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Stunning national parks and wilderness areas in Asia

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Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Fuji, Hakone, Izu and volcanic islands
8.8
The park stretches from the Fuji Five Lakes to volcanic islands far out at sea. Climb Mount Fuji between July and early September to watch sunrise from 3,776 meters. In Hakone, a ropeway passes over the steaming Owakudani valley. Boats on Lake Ashi glide past a red shrine gate in the water.
Highlights:
  • 🥚 Explore volcanic vents and black eggs at Owakudani
  • ♨️ Relax in Hakone’s renowned hot spring baths
  • 🗻 Climb iconic Mount Fuji for sunrise views
Shiretoko National Park
Brown bears and drift ice in Hokkaido
8.3
An elevated boardwalk at the Five Lakes runs above bear country behind an electric fence. Boats from Utoro cruise along cliffs where brown bears dig on the shore. In February drift ice from the Sea of Okhotsk packs the coast. Guides lead walks on the ice in dry suits.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Hike to Kamuiwakka Hot Falls and soak feet
  • 🛥️ Take a wildlife boat cruise to see bears
  • 🌲 Walk the scenic Shiretoko Five Lakes boardwalk
Daisetsuzan National Park
Japan's largest national park, in Hokkaido
8.3
Sulfur steam hisses from vents on Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido. A ropeway climbs to the tree line for easy walks between alpine ponds. This is the largest national park in Japan. Autumn color reaches these slopes before anywhere else in the country, often by mid September. Brown bears roam the high meadows.
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
Kamikochi
Clear river valley beneath the Hotaka Range
8.5
Kappa Bridge is a wooden footbridge over the clear Azusa River. The Hotaka peaks rise above it to more than 3,000 meters. Private cars cannot enter, so the valley stays quiet. Flat trails follow the river to Myojin Pond and Taisho Pond. The valley is open from mid April to mid November.
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
Setonaikai National Park
Island seascapes, bridges and art islands
8.2
In 1934 this became one of Japan's first three national parks. It covers the calm Seto Inland Sea and hundreds of small islands. The red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine seems to float at high tide. Cyclists cross six islands on the Shimanami Kaido bridges. At Naruto, whirlpools spin under a bridge in spring tides.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Witness the powerful whirlpools of Naruto Strait
  • 🖼️ Explore contemporary art on Naoshima and Teshima islands
  • 🚴‍♂️ Cycle the scenic Shimanami Kaido bridge route
Kerama Shoto National Park
Kerama blue seas, coral and whales
8.4
The sea glows a bright shade that locals call Kerama Blue. More than 30 islands lie about 40 kilometers west of Okinawa. Snorkel with sea turtles off Ama Beach on Zamami Island. From December to April humpback whales come here to breed. Ferries from Naha arrive in under an hour.
Highlights:
  • 🐢 Spot sea turtles while diving around Tokashiki Island
  • 🛶 Take a scenic glass-bottom boat tour over turquoise waters
  • 🤿 Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish
Chūbu-Sangaku National Park
Northern Alps peaks, snow walls and onsen
8.5
Peaks near 3,000 meters line the Northern Alps between Toyama and Nagano. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route crosses them by bus, cable car and ropeway. In spring, snow walls up to about 20 meters tall line the road at Murodo. Rock ptarmigan, a protected alpine bird, wander near Mikurigaike Pond.
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
Aso-Kuju National Park
Giant caldera, active volcano and highlands
8.1
Each March, farmers burn the old grass across the Aso caldera. The fires keep the wide meadows open for grazing cattle and horses. The caldera is about 25 kilometers long and holds whole towns. Nakadake crater steams above a turquoise acid lake when it is safe to visit.
Highlights:
  • 🐎 Ride horseback across the grasslands of Kusasenri Plateau
  • 🥾 Hike the Kuju Mountains for sweeping views of lush valleys
  • 🌋 Peer into Mount Aso’s active volcanic crater and feel the heat
Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park
Japan's largest karst plateau with caves
6.8
Below the grassy plateau is a cave that the future Emperor Hirohito named in 1926. About one kilometer of it is open on a lit walkway. Rows of rim pools called Hyakumaizara look like stacked plates. Up top, thousands of white limestone rocks dot the largest karst plateau in Japan.
Highlights:
  • 🔥 Witness the spectacular grass-burning festival (Yamayaki) every February
  • 🥾 Hike the karst plateau trails with stunning limestone pillars
  • 🕯️ Explore Akiyoshido Cave, Japan’s largest limestone cave
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