10 National Parks You Must Visit On Your Japan Trip

OT Staff

Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Shiretoko offers pristine wilderness with rugged coastlines, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including brown bears.

A view of the Shiretoko National Park | claireishere1202/instagram

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Honshu

Encompassing 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during autumn | turkishairlines/instagram

Akan-Mashu National Park, Hokkaido

Renowned 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.

Inside the Akan-Mashu National Park | itsyourjapan/instagram

Yoshino-Kumano National Park, Kansai

Home to sacred sites and pilgrimage routes, this park features the Kumano Kodo trails, Yoshino’s cherry blossoms, and Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall.

A view of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park | Wikimedia Commons

Ogasawara National Park, Tokyo

Known as the “Galapagos of the Orient,” this remote archipelago offers snorkelling, whale-watching, and rare endemic species.

At the Ogasawara National Park | y__macky/instagram

Aso-Kuju National Park, Kyushu

Dominated by Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, this park also features grassy plains and steaming craters.

An aerial look at the Aso-Kuju National Park | Wikimedia Commons

Kerama Shoto National Park, Okinawa

A tropical paradise with turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s perfect for diving and snorkelling. The park protects the Kerama Islands’ marine biodiversity.

At the Kerama Shoto National Park | pimmalai/instagram

Setonaikai National Park, Honshu/Shikoku/Kyushu

Spanning the Seto Inland Sea, this park features over 700 islands, scenic coastlines, and historic sites like the Itsukushima Shrine.

A view of the Setonaikai National Park | Wikimedia Commons

Sanriku Fukko National Park, Tohoku

A symbol of resilience post-2011 tsunami, this park combines rugged cliffs, pine forests, and the Michinoku Coastal Trail.

A view of the Sanriku Fukko National Park | Wikimedia Commons

Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Okinawa

This 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.

At the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Okinawa | japancommunity/instagram

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