So you’ve been to Japan’s big cities and maybe a city park or two, what’s next?
How about a real park – a national park?
Established in 1957, Japan’s 35 national parks encompass a staggering variety of diverse habitats such as massive mountains ranges, verdant valleys, serene lakes and heavenly islands. Due to historical and practical reasons, many of these parks also include private and residential properties that give visitors a taste of rural Japanese life as well. In a testament to Japan’s nature-worshipping Shinto faith, many of these national parks also feature sacred sites and temples.
To help you on your next nature retreat, here are some of the best national parks that Japan has to offer:
Akan-Mashu National Park
View of Lake Kussharo from Bihoro Pass. Photo: Stock Image
Hokkaido is already renowned for its natural beauty, so it’s not surprising that it has a whole seven national parks, one of them being the absolutely gorgeous Akan National Park at Hokkaido’s eastern side.
Ever since its establishment in 1934, Hokkaido’s oldest national park has wowed visitors with its three gorgeous caldera lakes – Akan, Mashu and Kussharo. Contrasting beautifully with the surrounding coniferous forests, these lakes combine to create some of Hokkaido’s best natural scenery.
Photo: Stock Image
Starting off, you have Lake Akan, a geologically active lake that’s home to marimo, bizarre underwater algae that grow into colonies of large green spheres. A community of indigenous Ainu also live here in Ainu Kotan, Hokkaido’s largest Ainu village, where they offer visitors a slice of Ainu culture with cuisine and handicrafts.
On the other side of the park lies both Lake Mashu and Kussharo, both sanctuaries for pretty plants and migrating birds. Both lakes have a fascinating phenomenon where mist descends upon them, creating a mesmerizing sea of clouds that looks amazing from multiple highland observatories.
How to get to Akan National Park
- Fly from Haneda Airport to Kushiro Airport (95 minutes)
- Take the Akan Bus to Lake Akanko Onsen (~70 minutes)
Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Lake Towada in autumn Photo: Stock Photo
Hop over the Tsugaru Strait into the northeastern Tohoku region, and you have the twin paradises of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
Split into the northern Lake Towada-Mount Hakkoda and southern Hachimantai mountains, this park features a collection of streams, lakes and virgin forests that are famed for their autumn and winter sights.
In the northern Towada-Hakkoda area, you can scale the heights of Mount Hakkoda by foot or cable car to see the famous “snow monsters” born from frozen trees or ski down its slopes. Or, if you’d rather not freeze, you can visit the Oirase Gorge during the summer or autumn, where a bubbling stream of white water snakes its way through forests of glittering gold or sparkling green.
Down to the south, you have the Hachimantai area, which can be described as high and hot thanks to its many mountainous hot springs. Trekking the mountain trails will reward you with picturesque vistas overlooking the area’s many volcanic peaks and valleys. Numerous unique hot springs also dot the region, including the Tamagawa Onsen, which features Japan’s most acidic hot springs, and the 300-year-old Nyuto Onsen.
How to get to Towada-Hachimantai National Park
- From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka Station (approximately 135 minutes).
- From Morioka Station, continue on the Tohoku Shinkansen to Hachinohe Station (approximately 40 minutes).
- From Hachinohe Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station (approximately 30 minutes).
- From Shin-Aomori Station, take the JR Bus “Mizuumi” to Towadako Kyoya bus stop (approximately 170 minutes).
Nikko National Park
Nikko is almost synonymous with day trips from Tokyo, but really, an entire trip could be planned here just to appreciate its countless natural and manmade wonders.
Hikers will find in Nikko a treasure trove of trails that take you through the idyllic Numappara Marshlands up to the Nasu Highlands three peaks. For an easier time though, you can satisfy your adventurous spirit with a stroll through Mount Nasu’s foothills and their famous blood-red rhododendron flowers. Keep an eye out though, many wildlife including serow, deer, macaques and even bears frequent the thick forests here.
Besides nature, Japanese culture enthusiasts will also appreciate Nikko for its many Shinto or Buddhist temples and shrines, including the world-famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the crimson Rinnoji Temple and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge – all immersed within nature.
Nikko also has not one, but three falls for you to gaze at in awe – the Kegon, Yudaki Fallsn and Kirifuri Falls. Kegon is a particularly stunning must-see due to its towering, dramatic drop into a vast gorge.
As for which season to choose, autumn is arguably the best time to visit Nikko in order to see its warm colours enveloping its mountains and shrines, it’s even said to have the best autumn views in Japan-period!
How to get to Nikko National Park
By bullet train
From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Utsunomiya Station (~50 minutes).
Then, transfer to the JR Nikko Line and continue to Nikko Station (~50 minutes).
