Exploring Japan’s
National Parks

SEE,FEEL,DISCOVER

Explorethe Essenceof JapanS

panning the length of Japan from thenorthern frozen peaks of Hokkaido to
the southern tropical waters of Okinawa,
Japan’s national parks are a gateway to
explore the essence of Japanese culture andenjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and smells in which
generations of Japanese people have taken delight.
A surprisingly well-kept secret beyond Japan’s
own borders, the national parks of Japan are thejewel in the crown of the Japanese countryside.
Together they illustrate the diversity of environmentsin the small island nation, which is bursting withunique nature and vistas. There are 34 national parks,
each one designated by the Japanese government
as representative of Japanese nature. Whether
epitomising flora, fauna or unique sights, each one
guarantees a snapshot of a side of Japan unseen
except to the adventurous.
Join us as we begin our journey to introduce eightof these national parks from across Japan. Eachtypifies the encounters you can expect as you connect
with Japanese nature and the culture, tradition andcuisine that it has inspired since antiquity.



Kirishima-Kinkowan
National Park

Daisen-Oki National Park

• A landscape full of legend and tradition• Peaceful landscapes in harmony with • Voyage from mountains to sea
active volcanoes• Glamping and camping in serene• Spiritual traditions in the heart of naturesurrounds• Follow the coast to mainland Japan’s
southernmost reaches• Countless unspoilt beaches tomake your own• Distinctive tropical island culture• Underwater paradise with whaleand sea turtle watching• A world-class caldera shaped bymillennia• Rustic beauty you can explore
your way• Inclusive routes for all the family

Keramashoto National Park

Aso-Kuju National Park

Chubusangaku
National Park

San'inkaigan
National Park
Shimane Daisen-Oki

SaikaiNational Park

National Park

Hiroshima

Yamaguchi

Saga

Fukui

Okayama

Setonaikai National Park

Fukuoka

Ishikawa

Tottori

Hyogo

⓲

Gifu

Minami Alps
National Park

Shiga

Oita

⓳

KagawaEhime

Unzen-Amakusa
National Park

Kumamoto

Kirishima-Kinkowan
National Park
Kagoshima

Yakushima (Island)
National Park

Miyazaki

Kochi

Aso-Kuju
National Park

Tokushima

Osaka

Ashizuri-Uwakai
National Park

Nara

Aichi

Mie

Shizuoka

Wakayama

Yoshino-Kumano
National Park⓱

HakusanNational Park
Kyoto

NagasakiToyama⓴Ise-Shima
National Park

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu
National Park ❶1:2,500,000
0

50



Nikko National Park

• Celebrated culture born from nature• Varied water activities on tranquil lakes• Dive deep into nature, direct from Tokyo

Shikotsu-Toya
National Park ❻Akan-Mashu
National
Park

100

150

200km

Shiretoko
National Park❷❸

Hokkaido❺

Daisetsuzan
National Park❹

Kushiroshitsugen
National Park

AomoriTowada-Hachimantai
National Park

❼

Ise-Shima National Park

• Discover the spiritual hub of Japan• Vibrant pearl and ama diving culture• Lose yourself in the spectacular
ria coast

Akita
Iwate

Sanriku Fukko(reconstruction) ❽National Park

Yamagata

Miyagi

MyokoTogakushi renzan
National Park

Bandai-Asahi❾ National Park

Niigata⓭Oze National Park⓫

Nagano⓬Gunma

Fukushima❿ Nikko National Park

Joshin’etsukogen
Tochigi
National Park❼❸

Towada-Hachimantai
National Park

Akan-Mashu National Park

• Healing natural onsen, rich in variety• Pristine powder snow and rare
frost-clad trees• Remote alpine nature and rugged
volcanic peaks

Ogasawara
National Park⓯

• Novel experiences in primeval nature• Magnificent panoramas that weave
lakes, forests, and volcanoes• Authentic indigenous Ainu culture

Shiretoko❷ National Park

⓮ Chichibu-Tama-Kai
National Park
Yamanashi

Saitama

IbarakiTokyo
Kanagawa

Chiba

Fuji-Hakone-Izu⓰ National Park
Amamigunto
National Park

Iriomote-Ishigaki
National Park

Yambaru
National Park
Keramashoto
National Park

OkinawaAkan-Mashu National Park

Traverse Ancient Forests, Sacred
Lakes and Snow-Clad Volcanoes

Tokyo
Hokkaido
Pacific Ocean

By airplane andbus: about 3 hours
from Haneda Int'l
AirportEXPLORE JAPAN’S PUREST WATERS

Take to tranquil shores on horseback or glide
through them on a canoe tour. The area offers avariety of pure and transparent waters to enjoy, as
well as a number of ways to enjoy them. Why not
explore the banks of Lake Kussharo on horseback
or canoe across the lake and down its rivers,
taking in the aquatic life, whatever the season.

