4 National Parks you should add to your Japan bucket list
We often think of Tokyo’s bustling city and lights when we think of Japan. So it often comes as a surprise to international visitors that Japan actually has 34 national parks. The majority of them quite beautiful! With scenic views from coral reefs to snow-clad mountains, families that like to get outdoors won’t be left wanting here. Ready to check them out?
Here are four of the most scenic national parks in Japan that you should totally add to your bucket list.
Shiretoko National Park
At the eastern tip of Hokkaido, Shiretoko National Park was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in 2005. As part of the Shiretoko Peninsula that juts into the Sea of Okhotsk, Shiretoko, or ‘sire etok’ from the indigenous Ainu language, can be translated as “the edge of the earth”. The name alone gives you an idea of what scenery you may expect.
Its wild expanses are home to 36 land and 22 marine mammal species, as well as 285 bird species. Explore Shiretoko’s wild coastline by boat, keeping your eyes peeled for bears and other wildlife along the way. Families into hiking will be spoilt here with trails that take in some of Hokkaido’s most stunning lakes, including Mashu and Lake Kussharo.
This particular peninsula and marine area, is the world’s southernmost place where drift ice forms, and this has had a major impact on its biodiversity. Earless seals, sea eagles and a variety of sea birds all feed on foods, including plankton, carried by the drift ice.
Don’t miss walking on drift ice off the west coast, watching Ferupe-no-Taki Falls, hiking and snowshoeing through the mountains before relaxing in a hot spring, and spotting brown bears and pods of orcas along the east coast.
Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park
Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park is the fourth largest national park in Japan and stretches across Nagano, Niigata and Gunma Prefectures. Although today’s landscape is more tranquil, this region was originally formed by intense volcanic activity and lava flows.
A major attraction of this national park in Japan is the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to many Japanese macaques. Although you might know them as Japan’s “wild snow monkeys”. This troop of cute Japanese macaques have been soaking in the hot springs of Jigokudani since 1964 and visitors can view this phenomenon in the winter months up close.
Hike the many walking routes in the warmer season or, for those adventure seekers with older kids, rock climbing as well. In the winter season, the Shiga Kogen Highlands is also known for its snow sports and powdery snow.
Setonaikai National Park
Taking out the coveted title of Japan’s largest national park, Setonaikai spans 9,000 square kilometres across no less than 11 prefectures. These include Osaka, Hyogo, Wakayama, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, Fukuoka and Oita.
Setonaikai has options for both soft adventure seekers and those seeking a real thrill. Kodomari Bay is a top place to SUP due to its calm waves. And those who like to cycle might like to hire a bike and explore the small islets of the Seto Inland Sea. Follow the Shimanami Kaido Highway over a web of scenic bridges to explore these small islets. There are plenty of restaurants, villages and accommodations along the way.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Perhaps one of the best-known national parks in Japan is Fuji-Hakone-Izu. Why? Because the iconic Mt Fuji resides within. Mt Fuji’s profile has been admired since ancient times and was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013.
The park itself boasts various other volcanic landforms and hot springs as well. Comprising of four regions, Mt Fuji, Hakone, Izu Peninsula and Izu Islands, head here to get the iconic shot of Mt Fuji.