By express train
From Asakusa Station, take the Tobu Railway limited express train to Shimo-Imaichi Station (~100 minutes).
Then, transfer to the Tobu Nikko Line and continue to Nikko Station (~10 minutes).
Ise-Shima National Park
The Anorisaki Lighthouse. Photo: japan.travel
Warmer weather, countless islands, coastal treks and Japan’s most sacred shrines – Ise-Shima is truly blessed by the heavens when it comes to the sheer number attractions.
For a crash course on some of southwestern Japan unique charms, set out on the Mie stretch of the Kinki Nature Trail, a scenic route that takes you through beaches with stellar views of the Pacific and various charming fishing villages.
Ise-Shima is also home to some of the oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines, particularly the Ise Jingu Shrine, which was built to worship the sun god Amaterasu. This collection of ancient shrines was built in native pre-Buddhist architecture that, when paired with its forested surroundings, give it a mysterious air of divinity. There’s even a tradition of rebuilding the inner shrines and its bridge every 20 years, making them some of the oldest examples of ancient Japanese architecture.
But, for a truly stunning example of nature and faith joined in harmony, hit the coast and gaze upon the Meotoiwa Rocks, a pair of twin rocks of differing heights-one with a torii on top-jutting out dramatically from the Pacific and linked with a sacred rope. Worshipped as a symbol of marriage, the Shinto faithful constructed a tiny torii on the taller rock while draping a divine rope between them. The contrast between these objects of faith, the majestic rocks and the vast ocean makes it one of Ise-Shima’s most memorable views.
How to get to Ise-Shima
- From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (~100 minutes).
- From Nagoya Station, take the Kintetsu Nagoya Line express train to Matsusaka Station (~85 minutes).
- From Matsusaka Station, take the Kintetsu Yamada-Toba-Shima Line to Toba Station (~50 minutes).
- From Toba Station, continue on the Kintetsu Yamada-Toba-Shima Line to Kenshima Station (~30 minutes).
Daisen-Oki National Park
Photo: Reggaeman
A land right out of myth and legend, Daisen-Oki National Park is a rugged Eden of volcanic mountains and islands ringed by cliffs.
Chief among mountains here is Mount Daisen, a monumental volcanic peak that looks surprisingly like Mount Fuji from afar. Considered sacred, monks were once required to accompany any climbers up to its peak. Nowadays, any climber can make a pilgrimage by themselves through ancient beech and yew forests to reach Misen Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with commanding views of the Sea of Japan.
Izumo Grand Shrine. Photo: Saigen Jiro
The sacred slopes of Daisen also inspired the building of Shinto-Buddhist temples of Daisenji and Ogamiyama, both spiritual retreats surrounded by nature. However, arguably the region’s most famous place of worship is the Izumo Grand Shrine, dedicated to the creator god and blesser of marriages Okuninushi. Make sure to say a prayer or two for some luck in your love life!
Back down to earth, Daisen-Oki’s lustre is also clear to see in the rugged Oki Islands, a UNESCO-recognized geopark that boasts islands full of hilly grasslands and sheer cliffs. Your first stop here should be the Kuniga Coast, which has coastal grassy plains that plummet into the 90-degree slopes of Matengai Cliff and the outstretched Tsutenkyo Arch.
Photo: Shimane Tourism
But, for a truly serendipitous sight, head to the northern coast of Dogo Island during sunset. Here at Candle Island, the sun descends on upon a lonely spire of rock, “illuminating” it like a candle!
How to get to Daisen-Oki National Park
- Fly from Haneda Airport to Yonago Kitaro Airport (~90 minutes).
- From Yonago Kitaro Airport, take a Hinomaru Jidosha bus to Yonago Station (~30 minutes).
- From Yonago Station, take a Nihon Kotsu bus to Daisenji Temple (~50 minutes).
Aso-Kuju National Park
The Aso-Kujyu National Park is centered on a vast caldera of blackened plateaus and green hills, all formed through past volcanic activity.
Characterized by huge black hills of volcanic stone, the Mount Aso caldera features many rugged and stark peaks, with its most picturesque at Mount Nakadake thanks to its pool of steaming turquoise blue water. For a total 180 contrast though, look northwest towards the humbler Komezuka peak, a green peak amidst vast grassland which attracts shutterbugs due to its unusually perfect mound shape.
Continuing with the green theme, the Kuju Mountains are full of charming, hikable grassland. Besides sustaining the local wildlife, these plains also help feed cattle and horses, which means beef and horseback riding for visitors. Meanwhile, its lower altitudes are populated by mashes and wetlands that can be comfortably traversed with raised boardwalks. Here, rare and dainty flowers like the shimuraninjin can be spotted alongside soaring eagles and falcons.
