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Best eco-tourism destinations in Asia

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Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
Since the 1970s the kingdom has measured progress by Gross National Happiness, an idea from its fourth king, while its constitution says at least 60 percent of the land must stay forest. Hikers on the Druk Path trail cross high ridges and alpine lakes with prayer flags and few other travelers.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Admire Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass’ 108 chortens
  • 🎉 Join a colorful Buddhist festival at Punakha Dzong
  • 🏔️ Hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
Shiretoko National Park
Brown bears and drift ice in Hokkaido
8.3
The Shiretoko Five Lakes trail has a raised wooden walkway across ground where brown bears feed, with views of five lakes below the mountains. In February drift ice from the Sea of Okhotsk floats off the coast while people in dry suits walk on the ice.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Hike to Kamuiwakka Hot Falls and soak feet
  • 🛥️ Take a wildlife boat cruise to see bears
  • 🌲 Walk the scenic Shiretoko Five Lakes boardwalk
Kamikochi
Clear river valley beneath the Hotaka Range
8.5
Like a small corner of the Alps, the valley has the clear Azusa River and Taisho Pond, where dead trees stand in the water. Kappa Bridge is a wooden footbridge with views of the Hotaka peaks while private cars are not allowed so hikers arrive by bus and the valley stays quiet.
Highlights:
  • 🍂 Admire autumn foliage along Kamikochi’s forest trails
  • 🗻 Hike to Myojin Pond surrounded by sacred mountains
  • 🌉 Walk the scenic Kappa Bridge overlooking the Azusa River
Yakushima
Ancient cedars, mossy forest and waterfalls
8.8
About 40 miles off the southern tip of Kyushu, the round island has mossy forests of yakusugi, cedar trees more than 1,000 years old, while rain falls often. Hikers follow an old logging railway track to Jomon Sugi, a cedar at least 2,000 years old.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Spot Yakushima macaques and deer along forest trails
  • 🌳 See Jomon Sugi, Japan’s legendary 7,000-year-old cedar tree
  • 🌲 Hike through the ancient cedar forests of Shiratani Unsuikyo
Daisetsuzan National Park
Japan's largest national park, in Hokkaido
8.3
In the center of Hokkaido, the largest national park in Japan has volcanic peaks, alpine meadows and hot spring valleys that the Ainu people called the playground of the gods. Hikers climb Asahidake, 7,516 feet, on trails past steaming vents while brown bears roam the forest below.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Soak in natural hot springs at Asahidake Onsen
  • ⛰️ Hike to Mt. Asahi summit, Hokkaido's highest peak
  • 🚠 Ride Asahidake Ropeway to scenic Sugatami Plateau
Chūbu-Sangaku National Park
Northern Alps peaks, snow walls and onsen
8.5
An English missionary named Walter Weston climbed these peaks in the 1890s and helped make the name Japanese Alps and the sport of mountain hiking popular. Today hikers sleep in huts along high ridge trails while in spring the Tateyama road in Toyama is cut between snow walls up to 60 feet high.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by mountain scenery
  • 🏔️ Climb Mount Hotaka or Mount Yari for panoramic views
  • 🥾 Hike through the dramatic alpine landscapes of Kamikōchi Valley
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