National Parks Of Japan

Plants & Animals

Bandai-Asahi National Park

Bandai-Asahi National Park encompasses volcanoes, wetlands and virgin sub-alpine coniferous forests. Red pine and Japanese alder populate the Urabandai area, a primeval Japanese beech forest covers the foothills of the Iide mountain range, and Maries fir trees line the slopes of Mount Nishi-Azuma. Marshes and wetlands around the park are graced with flowers such as daylilies and the fragrant maiden lily.

The park's lush forests and wetlands shelter a variety of mammals as well, such as Asiatic black bears and Japanese serows, as well as golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

Plants

Iiderindo

The iiderindo (Gentiana nipponica Maxim var. robusta) is a member of the gentian family. It grows near the summit of Mount Iide and is endemic to the area. This perennial plant puts forth delicate blue blooms in July.

Iiderindo

Maiden Lily

The maiden lily (Lilium rubellum) is native to the alpine forests of Honshu. It blooms in June, producing pink, trumpet-shaped flowers and a rich, sweet fragrance. Maiden lilies grace the slopes of Mount Azuma, the Iide mountain range and the Asahi mountain range.

Maiden Lily

Animals

Japanese Serow

Japanese serows (Capricornis crispus) may look like deer, but they are more closely related to cows. Their coloration varies from grizzled black to off-white. These solitary creatures are endemic to Japan, and are designated a Special Natural Monument.

Japanese Serow

Asiatic Black Bear

Asiatic black bears (Ursus Thibetanus japonicus) inhabit the forests of this park. They are the island of Honshu's biggest mammal. Notable features include long, bell-shaped ears and a distinctive white chest patch. This bear is sometimes called tsukinowaguma, or "moon-ring bear." It is typically herbivorous, eating mainly grasses and herbs, but also climbs trees for berries and nuts.

Asiatic Black Bear

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