Japan boasts a wealth of culture, history, and natural splendour. From ancient shrines and temples to bustling urban areas and picturesque rural landscapes, Japan offers something for every traveller. To fully experience the country’s natural beauty, consider taking a tour there. Many Japan tour packages often include a visit to at least one national park in their itinerary.
Whether you are travelling with a private tour or solo, here are the top 5 national parks in Japan to look out for
- Mount Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Mount Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is considered to be one of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in Japan. The park is home to Mount Fuji, which is the highest mountain in Japan and a symbol of the country. The breathtaking view of Mount Fuji from the surrounding area, particularly during the winter when the mountain is covered in snow, explains why it features in many Japan tour packages.
The park is located in the central part of Honshu and is home to many hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, and other natural attractions that are popular with tourists. The park is also home to the famous Owakudani valley, which is known for its volcanic activity and sulfuric hot springs.
Visitors can take a ropeway to the summit of Mount Fuji or take a boat ride on Lake Ashi to see the mountain from a different angle. Overall, the park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Japan.
2. Nikko National Park
Nikko National Park is located in the northern part of Japan, and is known for its beautiful natural scenery and historical sites. The park is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toshogu Shrine, one of the most decorated shrines in Japan and the final resting place of the first shogun of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Toshogu Shrine
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and hot spring opportunities. The park has several hiking trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls, scenic lookouts and mountain peaks. Nikko National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in nature, history and culture.
3. Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park is a premier nature reserve in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, comprising the islands of Iriomote, Ishagaki and several smaller others. The park is known for its lush and varied ecosystem, unique wildlife and beautiful beaches. Its varied ecosystems include subtropical forests, coral reefs, and mangrove swamps. It also shelters a number of endangered plant and animal species, 一many of which are unique to the region一, like the Iriomote wildcat and the Okinawa rail.
The park also offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, snorkelling and bird watching. The park is accessible by ferry from Ishigaki island.
4. Yakushima National Park
Yakushima National Park is another park known for its beautiful and diverse scenery. Located on a small island off the southern coast of Japan, the park is home to the highest peak in Kyushu, Miyanoura-dake, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. A breathtaking and awe-inspiring sight to behold!
Apart from being home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, monkeys and over 1000 species of plants, the ancient cedar forests on the island, some of which are 7,000 years old, are particularly famous and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site
In addition to the ancient cedar forests, Yakushima National Park is also famous for its beautiful beaches, clear waters and rich marine life. So it offers visitors the chance to see beautiful waterfalls, such as the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, which is known for its moss-covered trees.
The park also offers several hiking trails that take you through the diverse landscapes of the island, including the Jomon cedar forest and the alpine zone.
5. Kirishima-Yaku National Park
And the last park on our list is the Kirishima-Yaku National Park, located in the Kagoshima prefecture of Japan, on the island of Kyushu. One of the park’s main attractions is Mount Kirishima, a group of stratovolcanoes that are considered one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. The mountain is also an active volcano, with several hot springs and geysers in the surrounding area.
The park also boasts a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through different parts of the park. The hiking trails give visitors the opportunity to see the park’s natural beauty, including its forests, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park is also home to a number of cultural sites, including traditional Japanese gardens and shrines, which provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.
Concluding Thoughts
Japan is a country that is rich in natural beauty and culture, and there is no better way to experience it than by visiting one of its many national parks. Each of the top 5 breathtaking national parks in Japan we have discussed offers a unique experience and should not be missed.
