National Parks Things to See & Do
Explore the diversity of Japan’s National Parks. Hike iconic peaks, camp underneath the stars, ski through powder snow, and discover much more through guided experiences.
Plan Your Visit
Planning ahead will save time and help smooth your visit. Get informed and learn about topics like camping and cycling in the parks through our guides and stories, and find out about what to bring to suit the seasons and climate. When visiting a national park, don’t forget to stop by one of the numerous visitor centers for area-specific maps, tips and information.
Discover
Delve into the history, environment and ecology of Japan’s 35 national parks. Find out why they are specially protected areas and how they safeguard some of the country’s most precious geology and wildlife.
Explore Japan's 35 national parks by region
The national parks encompass all regions of Japan, from the subtropical to the subarctic. Wherever you travel in this beautiful country, there is bound to be a national park nearby you can escape to. See below to discover all 35 parks in every region, and the variety of landscapes throughout the Japanese archipelago.
Brown bears inhabit Hokkaido, and Asiatic black bears inhabit parts of Honshu and Shikoku. There have been numerous bear-related incidents in national parks across Japan in 2025.
Please keep the following points in mind to ensure your safety. Be sure to check the latest bear sighting information on the websites of prefectural and municipal governments, national park visitor centers, and other sources.
1. It is crucial to avoid encounters with bears
You can reduce the likelihood of trouble with bears by acting carefully when engaging in outdoor activities in their habitats. To do so, please keep the following in mind.
・Avoid surprise encounters:
Carry items that make noise, such as bear bells or radios, to alert bears to your presence and proximity. It is also important to always be aware of your surroundings and avoid traveling alone.
・Do not attract bears:
Be sure to manage food thoroughly. Always take home any leftovers or other items that could attract bears. Do not feed bears.
2. If you do encounter a bear
・Remain calm and slowly back away to create distance. Do not run. If you encounter a bear at very close range, cover your face and head with both arms and immediately lie face down to minimize the risk of suffering fatal injuries.
・Refrain from inappropriate actions like approaching the bear to take a photo.
Click here for rules to follow in national parks
Parks Rules, Safety & Disaster Information
Experience the earth's power through massive volcanoes and belching fumaroles
Discover age-old forests and crater lakes in the snowy reaches of Hokkaido
An isolated peak and remote islands shroud Japan's northern tip in mystery
Bears, killer whales and rare birds of prey roam wild at the end of the earth
Lose yourself in the vastness of Japan's largest marshland, hemmed in by mountains
Scale towering peaks for spectacular calderas, deep gorges and hardy alpine plants
From the vast Tokachi Plain, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of majestic mountain scenery
Diverse topography and rich seafood bounties with the goal of tsunami recovery
Climb, trek, ski and explore in the presence of profoundly sacred mountains
Hike, ski, canoe or hot spring hop in northeastern Honshu's great outdoors
Mountain retreats, Lake Chuzenji, and Toshogu Shrine within easy reach of Tokyo
Expansive beauty memorialized in song and the birthplace of Japanese conservation
Fuji-Hakone-Izu is Japan's most visited national park. See Mount Fuji, explore rugged capes, virgin forests, lakes, volcanic islands and sea caves in this diverse park.
Mountain retreats, Lake Chuzenji, and Toshogu Shrine within easy reach of Tokyo
Expansive beauty memorialized in song and the birthplace of Japanese conservation
Enjoy climbing, hiking, fishing and camping right on Tokyo's doorstep
Subtropical islands home to flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world
Mountaineering, hiking and skiing for all experience levels in magnificent scenery
Immerse yourself in the steep cliffs and striking valleys of Japan's Northern Alps
Climb, trek, ski and explore in the presence of profoundly sacred mountains
Ancient hot springs and mountain worship alongside modern hiking and skiing
Expansive beauty memorialized in song and the birthplace of Japanese conservation
Enjoy climbing, hiking, fishing and camping right on Tokyo's doorstep
Wild animals thrive in untouched primeval forests and layers of winter snow
Soaring mountains and spiritual history shaped by glaciers and heavy rainfall
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims around sacred mountains and shimmering seas
Immerse yourself in the steep cliffs and striking valleys of Japan's Northern Alps
Fuji-Hakone-Izu is Japan's most visited national park. See Mount Fuji, explore rugged capes, virgin forests, lakes, volcanic islands and sea caves in this diverse park.
Explore the rugged coastline and culture-rich towns of Japan's Shinto heartland
Enjoy climbing, hiking, fishing and camping right on Tokyo's doorstep
Wild animals thrive in untouched primeval forests and layers of winter snow
Soaring mountains and spiritual history shaped by glaciers and heavy rainfall
Mountains connect to the sea with towering cliffs, sea caves and rolling sand dunes
Hop between quaint fishing islands with inhabitants in harmony with land and sea
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims around sacred mountains and shimmering seas
Hop between quaint fishing islands with inhabitants in harmony with land and sea
Mountains connect to the sea with towering cliffs, sea caves and rolling sand dunes
Sweeping coastlines, scenic highlands and solitary islands on the road less traveled
Walk lush grasslands, trek ridgelines or take to the sky to see the vast Aso caldera
Hop between quaint fishing islands with inhabitants in harmony with land and sea
Smoldering volcanoes, crater lakes and ocean view hikes through southern Kyushu
Ever-changing seascape views over an archipelago of more than 400 microislands
Steaming volcanic landscapes with a rich history of foreign contact and Christianity
Hike the peaks and roam the ancient forests of an island largely untouched by time
Endemic species and a unique, thriving culture of coexistence with nature
Expansive evergreen laurel forests holding the history of the islands' creation
Experience colorful reefs bursting with life, sandy beaches and relaxed island life
Snorkel, scuba and trek to discover the archipelago's rare endemic species