Being yet another geologically active region, who could forget about the hot (and cold) springs! From pristine cold springs like the Yamabuki Springhead to renowned hot spring hotspots like Beppu and Yufuin, there’s plenty of opportunities to soak away your worries at Aso-Kuju!
How to get to Aso-Kujyu National Park
- Fly from Haneda Airport to Oita Airport (~105 minutes).
- From Oita Airport, take the Airport Connecting Bus to Yufuin Station Bus Center (~55 minutes).
- From Yufuin Station, take the Sanko Bus Express Bus to Kujyu Trailhead (Chojabaru) (~52 minutes).
Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
Mount Kirishima. Photo: Miyazaki Tourism
We’ve seen plenty of dormant volcanos on this list, so how about an active one?
Representing both land and sea, the twin park areas of Kirishima and Kinkowan feature their own geological quirks that attract thousands of visitors each year.
Starting inland, the Kirishima area is basically volcano central, featuring crater lakes, fumaroles, hot springs, and plateaus all shaped by Mother Nature’s explosive power. Its many peaks include Mount Takachiho-no-Mine, where the sun-god Amaterasu was said to have descended onto earth. There’s even a sizable bronze spear stuck at the peak, rumored to be the Ame-no-Sakahoko spear that created the world. Regardless of these legends though, when you look at its splendid ridges and commanding views, it’s easy to see why the ancients worshipped it.
Onamiike Crater Lake. Photo: tsuda
If you’d like more commanding views though, try challenging the slopes of Karakuni-dake. The Kirishima area’s tallest peak, it is said to offer views to as far as Korea. Don’t forget to take a detour to the nearby Onamiike Crater Lake, an unusually egg-shaped lake that is also Japan’s highest crater lake.
Mount Sakurajima. Photo: Stock Photo
Moving down south, you have the Kinkowan or Kinko Bay area, which has the city of Kagoshima and the towering Mount Sakurajima, Japan’s most active volcano. As it regularly spews ash and erupts at times, visitors aren’t allowed access to the craters. Despite that, there are numerous observation points that afford onlookers strategic views of this volatile mountain such as the Yunohira, Kurokami and Arimura observation points.
How to get to Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
- Fly from Haneda Airport to Kagoshima Airport (~120 minutes).
- From Kagoshima Airport, take the airport shuttle bus to Kagoshima Chuo Station (~40 minutes).
- From Kagoshima Chuo Station, take the Iwasaki Bus to Kagoshima Shinko Port (~20 minutes).
- From Kagoshima Shinko Port, take the Sakurajima Ferry to Sakurajima Ferry Terminal (~15 minutes).
Keramashoto National Park
Photo: Roméo A.
Just west of Naha City in sunny, tropical Okinawa lies the Kerama Islands National Park. Surrounded by the Churaumi Sea, the park is centered around the 30 Kerama Islands alongside countless reefs that make up to two-thirds of Japan’s coral reefs.
The main islands of Tokashikijima, Zamamijima and Akajima islands are also home to uniquely blue waters. Dubbed Kerama Blue, this shade of deep blue was formed due to the lack of algae and purity of the waters.
Impossibly blue waters in Okinawan reefs. Photo: Cindy Chan
And what better way to experience the pristine waters than with some diving and snorkelling? Diverse populations of rare sea turtles and tropical fish await curious divers within the nooks and crannies of the area’s blue-tinted reefs, making Keramashoto a premiere diving destination. Make sure not to disturb the turtles or step on the reefs to keep the area pristine!
And there’s more – Keramashoto is one of the few spots in Japan where you can go whale-watching! Board a boat and get up close to a powerful, 300-ton humpback whale as it breaches the waters before slamming back down in a thunderous roar.
Aharen Beach. Photo: Tomaž Vajngerl
Don’t forget Keramashoto’s islands too! Fine beaches like Aharen Beach feature blinding white sands gently sloping down into turquoise blue waters while hiking trails reward you with views over rustic fishing towns.
How to get to Keramashoto National Park
- Fly from Haneda Airport to Naha Airport (~3 hours).
- From Naha Airport, take a cab to Naha Tomari Port (~20 minutes).
- From Naha Tomari Port, take either a high-speed boat (~35 minutes) or a ferry (~1 hour and 10 minutes) to Tokashiki Island.
Photo: h-kazuno.co.jp
Ready to jump into Mother Nature’s embrace in Japan? Make sure to prepare the essentials, keep up to date on weather conditions and, above all, snap tons of photos!
If nature’s not really your thing, then why not take a dip at the onsen hotspots of Beppu and Yufuin or visit seven different hells! You could even visit some of anime’s most iconic locations in Japan!
Sources
https://rtrp.jp/articles/59894/?page=2
https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/parks
Written with research by Rin Matsumoto
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