National parks have a reputation for being secluded and hard to reach—a necessary measure to preserve their precious natural heritage. But in Japan, many are surprisingly accessible from major cities and transportation hubs. Getting there may sometimes take a little time, but it’s more than worth the effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick woodland excursion, a bit of an adventure, or to commune with nature, there is a Japanese national park that fits the bill.
The following three parks strike a rare balance between accessibility, rich biodiversity, and a wide range of activities—places where you can feel at one with the natural world.
Nikko National Park (Tochigi, Gunma, and Fukushima prefectures)
Established in 1934, Nikko National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Japan, known for its breathtaking natural beauty—think grand waterfalls, deep river gorges, and scenic landscapes. The area is also rich in Japanese cultural treasures, most notably two shrines and one temple in Nikko that are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Fun outdoor activities are a major part of what makes this national park so appealing. Hiking, birdwatching, and fishing are just a few of the other ways to enjoy the natural beauty of this scenic corner of Tochigi. Even Western history buffs will find something of interest here—the former British and Italian embassy villas by the tranquil shores of Lake Chuzenji offer a unique glimpse into Japan’s long history of cultural exchange with the United Kingdom and Italy.
Access: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train and the JR Nikko Line from Tokyo to Nikko Station. Oku-Nikko is accessible by bus.
Tips: Visit ones of Nikko National Park’s Nikko Yumoto Visitor Center for the most up-to-date information on the weather conditions and safety advisories.
Aso-Kuju National Park (Kumamoto Prefecture and Oita Prefecture)
Located in central Kyushu, Aso-Kuju National Park is a premier adventure travel destination. It’s home to the iconic Mt. Aso, an active volcano in the middle of one of the world’s largest calderas, which can be explored on foot, by e-bike, or even by rappelling. For a closer encounter with the awe-inspiring power of Mother Nature, visitors can hike near the Nakadake Crater, the most active of the five Mt. Aso peaks. Measuring 600 meters across and 130 meters deep, this smoldering natural wonder is even more breathtaking when viewed from above on a sightseeing helicopter ride.
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The grasslands and volcanic plains of Aso are also ideal for horseback riding—an exhilarating way to feel the wind in your hair while taking in the expansive scenery. Other popular experiences include kayaking in flooded rice fields, available during Golden Week (late April to early May). Aso-Kuju National Park is also easy to incorporate as part of a route that starts at the famous hot spring resorts of Beppu and Yufuin. With its majestic landscapes, a wide range of outdoor activities, and access to soothing onsen, the park has something for everyone—from solo adventurers to families with children.
Access: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by plane from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Kumamoto Airport. It’s a 50-minute bus ride from there to Aso Station.
Tips: Please check volcanic activity reports before trekking around Mt. Aso or to the Nakadake Crater.
Located in eastern Hokkaido, Akan-Mashu National Park is known not only for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and primeval forests, but also for being one of the traditional homelands for the indigenous Ainu people. Visitors can explore the Akanko Ainu Kotan, one of the largest Ainu communities in Hokkaido, made up of 30 households. Situated near the shores of Lake Akan (“Akanko” in Japanese, hence its name), the village warmly welcomes all and offers immersive experiences with Ainu culture through food, handicrafts, performances, and more.
The second jewel in the crown of Akan-Mashu National Park is Lake Mashu, revered by the Ainu as the “lake of the gods.” Known for its unparalleled clarity that allows you to see right to the bottom, this body of water is often shrouded by mysterious fog and features a volcano at its center. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking or birdwatching, with snowshoeing drawing visitors to the frozen lakes and quiet forests throughout the rest of the park in winter.
Access: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes by plane from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Kushiro Airport. It’s a 60-minute drive from there to Akanko Onsen.
Tips: For your own safety, make sure to stay on the designated walking trails and under no circumstances approach the local wildlife.
Related Links:
Nikko National Park
Aso-Kuju National Park
Mt. Aso Activity Updates
Akan-Mashu National Park
Akanko Ainu Kotan
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About the author
Author: Cezary Jan Strusiewicz
Cezary Jan Strusiewicz is a writer and translator living in Yokohama. His areas of expertise include feudal Japanese history, Japanese pop culture, and regional Japanese tourism. You can find his work in various domestic and international publications.
