When you think about Japan, you probably think of the massive metropolis of Tokyo, as well as its busy technology-fueled society, which is known for its brilliance and invention. The majestic Mount Fuji, which climbs elegantly to the heavens, is another well-known image and indeed symbol of Japan.
When you think of this gorgeous country with so many amazing things to see and do, cherry blossom trees may come to mind. In any case, when compared to the huge range of attractions on display, Japan’s national parks are frequently overlooked by visitors to its coasts. Natural treasures abound, and the wealth of beautiful vistas will astonish you with the picturesque splendour that surrounds you.
1: Shiretoko National Park
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Shiretoko National Park is located on Hokkaido’s north-eastern tip, and its isolated and secluded location has helped to retain its gorgeous landscapes pristine and wild. The park’s major attraction is the stunning Five Lakes; brilliant in their beauty, the lakes are delightful to roam around, and the mountains and forests that surround them only add to their majesty.
Kamuiwakka Falls is a wonderful site within the park that is well worth the effort of visiting. Clambering over the river’s boulders, the water progressively warms up as you get closer to the source of the hot springs, and soaking in their warm waters makes for a relaxing experience surrounded by beautiful environment.
Head to Shiretoko Pass in Shiretoko National Park for a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding landscape. Also read, Banff National Park.
2: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
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Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is home to a diverse range of natural beauties, and the park’s various landscapes are awe-inspiring to discover. The iconic Mount Fuji, which is so distinctive in look, is the main lure, and while it is not the entire reason for it being Japan’s most popular national park, it surely helps.
There are over a thousand volcanic islands scattered along the park’s shores, and exquisite streams caress their way through the area’s slopes, hills, and valleys. Lakes and hot springs abound, as do the cherry blossom trees that dot the countryside.
Waterfalls abound, as are ancient woods that have grown in the old lava fields that formerly raged down the volcanoes’ slopes. Bring your camera; you’ll need it to capture all of the breathtaking vistas. It’s an incredible place to visit.
3: Akan Mashu National Park
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The ecology of Akan Mashu, one of the country’s oldest national parks, has long been protected and kept for all to enjoy. The park’s gorgeous scenery makes it a joy to explore, and the park’s different ecosystems and vast choice of attractions further add to its allure. Also read, Mesa Verde National Park.
Visitors could spend weeks exploring Akan Mashu’s natural beauties and still not see everything. Immersing yourself in the pure environment will fill you with tranquilly and a constant sense of awe at the spectacular beauty around you, with incredible volcanic craters, spreading woods, and crystal clear lakes.
From the gorgeous lakes of Onneto and Akan to the mountains of Me-Akan and Nishibetsu and the hot springs of Kawayu, Akan Mashu is a sight to behold.
4: Yoshino-Kumano National Park
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The spectacular natural beauties of Yoshino-Kumano include the unusual appearance of the rock formations that rear impressively along the coastline of this national park.
These amazing geological wonders that jut out into the sea, as well as the varied landscapes that mix and blend to produce a magnificent patchwork of incredible panoramas, are fascinating to see. Peaceful rivers wind their way through deep ravines that transform into mountains before your eyes, trees cover the hills and valleys, and shrines and waterfalls may be found in amongst all of this.
Mount Omine, which is enveloped in mist and covered in rich fauna and flora, is a great place to explore, as is Yoshino Mountain, which gives stunning views of the surrounding area from its summit. Following the old cobbled paths that snake their way through the dark trees is a wonderful experience.
5: Kerama Shoto National Park
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Because of their surreal look, this picturesque archipelago of islands off the coast of Okinawa is stunning. The magnificent turquoise waters that surround the islands give way to the creamy white beaches, which are very relaxing to lounge on.
The low-lying interiors of the islands are covered in lush fauna and vegetation, and staying overnight in one of the minshuku on offer is well worth the money. Scuba divers and snorkelers enjoy the beautiful underwater realm that paints such a charming image. Offshore, the varied colours of the coral reefs draw scuba divers and snorkelers who luxuriate in the beautiful underwater realm that paints such a pretty picture. Also read, Shenandoah National Park.
