List of 10 Most Beautiful National Parks In Japan

1. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Kanagawa

Located in the Hakone region, just minutes from Tokyo, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular getaway among those looking for a breath of fresh air or a relaxing break from the bustling city life. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a sprawling, 1,227 sq. km. (13 207.3 sq. ft.) green space that is surrounded by volcanoes. The park covers the famed Mount Fiji, as well as the Fiji Five Lakes, Hakone, and the Izu Islands, boasting breathtaking views of its surrounding mountains and rivers! In addition to these stunning views, the park is also known for its numerous hot springs - another wonderful result of the area’s unique geological forms.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan

Website: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

2. Nikko National Park, Tochigi (From 60 USD)

Nikko National Park is one of the most visited parks in Japan. Given the region’s history as a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship, Nikko National Park is home to splendidly decorated shrines. The most popular of these shrines is Toshogu, the ornate mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate. The park is also abundant in breathtaking landscapes, rivers, and onsen (or hot springs). You can enjoy these scenic views by going on a hike along one of the park’s trails, or go on a relaxing canoe tour along the Itamuro River!

Canoe Tour Along Itamuro Reservoir in Nikko National Park

Price: From 60 USD

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3. Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido

Covering much of the Shiretoko Peninsula - one of the most remote regions in the country - much of Shiretoko National Park is only accessible by boat. However, despite the difficulty you might experience getting to the park, the natural beauty you’ll find in this hidden gem makes the effort totally worth it! The park is home to the Kamuiwakka Falls, which is famous for being both a hot spring and a waterfall. From the park, you can also enjoy unparalleled views of the disputed Kunashiri Island. You might even spot a brown bear, as the park is home to one of the largest population of brown bears in the country!

Shiretoko National Park

Address: Hokkaido, Japan

Website: Shiretoko National Park

Opening hours: Hours may vary per season

Price: Free

4. Ogasawara National Park, Tokyo

Due to its unique geological features, Ogasawara National Park is abundant in tropical flora and fauna - so much that the region is also known as the “Galapagos of the Orient”! The entire park is actually an archipelago, composed of several islands. Among these islands that you can visit at the park are the Chichi-jima Islands, where you can see everything from humpback whales, dolphins, green turtles, and other tropical fish. There are also the Haha-ijma Islands, where you can go on a scenic hike and bathe in its numerous beaches.

Ogasawara National Park

Address: Chichijima, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

5. Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Okinawa

Located in Okinawa is the southernmost national park in Japan - Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park encompasses five islands: Iriomote, Kohama, Kuro, Taketomi, and Ishigaki. In the island of Irimote, you can find Mount Omoto, one of the highest points in Okinawa. With over 90 percent of the park covered in subtropical forests, it is home to plenty of rare flora and fauna. Who knows - you might even spot a rare crested serpent eagle or the famous Iriomote wild cat, on your next trip there!

Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park

Address: Komi, Okinawa 907-1432, Japan

Website: Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

6. Yoshino-Kumano National Park, Nara

If you’re visiting Japan in the spring, you should definitely make a visit to Yoshino-Kumano National Park! Yoshino-Kumano National Park is a sprawling and serene park that encompasses the prefectures of Mie, Nara, and Wakayama. The park is home to Mount Yoshino, which is considered to be one of the best places for hanami. Hanami, or cherry blossom-watching at the beginning of spring, is one of the most anticipated events in Japan! Finally, the park is also home to the Kumano Sanzan, a group of sacred ancient shrines, which is a definite must-see for history buffs.

Yoshino-Kumano National Park

Address: Hongucho Kubono Shimokitayama, Nara, 639-3808, Japan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Sanin Kaigan National Park, Toyooka

Sanin Kaigan National Park encompasses the prefectures of Tottori, Hyōgo, and Kyōto. Recognized as a valuable natural and historical heritage site by UNESCO, the park is a member of the organization’s Global Geoparks Network (GGN), which also conducts activities within the park. Situated along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the park is best known for its stunning cliffs, unusual rock formations, and mysterious sea caves. You can also walk along the mountainous Sanin Kaigan geotrails and see firsthand all the best views of the park!

Sanin Kaigan National Park

Address: 7-11 Saiwai-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture 668-0025, Japan

Website: Sanin Kaigan National Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

8. Akan Mashu National Park, Hokkaido

As one of the oldest national parks in Japan, Akan Mashu National Park is an important historical site, as well as a highly valued natural reserve. The park is perhaps best known for its three lakes: Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo. The park is divided into two sections. Towards the west, you can visit Lake Akan and take a dip at the lakeside Akankohan Onsen. Meanwhile, at the eastern portion, you can see Iozan (or Sulfur Mountain) and enjoy Kawayu Onsen. Akan Mashu National Park is also noted for being one of the few places that you might find some Marimo - a rare species of algae that is almost perfectly round in shape!

Akan Mashu National Park

Address: Akancho Akankoonsen, 釧路市 Hokkaido 085-0467, Japan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

9. Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Iwate

Towada-Hachimantai National Park encompasses the Aomori, Iwate, and Akita Prefectures. As the name suggests, the park is divided into two portions, separated by over 50 km (31 mi). The Towada portion of the park is where you can find Lake Towada, Mount Hakkōda, and most of the Oirase River valley. Meanwhile, the Hachimantai portion is home to Mount Hachimantai, Mount Iwate, Tamagawa Onsen, and Akita Komagatake. At both portions of the park, you can find relaxing hot springs as well as mountain streams to cool down in.

Towada Hachimantai National Park

Address: Iwatesan, Takizawa, Iwate 020-0618, Japan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

10. Kerama Shotō National Park, Okinawa

Last, but definitely not the least, on this list is Kerama Shotō National Park. Located in Okinawa prefecture, Kerama Shotō National Park is a sprawling tropical paradise. Established in 2014, it is Japan’s newest national park. The park itself spans 3,520 ha (8,700 ac) and is surrounded by 90,475 ha (223,570 ac) of the bluest seas. Composed of several islands, the Kerama Shotō National Park boasts equally breathtaking landscapes and seascapes. Its famed Kerama Blue waters are noted for being nearly completely transparent - you can see the vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish, even from the surface. If you’re lucky, you may also be able to watch the humpback whales at the park!

Kerama Shotō National Park

Address: Zamami, 座間味村 島尻郡 Okinawa 901-3402, Japan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Marvel at the natural beauty of Japan

Japan’s national parks are a testament to the country’s natural treasures and how they continue to value these. On your next trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, be sure to visit any one of these pristine national parks so that you can marvel at the natural beauty that it has to offer!