Complete list of 34 national parks in Japan

Akan Mashu

Ashizuri-Uwakai

Aso-Kuju

Bandai-Asahi

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chubu-Sangaku

Daisen-Oki

Daisetsuzan

Fuji-Hakone-Izu

Hakusan

Iriomote-Ishigaki

Joshinetsu Kogen

Kerama Shoto

Kirishima-Kinkowan

Kushiro Shitsugen

Minami Alps

Myoko-Togakushi Renzan

Nikko

Ogasawara

Rikuchu Kaigan

Saikai

Sanin Kaigan

Seto Naikai

Shikotsu-Toya

Shiretoko

Towada-Hachimantai

Tsurugisan

Unzen-Amakusa

Wakasa Wan

Yakushima

Yamato Aogaki

Yambaru

Yoshino-Kumano

Japan National Parks

Akan Mashu National Park features three caldera lakes: Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo. The park is known for its marimo, rare spherical algae formations found in Lake Akan. The area also contains active volcanoes and hot springs, with diverse wildlife including the red-crowned crane.

Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park encompasses the southwestern tip of Shikoku island and surrounding waters. The park features dramatic coastal cliffs, subtropical vegetation, and rich marine ecosystems. The area is known for its lighthouse, clear waters ideal for diving, and diverse marine life.

Aso-Kuju National Park features Mount Aso, one of the world's largest caldera volcanoes. The park includes vast grasslands, active volcanic peaks, and hot springs. The landscape is characterized by the iconic smoking crater of Mount Nakadake and the surrounding pastoral grasslands maintained through traditional burning practices.

Bandai-Asahi National Park spans three prefectures and features Mount Bandai, formed by a massive volcanic eruption. The park includes numerous lakes, wetlands, and volcanic landscapes. It offers excellent hiking opportunities and winter sports facilities, with diverse alpine flora and fauna.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is located close to the Tokyo metropolitan area, featuring rugged mountains and deep valleys. The park is known for its ancient shrines, limestone caves, and pristine mountain streams. It serves as a popular hiking destination with numerous well-maintained trails and mountain huts.

Chubu-Sangaku National Park encompasses the Northern Japan Alps, including Mount Hotaka and Mount Yari. The park features dramatic alpine scenery, glacial valleys, and numerous hiking trails. It is renowned for its diverse alpine flora and spectacular mountain views, particularly along the Kamikochi valley.

Daisen-Oki National Park includes Mount Daisen and the Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan. The park features ancient volcanic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and pristine forests. The area is known for its unique geological formations, traditional fishing villages, and diverse marine ecosystems.

Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest national park in Japan, featuring a range of volcanic mountains. The park is known for its pristine wilderness, alpine flora, and natural hot springs. It offers extensive hiking trails and is home to numerous rare plant and animal species.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is centered around Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain and most iconic symbol. The park includes the Hakone region known for its hot springs and the Izu Peninsula's coastline. It features diverse volcanic landscapes, lakes, and historical sites, making it one of Japan's most visited national parks.

Hakusan National Park centers around Mount Haku, one of Japan's three sacred mountains. The park features alpine vegetation, beech forests, and numerous waterfalls. It is known for its rich biodiversity, including rare alpine plants and various wildlife species.

Located in Japan's southernmost prefecture, this national park encompasses the Yaeyama Islands including Iriomote and Ishigaki. The park features extensive coral reefs, mangrove forests, and unique wildlife including the Iriomote cat. It is known for its pristine beaches, tropical climate, and rich marine biodiversity.

This park spans across three prefectures and features volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and highland areas. It includes popular ski resorts and hiking trails through mountainous terrain. The park is known for its diverse seasonal attractions including autumn colors and winter sports.

Comprising a group of islands west of Okinawa main island, this park is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. The area is popular for diving and snorkeling, with opportunities to see sea turtles and tropical fish. The islands also offer excellent whale watching opportunities during winter months.

This park combines the volcanic Kirishima mountain range with the coastal scenery of Kinko Bay. It features active volcanoes, crater lakes, and hot springs alongside marine areas. The park is significant in Japanese mythology and offers diverse hiking opportunities.

