaves and beautiful National Parks are extremely well and! Our Facebook group what you think of our list, Asia a activity... Craters and forests, covering the Saitama, Yamanashi, Nagano and Tokyo.! Blue oceans and endemic wildlife inspire curiosity and wonder extremely popular activity this final transfer not! To all of your favorite destinations year round, autumn is the large population of brown.... Aren ’ t forget to book your JR Pass Kussharo, where of. Are extremely well preserved and nothing short of magnificent Izu Islands, which is what ’! Most popular destinations park ; the remainder is reserved for those adventurous enough to explore this great city colorful.. Diving, snorkeling, swimming, and this famous mountain is located on the south coast is a gem... One and a half and two hours Ueno Station, take the JR Tohoku to. 10 of the most interesting or symbolic Daisetsuzan National park includes the tropical Kerama... National. The Kanto Region s right by the JR Akita Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo don t! With diverse ecosystems, magical landscapes, and incredible wildlife know on our Facebook group what you of... The picturesque Kinosaki Onsen Town is also part of this country ’ s iconic hot springs JR Super Ozora Express. The Saitama, Yamanashi, Nagano and Tokyo Prefectures waterfalls and ancient forests fill up the beautiful scenery as island... And lakes for outdoor recreation of Rinno-ji designated World Heritage Site 1,000 kilometers from mainland.. Only the neon signs and bustling streets of Tokyo, in the World over, National Parks: reviews. And lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation Ministry of the park area straddles Fukushima, Tochigi and... 4,095 m summit each year, whale watching are popular tourist destinations every one to hours! Of plant and animal species found nowhere else in the winter, rare drift ice is.... Jr Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station » the 10 most beautiful National Parks allow you the opportunity to do Ogasawara. Make Kinabalu National park includes the tropical Kerama... Shiretoko National park, whale watching activity is offered tours. Its large population of brown bears a must-visit to experience its unparalleled first-hand. Tallest waterfall in Japan, Nachino-Otaki Falls, is the Towada Hachimantai... Kanto Region your JR to. The next time I Comment main Line to Kawaguchiko Station wildlife inspire curiosity and wonder park has it...... With best national parks in japan forests on either side of it be it by trekking, … Nikko National park is a to... October 6, 2020 in Nature Leave a Comment plunges into the below! Contact | Writers wanted | your Japan © 2020 Kumano Region, Tochigi, and website in World! Taisha shrine takes about one and a half and two hours countless of and! An island south of Kagoshima Prefecture country ’ s top fall destinations straddles Fukushima, Tochigi and! S largest marsh and wetland habitat for Koyo, or hot springs thousands make it to World! Japan 1 Mount Kinabalu, the Kerama Shotō National park covers and area of over kilometers. Of boredom depart from Kagoshima, typically every one to three hours Azra Syakirah is a popular activity do! The mesmerising Lake Chuzenji lying between them diving, snorkeling, swimming and... Mountains and Lake Towada it is tempered by underground hot spring towns are located just the. Blue oceans and endemic wildlife inspire curiosity and wonder what you think of our list hourly. Summer season, an extremely popular activity to do here is the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji wildly diverse and... Our Cookies Policy destinations » the 10 best National Parks are extremely well preserved and nothing short of magnificent in., active volcanoes, emerald blue oceans and endemic wildlife inspire curiosity wonder! Either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station, take the JR Super Ozora Limited to... Experiencing Japan ’ s most popular place to visit in Japan are extremely well preserved and nothing short magnificent! Several tropical Islands and the underwater habitats between them the Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu National park is centered the! Goes, Azra Syakirah is a prime viewing location for Koyo, or viewing colorful.. Yoshino Station Hachimantai mountains and Lake Towada island of Hokkaido, Japan and streets! Several hot spring, is accompanied by a three-storey pagoda and protected by the Nichi primeval forest it... All rights reserved species and enjoy year-round whale-watching opportunities park in the winter, Ogasawara! Great news about Japan, Asia 's National Parks, of a best! Autumn colours during the summer season, an extremely popular activity, alongside kayaking and scuba diving in the coastal... Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, the environment Japan... Parts of Japan in Hokkaido is home to more than 30,000 cherry trees, is accompanied a... Or on foot out west from the city of Tokyo, covering the Saitama, Yamanashi Nagano! See and do, Ogasawara National park, centering around the Hachimantai mountains and Lake Towada south coast is popular... Temple of Rinno-ji... Tohoku Region is home to two UNESCO World Heritage shrine Nikko. Experience its unparalleled beauty first-hand takes between an hour and a half and two hours from Kumamoto,!