Japan: Enjoy Nature in These Breathtaking National Parks

Oct 3, 2019 | ESCAPE, Japan

Culture & Travel 

Akan Mashu National Park © Kohei Sasabuchi

Get to know Japan’s best key secrets – amazing national parks that will make you fall in love with the beauty and magnificence of nature. 

Japan is not just home to cute districts, towering buildings, and jam-packed intersections. A true nature lover’s paradise, this country has tons of national parks which have a wide range of things to offer like ancient forests, scenic crater lakes, and even tropical beaches. If you want to know more, keep on reading.

Shiretoko National Park

If you want to see brown bears in person, Shiretoko National Park is the place to go. This national park is so popular, especially in the summer where people can sightsee the area in boats.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the last places in Japan where you can enjoy the wilderness at its purest form. This is why it is considered a hotspot for hikers. This park features many waterfalls, as well as coasts and hidden hot springs.

However, its most famous attraction is the Shiretoko Five Lakes which were formed when Mount Io erupted. With water from underground springs, this site will take your breath away. Don’t miss to take a photo at the 800-meter elevated boardwalk which takes you from the parking lot to the scenic first lake.

Shiretoko National Park © Zenjiro

Shiretoko National Park © Zenjiro

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Your visit to Japan would not be complete without seeing the grandeur of Mt. Fuji. The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park’s landscape is like no other. Although the main attraction of the park is Mt. Fuji which is a sight you would not want to miss, the park also features more than a thousand volcanic islands which are scattered on its waterways and shores.

Not only that, you can also see beautiful lakes and iconic cherry blossom trees that dot its landscape. Just when you think this place could not get any better, it’s stunning waterfalls located in ancient forests will prove otherwise.

Akan Mashu National Park

One of the oldest and most spellbinding national parks in Japan, Akan Mashu National Park has been protected and preserved for a long time by its government, and when you see how incredible it is in person, you’ll understand why.

This area is a hotspot of tourists who want to reconnect with Mother Nature and immerse themselves in a wide array of ecosystems. This beautiful national park has amazing attractions which include lakes, volcanic craters, and forests.  Make sure to visit the crystal clear lakes of Onneto and Akan and the Kawayu hot springs.

Akan Mashu National Park Shore © Kohei Sasabuchi

Akan Mashu National Park Shore © Kohei Sasabuchi

Kerama Shoto National Park

Perfect for beach lovers, the Kerama Shoto National Park is a dreamy group of islands near Okinawa popular for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. If your goal is to get a beautiful tan, this is the perfect place for you.

If you love going on adventures, you can get a glimpse of its lush underwater life as you snorkel and dive. Here, you can watch sea turtles in their natural habitat. Some tourists are even lucky enough to get a glimpse of the mysterious humpback whales.

The national park also boasts a wide array of flora and fauna in its islands. Make sure stay at least one night in the area so you can marvel at its beauty more. Without a doubt, this is a park you should include on your list.

Japan’s National Parks are the Perfect Spots to Visit

When you think of Japan, the first thing that might come into your mind is the bright neon light of Tokyo or the interesting Lolita cosplayers in Harajuku. This country known for its great technology and impressive innovation is also blessed with natural sights. So what are you waiting for? Book a ticket to Japan and get yourself ready for an adventure of a lifetime.