Japan's largest wetland and marsh habitat, this park is crucial for wildlife conservation. It is home to the red-crowned crane, a symbol of Japan, and numerous other wetland species. The park features boardwalks through marshlands and observation points for wildlife viewing.

This park encompasses the Akaishi Mountains, featuring some of Japan's highest peaks outside of Mount Fuji. It offers challenging hiking trails and spectacular alpine scenery. The park is known for its diverse flora and geological formations.

This mountainous park features volcanic peaks, beech forests, and important cultural sites including ancient shrines. It is popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The park includes several famous mountain peaks and offers views of the Japan Sea.

One of Japan's most historic national parks, featuring the famous Toshogu Shrine complex and natural wonders. The park includes Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and extensive mountain landscapes. It is particularly known for its autumn colors and historic architecture.

A UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of over 30 subtropical and tropical islands. The park is known for its unique ecosystem with many endemic species of plants and animals. The islands are often called the Galapagos of the East due to their isolated evolution.

This coastal park features dramatic rocky shorelines and scenic inlets along the Pacific coast. It includes numerous sea caves, cliffs, and unique rock formations shaped by ocean waves. The park is famous for its rugged coastline and marine ecosystems.

Saikai National Park consists of numerous islands and coastal areas in western Kyushu. The park features dramatic coastal scenery with rugged cliffs and clear waters. It is known for its rich marine life and excellent diving spots.

Sanin Kaigan National Park stretches along the Sea of Japan coast. The park is characterized by unique coastal formations, including sea caves and rock pillars. It features beautiful sandy beaches and pine-covered islands.

Seto Naikai National Park encompasses the Seto Inland Sea and its surrounding coastlines. The park features thousands of islands of various sizes and beautiful coastal scenery. It is known for its harmonious blend of natural and cultural landscapes.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park features two large caldera lakes, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya. The park includes several active volcanoes and hot spring resorts. It offers spectacular volcanic landscapes and outdoor recreational activities year-round.

Shiretoko National Park is located on the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is famous for its diverse wildlife, including brown bears and numerous marine species. It features pristine wilderness, dramatic coastlines, and volcanic mountains.

Towada-Hachimantai National Park is centered around Lake Towada and the Hachimantai mountain range. The park features volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and beautiful autumn colors. It is known for its pristine lake waters and diverse hiking trails.

Tsurugisan National Park is centered around Mount Tsurugi, the second-highest mountain in Shikoku. The park features diverse mountain ecosystems and traditional rural landscapes. It is known for its hiking trails and rare alpine plants.

Unzen-Amakusa National Park combines the volcanic Unzen area with the Amakusa archipelago. The park features active volcanic zones, hot springs, and coastal scenery. It is known for its unique geological formations and marine ecosystems.

Wakasa Wan National Park is centered around Wakasa Bay on the Sea of Japan coast. The park features a deeply indented ria coastline with numerous small bays and islands. It is known for its scenic coastal views and rich marine life.

Yakushima National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient cedar forests. The island features subtropical coastlines and mountainous interior with some of Japan's oldest trees. It is famous for its unique ecosystem and hiking trails through pristine forest.

Yamato Aogaki is known for its distinctive blue-green limestone mountains and rich forest ecosystems. The park features dramatic karst formations and numerous caves formed over millions of years. The area is particularly famous for its autumn colors and spring wildflowers.

Yambaru National Park protects one of Japan's most important subtropical forests on the northern part of Okinawa Island. The park is home to numerous endemic species including the Okinawa rail and Okinawa woodpecker. Its diverse ecosystem includes mangrove forests, mountain streams, and coral reefs along the coast.

Yoshino-Kumano National Park encompasses sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The park includes the famous Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails and numerous ancient temples and shrines. It is particularly renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.

Zao Quasi-National Park is famous for its volcanic landscape and the unique 'snow monsters' formed when trees become covered in wind-blown snow and ice. The park features the Okama Crater Lake, known for its brilliant emerald green color. It is a popular destination for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.