10 National Parks You Must Visit On Your Japan Trip

Shiretoko National Park, HokkaidoA UNESCO World Heritage site, Shiretoko offers pristine wilderness with rugged coastlines, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including brown bears.Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, HonshuEncompassing Mount Fuji, Hakone’s hot springs, and the Izu Islands, this park offers iconic landscapes, including views of Fuji from Lake Ashi and opportunities for hiking, boating, and volcanic exploration.Akan-Mashu National Park, HokkaidoRenowned for its crystal-clear lakes like Lake Mashu and Lake Akan, this park is a paradise for eco-tourism. Visitors can explore volcanic calderas, hot springs, and unique marimo algae formations.Yoshino-Kumano National Park, KansaiHome to sacred sites and pilgrimage routes, this park features the Kumano Kodo trails, Yoshino’s cherry blossoms, and Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall. Ogasawara National Park, TokyoKnown as the “Galapagos of the Orient,” this remote archipelago offers snorkelling, whale-watching, and rare endemic species. Aso-Kuju National Park, KyushuDominated by Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, this park also features grassy plains and steaming craters.Kerama Shoto National Park, OkinawaA tropical paradise with turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s perfect for diving and snorkelling. The park protects the Kerama Islands’ marine biodiversity.Setonaikai National Park, Honshu/Shikoku/KyushuSpanning the Seto Inland Sea, this park features over 700 islands, scenic coastlines, and historic sites like the Itsukushima Shrine.Sanriku Fukko National Park, TohokuA symbol of resilience post-2011 tsunami, this park combines rugged cliffs, pine forests, and the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, OkinawaThis subtropical gem is a biodiversity hotspot with mangroves, waterfalls, and coral reefs. Iriomote Island’s dense jungle and Ishigaki’s beaches offer unique wildlife, including the rare Iriomote cat.Top Places To See Northern Lights In 2025Read More