Sea turtles float by, and lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of humpback whales, which travel through the area on occasion. Kerama Shoto National Park is an earthly paradise that is simply waiting for you to visit.
6: Towada-Hachimantai National Park
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This hilly location boasts a number of beautiful trails and roads that are ideal for hiking in the woods. The park changes with the seasons, and the snow-covered Juhyo woodlands are a stunning and rare sight to behold in the winter.
In the summer, a kaleidoscope of hues bloom, bringing life to the area thanks to the diverse fauna and flora that cover the park’s slopes. Hot springs can be discovered within the bounds of Towada-Hachimantai due to the volcanic character of the area, and gorgeous rivers and lakes are also scattered amid the never-ending mountains.
7: Nikko National Park
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Nikko, which is home to the gorgeous Toshogu Shrine, is one of Japan’s most beautiful national parks and is well worth a visit. The park is rich in history, and the aforementioned shrine, as well as the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji, are must-sees. Nikko is known for its breathtaking scenery, and visitors are sure to enjoy all of the spectacular sights on offer. Also read, Mount Rainier National Park.
The waters of Kegon Falls, for example, cascade into the pools below and are easily seen despite the dense vegetation on each side. The vast Lake Chuzenji, which lays so attractively between the mountains and hills that surround it, is just behind the waterfalls. Mount Nantai is the most stunning of all, with a captivating view of the lake and a scenic magnificence.
Mount Nikko-Shirane is another outstanding feature of the park, and its snow-capped peak stands out against the bright blue skies, unique and regal. The natural treasures of Nikko National Park are endless.
8: Aso-Kuju National Park
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The stunning landscapes of this national park, named after Mount Aso and the Kuju Mountains, are dominated by the tall peaks that rise suddenly from the flatlands surrounding them. Mount Aso, an active volcano, has a beautiful caldera that visitors can walk about, and there are several hot springs nearby that are relaxing to soak in.
The bleak volcanic landscape, ravaged by lava flows, is all the more magnificent for it. The Kuju Flower Gardens, located on the plains beneath the Kuju Mountains, are a riot of colour and activity. The gardens are relaxing and pleasant to explore, and the gorgeous mountain backdrop adds to the beauty.
9: Ogasawara National Park
The Bonin Islands, as they are frequently called, are part of the archipelago of islands that make up Ogasawara National Park, and were fiercely disputed during WWII. The long ferry excursions to this secluded park, which is only accessible by boat, are well worth it because of the spectacular splendour on display.
After a long drive, approaching the magnificent coves and hidden beaches that dot its coastline is an incredible and relaxing experience. Ogasawara is commonly referred to be the “Galapagos of the Orient” because of its evolutionary past, and it is intriguing to see. Also read, North Cascades National Park.
The turquoise waters that surround the islands create a stunning backdrop for spectacular nature, which includes many native fauna, plant, and mammal species. Minamijima’s beautiful granite arch is just one of the park’s many attractions.
What are you waiting for, with excellent diving, lovely hiking, and an incredible selection of water sports to enjoy? Ogasawara’s hidden beauty is an unforgettable destination to visit.
10: Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
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The remote islands of this national park are just wonderful to explore. It is famous for the Iriomote wild cat that lives inside its borders. Some of the islands are surrounded by lagoons, and the subtropical fauna and plants that cover their low-lying interiors only contribute to the splendour of this untamed environment.
When hiking up the limestone cliffs that rarely look out over the beaches below, spectacular vistas abound, with a lot of magnificent panoramas to be seen.
Cascades, on the other hand, enliven the deep undergrowth with their pleasant melodies and the gorgeous picture they form among the trees. The scenic nature of the wonderful Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park is enhanced by the presence of birds soaring overhead.