There is a reason that Japan’s famous parks are admired by all kinds of travelers. Photographers, gardeners, or simply those with an eye for natural beauty are often left stunned by many if not all of Japan’s kōens (parks).
The first kōen was established in 1873 and since, the list of national parks in Japan has increased to 34 with almost 60 quasi-national parks, as well.
The first parks to be established were Asakusa Park, Asukayama Park, Fukagawa Park, Shiba Park, and Ueno Park.
Which Is the Most Beautiful National Park in Japan?
It seems unfair to choose one park out of all of Japan’s high definition, botanic masterpieces, given that no matter at which time of year you visit, Japan’s parks are bound to impress travelers.
For those travelers during seasons such as spring or autumn, it is recommended that travelers research the parks most likely to have seasonal surprises. For example, in spring, the season of sakura (cherry blossom), Japan has some of the world’s most impressive cherry blossom arrangements. Autumn is just as vibrant with more dramatic, fiery reds, oranges, and golds.
Some of Japan’s most loved parks include:
- Aso-Kuju National Park
- Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
- Kerama Shoto National Park
- Nikko National Park
- Ogasawara National Park
- Shiretoko National Park
- Towada-Hachimantai National Park
- Yoshino-Kumano National Park
When Was Mt Fuji Listed as a World Heritage Site?
Mount Fuji is a symbolic icon of Japan and has been for centuries. It is integrated deeply into Japanese culture and belief, and many choose to visit Mt Fuji in order to be blessed with fortune. Natural features such as mountains, lakes, and trees are places of spirit called kami.
These spiritual places are powerful forces according to Shinto religion and are often considered places of prayer or ritual.
Known to the Japanese as Fujisan or Fujiyama, it is the highest mountain in Japan. It is not uncommon to see souvenirs, trinkets, and small items resembling Mount Fuji. These make fantastic gifts if you are visiting friends or family in Japan or wish to take something home with you.
However, despite being such an iconic figure, Mt Fuji only became a World Heritage Site in 2013. The famous mountain is situated between the two prefectures of Shizuoka and Yamanish.
Overview of National Parks in Japan
The list of national parks in Japan has been separated into prefectures listed in alphabetical order so that travelers visiting specific areas are able to see which parks they are able to visit.
The year and size are included to indicate how long it has been a national park and the size.
National Parks in Chūbu
| National Park | Foundation year | Hectares |
|---|---|---|
| Chūbu-Sangaku National Park | 1934 | 174.323 hectares (430.76 acres) |
| Hakusan National Park | 1962 | 11.345 hectares (28.03 acres) |
| Minami Alps National Park | 1964 | 35.752 hectares (88.35 acres) |
| Myōkō-Togakushi Renzan National Park | 2015 | 39.772 hectares (98.28 acres) |
National Parks in Chūgoku
| National Park | Foundation year | Hectares |
|---|---|---|
| Daisen-Oki National Park | 1936 | 35.353 hectares (87.36 acres) |
List of National Parks in Hokkaidō
| National Park | Foundation year | Hectares |
|---|---|---|
| Akan National Park | 1934 | 90.481 hectares (223.58 acres) |
| Daisetsuzan National Park | 1934 | 226.764 hectares (560.35 acres) |
| Kushiro-shitsugen National Park | 1987 | 28.788 hectares (71.14 acres) |
| Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park | 1974 | 24.166 hectares (59.72 acres) |
| Shikotsu-Tōya National Park | 1949 | 99.473 hectares (245.80 acres) |
| Shiretoko National Park | 1964 | 38.636 hectares (95.47 acres) |
List of National Parks in Kantō
| National Park | Foundation year | Hectares |
|---|---|---|
| Chichibu Tama Kai National Park | 1950 | 126.259 hectares (311.99 acres) |
| Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park | 1936 | 121.695 hectares (300.71 acres) |
| Jōshin’etsu-kōgen National Park | 1949 | 148.194 hectares (366.20 acres) |
| Nikkō National Park | 1934 | 114.908 hectares (283.94 acres) |
| Ogasawara National Park | 1972 | 6,629 hectares (16,380 acres) |
List of National Parks in Kinki
| National Park | Foundation year | Hectares |
|---|---|---|
| Ise-Shima National Park | 1946 | 55.544 hectares (137.25 acres) |
| Sanin Kaigan National Park | 1936 | 8,783 hectares (21,700 acres) |
| Setonaikai National Park | 1934 | 67.242 hectares (166.16 acres) |
| Yoshino-Kumano National Park | 1936 | 61.406 hectares (151.74 acres) |
List of National Parks in Kyūshū
| National Park | Foundation year | Hectares |
|---|---|---|
| Amami Guntō National Park | 2017 | 42.181 hectares (104.23 acres) |
| Aso Kujū National Park | 1934 | 72.678 hectares (179.59 acres) |
| Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park | 1972 | 40.653 hectares (100.46 acres) |
| Kerama Shotō National Park | 2014 | 3,520 hectares (8,700 acres) |
| Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park | 1934 | 36.586 hectares (90.41 acres) |
| Saikai National Park | 1955 | 24.646 hectares (60.90 acres) |
| Unzen-Amakusa National Park | 1934 | 28.279 hectares (69.88 acres) |
| Yakushima National Park | 2012 | 32.553 hectares (80.44 acres) |
| Yanbaru National Park | 2016 | 13.622 hectares (33.66 acres) |
List of National Parks in Shikoku
| National Park | Foundation year | Hectares |
|---|---|---|
| Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park | 1972 | 11.345 hectares (28.03 acres) |
List of National Parks in Tōhoku
| National Park | Foundation year | Hectares |
|---|---|---|
| Bandai-Asahi National Park | 1950 | 186.389 hectares (460.58 acres) |
| Oze National Park | 1972 | 37.200 hectares (91.92 acres) |
| Sanriku Fukkō National Park | 1955 | 28.537 hectares (70.52 acres) |
| Towada-Hachimantai National Park | 1936 | 85.534 hectares (211.36 acres) |
Japan is a country full of surprises. The famous kōens are particularly spectacular, although Japan holds more in store for its visitors, including ancient temples, tradition teahouses, bustling metropolitans, and exquisite cuisine.
Explore Japan with an electronic visa which will be available from 2020. The new visa process will enable travelers to apply online without visiting a consulate or embassy. It is hoped that this will speed up the visa process for those who require a visa in order to travel to Japan.