Japan's 28 National Parks
Protecting Ecosystems of Forests, Wetlands, Coral Reefs, & Wildlife
Covering 5% of Japan's land mass, Japan' s national parks contain the most scenic areas with hiking trails, seashores, hot springs, water-loving monkeys, and even bears.
The national parks of Japan occupy 5% of the land total of that country and play a crucial role in protecting the ecosystem – the forests, wetlands, seashores, coral reefs and the wildlife which is result of this ecosystem.
The 28 national partk sites that cover an area from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa and Ogasawara Islands in the south, are a mecca for the Japanese themselves and they are a wonderful way for visitors to enjoy and experience the exceptional Japanese environment.
Visitor centres are very accessible in the parks and provide all the assistance needed to help visitors plan activities, from information on bear sightings to best hiking trails and best scenic views.
Japan’s National Parks and Hot Springs
Japan is a volcanic country, which means that hot springs are a feature of the parks. It has long been traditional for the public to bathe in these hot springs in the countryside. In old hot spring towns, nature and culture are preserved and the visitor can enjoy outdoor bathing while admiring the falling snow, or gazing at the ocean. They may even be joined by monkeys who are partial to a hot bath as well.
Japan’s National Parks - Winter
The National Parks play a vital role as the habitat of migratory birds. In late fall, mallard and swans fly from the north to spend the winter in Japan’s parks, returning north in spring. Swallows and grey-faced buzzard eagles migrate from the south in early spring and snipes and plovers visit in spring and fall.
Japan’s National Parks - Spring and Cherry Blossom
The cherry blossom begins to bloom in late March in southern areas, Kyushu and Shikoku, and is a truly wonderful sight. Nightly forecasts of the expected “Cherry Blossom front” are a major talking point in the country as locals plan their trips to see this spectacular display. For the following month and a half, the cherry blossom front moves north up the archipelago, producing a stunning canopy of pink blossoms which turns to a pink carpet as the flowers fall from the trees.
Japan’s National Parks - Summer
Summer is the time for mountain hiking through fields of wildflowers. Alpine flowers spread like a carpet over the high ground where trees are sparse, as the alpines can adapt to harsh environments, low temperatures, strong winds and snow. In quite a small area, a range of magnificent alpines can be seen.
Japan’s National Parks - Autumn
The abundant and diverse deciduous broadleaved trees of the forests mean that Fall in Japan is rather special. Maple, katsura and mountain ash, turn red and yellow and cover the mountain with vivid colour. You will see many Japanese people out walking, cameras at the ready to photograph the changing colours of the forest trees. The most popular places for viewing the Fall are Towada Lake, Oirase Stream and Oku-nikko.
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