Trip to National Parks in Japan

Travelling in nature gives you a moving experience and a sense of tranquility. Japan islands surrounded by ocean stretches nearly 3,000 kilometers from north to south, allowing you to experience a variety of natural sights. There are 34 national parks in Japan from Shiretoko in Hokkaido to Iriomote-Ishigaki in Okinawa. A characteristic feature of national parks in Japan is that each park consists of a diverse range of natural environments such as forests, agricultural landscape and villages where local people live. Thanks to these environments, you will be able to experience not only natural sites, but also traditional cultures, food cultures and local lifestyles that have been preserved over the years in the harmony with surrounding nature. Trip to national parks in Japan will offer you an opportunity to immerse yourself in an abundant nature and learn the history and culture of the area. Here, we would like to introduce some of national parks in Japan.

Shiretoko National Park

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Located on Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, Shiretoko National Park is one of unspoiled true wilderness registered as a World Heritage Site, covering Mt. Rausu, Five Lakes, waterfalls, Sea of Okhotsk and more. Shiretoko means "the far corners of the earth" in Ainu, the language of indigenous people. The area is valuable for its ecosystem in which floating sea ice plays an important role in orchestrating a series of ecological interactions between sea and land. Here is a home to a variety of wildlife including brown bears, Yezo deer, red fox, white-tailed eagles, etc. Abundant seafood sources such as crabs, scallops, salmons, etc. natured here also created the indigenous culture living in harmony with nature from the past to present.


Nikko National Park

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Nikko National Park, one of the oldest National Parks in Japan, is extending over 3 prefectures located just a few hours away from Japan's capital city, Tokyo. Magnificent mountain range in the park including around 2000-meter high mountains and volcanos creates a wide range of natural landscapes such as Chuzenji Lake and Kegon Waterfalls. Especially in autumn, outstanding mountain scenery of red and yellow autumn colors attracts many visitors. The most unique feature of Nikko National Park is the harmony of nature and history. Visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge and many more important architectures designated as UNESCO's World Heritage Site and learn how people have connected with nature. Recently, there are some luxury hotels newly opened in Nikko National Park and the park is now drawn attention as a place to stay.


Suggested accommodation near Nikko National Park

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Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel

Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel is a luxury Japanese-style hotel located in the center of Kinugawa Onsen hot spring town, which is only 30min from Nikko. Following extensive renovation, the hotel reopened in 2012 under the concept "Villa in the Valley" that was loved by John Kanaya, the hotel's founder.


Fuji Hakone Izu National Park

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Photo by Yamanashi Tourism Organization

Fuji Hakone Izu National Park is composed of four areas: Mt. Fuji, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands extending into the Pacific Ocean. The Fuji volcanic belt features Mt. Fuji, Five lakes, Lake Ashi, and numerous hot spring sources throughout the areas. Being an object of religious worship and artworks inspired by the exquisite view, Mt. Fuji is designated as UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage Site. In the most popular hot spring resort, Hakone, there are historical spots such as Hakone Check Point and Hakone Shrine. Izu area offers picturesque coast line formed by lava, including 9-kilometer-long Jougasaki Coast and the seabed of Miyake island. Thanks to the iconic scenery of Mt. Fuji as well as easy access from Tokyo, this park is the most visited National Park in Japan.


Suggested accommodation in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park

Yoshimatsu(Hakone)

Yoshimatsu (Hakone)

Nestled on a small hill near Lake Ashi, Yoshimatsu is an established ryokan in Hakone hot spring area. Guests can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji from shared hot spring baths and some deluxe rooms if the weather is clear. With the heart of "Takumi," artisanal hospitality and tradition, Yoshimatsu will create an authentic yet relaxing moment for you.


Setonaikai National Park

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©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

Setonaikai National Park is Japan's largest national park covering 66,934ha of the land extending over 11 prefectures from Osaka to Kyushu. It is distinctive in majestic seascape dotted with thousands of islands variable size and shape. Historically, the area has prospered as the key junctions of trade and maritime traffic and its mild climate encouraged people inhabiting here. Enjoy the variety of cultural landscapes of old port towns, shrines, temples, and terraced fields stepped over the hill, where people live in harmony with nature. One of the major attractions, Miyajima and Mt. Misen, registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site, have been an object of nature worship since long ago and renowned for its scenic beauty. Naoshima Island is currently a holy ground for contemporary art and architecture coexistent with nature and the local community.


Suggested accommodation near Setonaikai National Park

Sekitei(Hiroshima, Miyajima)

Sekitei (Hiroshima)

Sekitei, known as "Garden Ryokan", is nestled on the small hill overlooking Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea. Sekitei has gained high reputation as a small luxury ryokan among guests visiting Miyajima and Hiroshima.


Yakushima National Park

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@K.P.V.B

Located in the south of Kyushu Island, Yakushima National Park consists of a part of Yakushima Island and Okinoerabu Island. Especially, Yakushima is well-known for its unique nature which is designated as UNESCO's World Heritage Site. The island is covered by an ancient cedar forest including 7200 year-old Jomonsugis. Called as "Galapagos in the East", 1300 seed plants grow in this island, including 40 unique species only found in Yakushima. The main activity here is hiking in the pristine woods of huge cedar trees where you may encounter Yakushima deer and monkey on the trail. During summer, visit a beach where 2000-3000 turtles come for egg laying at night. Yakushima National Park is the place to discover a wide range of rich nature.


Suggested Accommodation in Yakushima

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Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima

Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima is a luxury resort hotel in Yakushima, a subtropical island, off the southern coast of Kyushu. Situated on the hill commanding majestic ocean views, the hotel offers guests an exclusive opportunity to stay at a villa surrounded by the lush greenery of rainforest or an ocean-view suite room.


Contact Us

Please contact us for your fully customized trip to national park or for the information of many other available accommodations in national parks.


Michi Travel Japan
Tel: +81-3-5213-5040


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