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Stunning national parks and wilderness areas

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Harz National Park
Brocken peak, steam trains and wild forests
7.8
Harz protects Germany's northernmost mountain range, long associated with witch folklore. Brocken, the range's tallest peak, inspired legends of witches' gatherings on its summit. Visitors can ride a historic steam train to the mountain's rocky top. Dense spruce forest covers much of the park's lower elevations.
Highlights:
  • 🪨 Explore mystical rock formations in the Bode Gorge
  • 🚂 Ride the scenic Brocken Railway through mountain forests
  • 🥾 Hike to the Brocken summit, the park’s highest peak
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Fuji, Hakone, Izu and volcanic islands
8.8
Mount Fuji rises as Japan's tallest peak within this sprawling national park. Five lakes near the mountain's base offer classic reflection views on calm days. Visitors can climb the volcano during its short official summer climbing season. The park also protects hot spring towns and a stretch of Pacific coastline.
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
Shiretoko protects a remote peninsula where brown bears roam largely undisturbed. Drift ice from the Sea of Okhotsk reaches this coastline each winter. Visitors can cruise the shoreline to spot bears fishing along the rocky edge. The park earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
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
Daisetsuzan spans Hokkaido's largest national park, centered on a cluster of volcanic peaks. Autumn color here arrives earlier than almost anywhere else in Japan. Visitors can soak in remote hot springs reachable only by hiking trail. Brown bears roam freely through much of the park's dense forest.
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
Kamikochi stays closed to private vehicles, accessible only by shuttle bus or on foot. The Azusa River runs clear beneath the towering Hodaka mountain range. Visitors can walk flat riverside trails suited to casual hikers of any level. Japanese macaques are occasionally spotted along the valley's forested edges.
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
Setonaikai protects Japan's Inland Sea, dotted with hundreds of small islands. Naoshima, one island within the park, has become known for large scale outdoor art. Visitors can island hop by ferry between contemporary art museums and quiet fishing villages. Cherry blossoms and citrus groves line many of the smaller islands each spring.
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
Kerama Shoto protects a cluster of islands known for exceptionally clear surrounding water. Coral reefs here support one of Japan's healthiest marine ecosystems. Visitors can snorkel or dive among sea turtles in the shallow reef waters. Humpback whales pass through nearby channels during the winter breeding season.
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
Chubu Sangaku protects the Japanese Alps, home to peaks rising above 3,000 meters. Kamikochi, a valley within the park, offers flat trails suited to casual hikers. Visitors can hike more demanding routes toward Yarigatake's sharp summit. Japanese macaques are occasionally spotted bathing in the park's hot springs.
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
Aso-Kuju protects Mount Aso, whose caldera ranks among the largest volcanic craters on Earth. Grassland stretches across much of the caldera floor between smoking peaks. Visitors can drive across the caldera or ride a cable car toward the crater rim. Controlled burns each spring help maintain the park's open grassland habitat.
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
Akiyoshidai protects Japan's largest karst plateau, dotted with limestone pinnacles across open grassland. Beneath the surface, Akiyoshido cave stretches for over ten kilometers through the rock. Visitors can walk lit pathways past underground pools and towering stalactites. Controlled burns each spring keep the plateau's grassland from turning to forest.
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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