Japan National Parks: Discover the Best Nature in Japan

Japan » Hakone

From the Arctic landscapes of the snowy north to the subtropical climate with its coral reefs in the south, Japan is a land filled with rare and breathtaking natural beauty.
Japan is an archipelago comprising 6,852 islands. Most of the islands are small, and the majority of the Japanese population is concentrated on the four main and largest ones: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Each region has its own uniqueness, and all are blessed with spectacular natural scenery.

Across Japan, there are about 34 national parks, each preserving unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders. These open natural areas are home to diverse plants and animals, offering a different kind of adventure and an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan’s natural beauty.

Come with us to discover a variety of recommendations for natural sites in Japan that you simply must experience!

Fuji-Hakone-Izu (Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park)

The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is considered the most visited national park in all of Japan. It is a collection of diverse tourist sites and points of interest spread across the region, including the world-famous Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the picturesque Izu Islands.

📍 Lake Ashi in Hakone with Mount Fuji in the background (Torsakarin | depositphotos)

The park was established in 1936 as Fuji-Hakone National Park and was one of the first four national parks created in Japan. In 1950, its name was changed following the addition of the nearby Izu Islands. Covering an area of about 1,216.95 km², it spans across Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Kanagawa Prefectures and the Tokyo Metropolis.

Thanks to its wide geographical diversity—ranging from natural hot springs, coastlines, mountain ranges, and lakes to over 1,000 volcanic islands—visitors can experience unique ecosystems within short distances. The park features everything from alpine forests and subtropical vegetation to rich marine life around the Izu Islands.

🌿 In the park, you can wander through ancient forests, explore lava caves, relax in hot springs, and even swim with dolphins off the southern shores of the Izu Islands.

Nikkō (Nikko National Park)

The Nikko National Park, one of Japan’s very first national parks, was established on December 4, 1934. Located about two hours from Tokyo, it spans three prefectures—Tochigi, Gunma, and Fukushima—and covers a total area of 1,149.08 km².

Most of the park lies within the volcanic Nasu mountain belt and includes impressive peaks such as Mount Shirane (2,578 m, the highest mountain in northern Kanto), Mount Nantai (2,486 m, revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times), and Mount Chausu (1,917 m, still an active volcano). The park is blessed with lush forests, rivers, valleys, gorges, expansive marshlands, and dramatic waterfalls—the most famous being Kegon Falls, which becomes especially breathtaking in autumn when surrounded by vibrant fall foliage.

📍 Kegon Falls | doraclub | depositphotos

Visitors to Nikko National Park can enjoy a wide range of activities, from canoeing, cycling, and nature tours to birdwatching and more, making it a perfect destination for outdoor lovers.

In addition to its natural wonders, the park is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Nikko temple and shrine complex, including the world-renowned Nikko Toshogu Shrine, one of the most ornate and beautiful shrines in all of Japan. Definitely not to be missed.

Chūbu-Sangaku (Chubu-Sangaku National Park)

Come explore the peaks and valleys of Chubu-Sangaku National Park, a destination that offers year-round adventures with hiking trails suitable for all levels. One of the oldest national parks in Japan, it is located in the heart of the Northern Japanese Alps.

Spanning about 1,743.23 km², the park boasts 10 peaks over 3,000 meters high! In winter, these magnificent summits are covered in pristine snow, transforming the region into a premier ski destination with a variety of leisure activities, providing a full alpine adventure with Japan’s most dramatic snowy landscapes.

Beyond winter tourism, the park is also famous for its hot springs, ancient forests, stunning waterfalls, and scenic hiking routes. During the warmer months, it is the perfect place to reconnect with nature—offering everything from easy walking paths and cycling routes to challenging treks leading up to the mountain summits.

📍 hiro1775 | depositphotos

If you are lucky, you might spot the adorable bird known in Hebrew as the “Northern Ptarmigan”, the official symbol of the Japanese Alps. While variations of this bird are found worldwide, in Japan it is called Raichō (雷鳥), which translates as “Thunderbird”. Found mostly in the high-altitude alpine regions, the male’s winter plumage is striking—white feathers with a vivid red crest—resembling the colors of the Japanese flag.

Hokkaidō (Hokkaido)

Hokkaido, Japan’s second-largest and northernmost island, is home to vast expanses of untouched wilderness, offering travelers an unforgettable experience of raw and unspoiled nature.

📍 Steller’s Sea-Eagle | JasonYU | depositphotos

The island’s climate is defined by harsh, snowy winters with frozen seas, while summers (June–September) are pleasantly mild, making Hokkaido an attractive destination for nature trips filled with dramatic landscapes and unique natural phenomena.

Hokkaido is also home to the Ainu people, the island’s indigenous inhabitants, who continue to preserve their language and unique ancient culture to this day.

A full, formal tea ceremony is a highly respected event that can last for hours and is conducted by those who have undergone many years of training in the refined skills of this ancient practice. For tourists, most ceremonies are shorter versions designed to give a taste of this important cultural and historical tradition.

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

Located in eastern Hokkaido, Kushiro Shitsugen is a vast wetland formed thousands of years ago when the sea receded, leaving behind extensive peat marshes. Today it serves as a rare habitat that attracts diverse wildlife, most famously Japan’s iconic bird—the red-crowned crane. The wetlands stand in dramatic contrast to the mountainous terrain that dominates much of Hokkaido, acting as a sanctuary for countless species.

📍 kazwako | depositphotos

The park is world-renowned for its red-crowned cranes, once thought extinct in Japan until a small flock was rediscovered here in 1924. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, their population has since grown to around 1,700 individuals. These cranes are now so well-protected that they no longer migrate, choosing instead to remain year-round—even through the winter.

The western side of the park consists mostly of marshland, while the eastern area features clusters of lakes, rolling hills, and the scenic Kushiro River, which meanders all the way to the sea.

Shiretoko (Shiretoko National Park)

The Shiretoko National Park, known by the indigenous Ainu people as “The End of the World”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans much of the Shiretoko Peninsula. It is celebrated for its pristine landscapes, ancient forests, shimmering lakes, and rare wildlife.

📍 makieni777 | depositphotos

One of the park’s main attractions is the Shiretoko Five Lakes (Goko) area, which offers two popular walking routes:

A raised wooden boardwalk leading to Lake Ichiko, perfect for a relaxed stroll and fully wheelchair accessible. This boardwalk is open to the public during the hiking season, from late April until late November.
A longer scenic trail that winds through forest paths, allowing visitors to circle the additional lakes for a more immersive experience.

For summer visitors, it’s important to note that during peak bear activity (May–July), access to the extended trails is only possible with a certified Japanese-speaking nature guide, ensuring both safety and conservation.

From mid-April to mid-November, sightseeing cruises depart along the western coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula. These boat tours reveal the dramatic coastline with its towering cliffs and waterfalls, while also providing opportunities to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, whales, and sea lions in their natural habitat.

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