Explore the 5 Best National Parks Near Tokyo
Japan's charm can be seen from various angles, one of which is its numerous national parks that are not only present in the country but are also well-maintained. Before venturing throughout Japan, let's explore Tokyo first. As Japan's capital, the city's appeal is enhanced by a blend of modern and traditional culture. Therefore, it's no wonder that several fascinating national parks worth exploring can be found around this metropolis.
With an easy and efficient transportation network, you can hike mountains, visit ancient temples, or play by waterfalls in just a few hours. While the number may not be huge, they are enough to provide a memorable experience.
1. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Want to enjoy the beauty of nature without having to travel far from Tokyo? Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is the answer. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Japan, showcasing the iconic Mount Fuji scenery. The park covers a large area, from mountains to coastlines, offering various exciting hiking trails.
If you have enough time, the ideal trip here requires more than one day. But if your time is limited, a day trip is also possible and still enjoyable. From Tokyo, you can take an express train or bus to various parts of the park, with a journey time of about 2–3 hours, depending on the destination.
One destination that is difficult to explore in a day is the Izu Islands, but there are still many other destinations that can be visited, such as the Fuji Five Lakes area with the beautiful backdrop of Mount Fuji, the sulfurous volcanic area of Owakudani in Hakone, or the rugged Jogasaki coastline on the Izu Peninsula.
For those who want to enjoy the best views of Mount Fuji, head to the Fuji Five Lakes area. There are many viewing spots and observatories that offer beautiful and spectacular panoramas. Some places are quieter and more comfortable for enjoying the view, such as the Sankodai Observatory near Lake Saiko, as well as the Nakanokuratoge Observation Deck near Lake Motosu.
Do you like cycling? Here you will find several bicycle rental shops around Kawaguchiko Station. You can cycle around Lake Kawaguchiko with Mount Fuji as the backdrop.
If you prefer a more relaxed journey, Hakone can also be reached by car, taking routes that offer beautiful scenery such as the Ashinoko Skyline and the Hakone Skyline.
2. Chichibu Tama Kai National Park
With some parts of the park located within the Tokyo metropolitan area, Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is the perfect place for a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This vast national park is home to dramatic river valleys, beautiful lakes, and the rugged Oku-Chichibu mountains. Spanning four prefectures, the park offers scenic hiking trails through mountains, gorges, and dense forests. Here you will find excellent hiking routes for all skill levels. Some trails can be completed on a day trip from Tokyo, but there are also many campsites and mountain lodges for those planning longer treks.
The Oku-Chichibu mountains stretch about 40 kilometers from north to south and 70 kilometers from east to west, occupying parts of three prefectures—Saitama, Yamanashi, and Nagano—as well as a part of Tokyo. Meanwhile, Mount Kimpu, Mount Kobushigatake, Mount Kita-Okusenjo, and the Nishizawa and Mitake-Shosenkyo gorges are located in the west of the park.
The Chichibu area is only a 45-minute train ride from Ikebukuro. The easiest areas to reach for a day trip are the popular hiking trails around Mount Mitake in the Okutama area of Tokyo, and the rivers and forests of Chichibu in Saitama. These areas can be explored with a combination of local buses and hiking, passing through ancient temples, mountains, and waterfalls.
The small town of Owa, about 40 minutes by bus from Seibu Chichibu Station, is a great place to start your adventure. In winter, many photographers come to see the Misotsuchi icicles, a series of frozen waterfalls near the Arakawa River, just a few minutes' walk from the Owa bus stop. From Owa, you can take a bus to Mitsumine Shrine, located at the summit of Mount Mitsumine. This shrine is famous for its beautifully carved gates and its guardian wolf statues.
3. Joshin’etsukogen National Park
Joshin'etsukogen National Park is located in the center of the main island of Honshu and boasts dramatic and stunning scenery. The area includes five major peaks and spans three Prefectures: Niigata, Nagano, and Gunma. The park is divided into three main sections: Mount Naeba and the Tanigawa mountain range in the north, the Shiga Plateau and Mount Kusatsu-Shirane in the center, and Mount Nekodake and Mount Asama in the south.
Gunma and Nagano can be reached by express train and direct bus services from Tokyo. A highway bus from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen takes about 4 hours, or you can take an express train and bus in less than three hours. The Hokuriku Shinkansen from Ueno will take you to Karuizawa in just over an hour.
The park also features several major attractions, such as Shiga Kogen, Japan's highest and one of its largest ski resorts, with 18 interconnected ski resorts, and hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Also famous is the Jigokudani Monkey Park, known for its snow monkeys bathing in hot springs.
4. Nikko National Park
Famous for its historic temples, Nikko National Park also offers incredible natural scenery and spectacular hiking trails. The blend of culture and nature in this park makes it one of the popular tourist destinations for visitors to Tokyo, Japan. Located about 2 hours northeast of the city, some parts of the park can be visited in a day, but many also choose to stay overnight for a more relaxed trip.
The main attraction of Nikko National Park is Toshogu Shrine, but there are many other equally interesting places. The park spans three prefectures (Fukushima, Tochigi, and Gunma) with landscapes of mountains, lakes, active volcanoes, and wetlands. There are many activities to do, from stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) on Lake Chuzenji, hiking to hidden waterfalls, cruising the Kinugawa River by boat, cycling in the UNESCO World Heritage area and around charming small towns, to relaxing in the area's famous hot springs.
To reach Nikko National Park, you can take an express train, bus, or rental car. Express trains from Shinjuku and Asakusa Stations can take you to Tobu Nikko Station in about two hours. Alternatively, you can take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station, then continue the journey with the JR Nikko Line until you arrive at JR Nikko Station, with a total travel time of about two hours.
5. Meiji No Mori Takao Quasi-National Park
Meiji No Mori Takao Quasi-National Park is a quasi-national park located around Mount Takao in Tokyo, Japan. The park was established in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Emperor Meiji's accession, and offers popular hiking trails that are easily accessible from the city center.
This is one of the best national parks near Tokyo, a suitable place to explore and satisfy your adventurous spirit. Offering a variety of interesting tourist attractions, from dams to museums, you can enjoy natural scenery, the Yakuoin Temple, and even views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
If you are visiting Tokyo with your family and want to enjoy a day outdoors, don't forget to add this park to your destination list.