V

enture far from the beaten path into
the deepest reaches of Hokkaido anddiscover a mysterious landscape fullof local legends, untamed nature andvast volcanic lakes. Still home to settlements
of indigenous Ainu people, the national park
offers a voyage of cultural discovery like noother. Travel between the park’s namesake lakesof Akan and Mashu, exploring primeval forests

where Japanese deer roam, and take time torelax in the onsen hot springs that flow freely
around the caldera lake of Kussharo. In the longsnow season even Lake Akan succumbs to ice andcan be traversed on foot, while the rest of thelandscape is transformed into a quintessentiallyJapanese winter wonderland, punctuated only bycosy wooden buildings and the onsen waters thatbubble up from beneath.

AWE-INSPIRING VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES

Bridging the diverse natural phenomena of thenational park is the area’s active volcanoes, manyof which are revered in local culture. From thedramatic yellow of Mount Iō’s sulphurous ventsand the vast caldera lake of Akan, whose tranquil
blue waters are home to the soft green forms of
the iconic marimo moss balls, to the numerous
onsen towns offering relaxation, the active handof nature is always tangible in the park.

SNOWSHOEING ACROSS FROSTYFRONTIERS

Join the cranes that swoop overhead in
exploring to your heart's content sweeping
planes framed by craggy peaks and deep forests
rich in local customs. Snowshoeing is available
to make sure that no avenue is off reach, andexperienced guides are on hand to tell stories
about the nature that envelops you.

DIVE DEEP INTO AINU CULTURE

Discover the Ainu Kotan village settlementof craftspeople, the largest gathering of theindigenous people of Hokkaido. Experience
authentic Ainu culture in the Ainu community
within Akan-Mashu National Park throughperforming arts, cuisine and crafts. See thelink between the nature of the area and thequintessential culture that it has created.

TOURISM INFORMATION■ Akankohan Eco-museum Center
Tel: 0154-67-4100
http://business4.plala.or.jp/akan-eco/index.html
Visited in Dec and Jan■ Kawayu Eco-museum Center
Tel: 015-483-4100
http://www.kawayu-eco-museum.com/

HOKKAIDO À LA CARTEFeast on contemporary Hokkaido cuisine
cultivated within the national park. From wild deerthat roam the virgin forests to the flourishing
dairy industry, there is more to Hokkaido cuisine
than meets the eye. Visitors can expect agastronomic feast of fish, fruit and cheese: all the
result of the national park’s fertile climate.

Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Aomori

Sanctuary in Healing Onsen
and Rustic Hospitality

Tokyo
Akita
Iwate
MoriokaStn.

By Shinkansen:
about 2h 15minfrom Tokyo Stn.
to Morioka Stn.

EXPLORE SNOWY LANDSCAPES

Year-round guided and independent hiking offers
spectacular views of the national park, including
mountains, lakes and gorges. The high levelof snowfall in the winter allows for snowshoe
hiking in truly spellbinding locations. Watch out
for Japanese squirrels, Japanese martens andJapanese serows as you ascend snowy peaks
dotted with steaming onsen hot spring waters.

A

short bullet train ride from Tokyo but
a world apart, Towada-Hachimantai
National Park presents the intrepid
with a land full of contrast. The area
has Japan’s highest level of snowfall, whichcarpets the mountains and dense forests inpure white and clads trees in thick frost. The
chilly temperature freezes waterfalls, turningthem into vast ephemeral icicles. Yet, even in
the remotest reaches of the snowy landscape,there are onsen hot springs whose rising steam
breaks the icy spell. The culture, too, born out of
resilience to the tough environment, has great
warmth. Take a trip into the frozen northernreaches of Tohoku and discover the spellbinding
beauty of this contrasting landscape.

RECONNECT WITH NATURE

EXPERIENCE LOCAL EQUINE CULTURE

Soak away the stresses of modern life incountless natural onsen hot springs, deep inthe heart of the Tohoku countryside. Theirtherapeutic qualities have been celebrated
by local people for generations. Beyond thewaters, the quaint traditional atmosphereof the resorts allows you to experience thetimeless Japanese art of relaxation.

Horses have been a vital part of life around thepark for centuries. In June, the annual Chagu
Chagu Umakko Horse Festival involving aprocession of some 100 horses is a spectacle
unlike any other. Year-round, visitors can dip into
this spectacle of sound and colour and ride theirown steed around the spectacular scenery of
the national park.

LOCAL HEARTFELT HOSPITALITY

Treat yourself to new gastronomic experienceswith a wealth of local produce harvested in andaround the national park. Enjoy unique dishes aswell as culinary traditions that reflect the cultureof the area. From rustic shizukuishi jukko cuisine(whereby families prepare simmered or marinateddishes in boxes to share with each other) to gamecaught in the untouched forests and prepared instyle, you are sure of a meal to remember.
TOURISM INFORMATION■ Aomori Prefecture Tourist
Information Center
Tel: 017-734-2500
https://www.en-aomori.com/
Visited in Jan■ Iwate Tourism Association
Tel: 019-651-0626
https://iwatetabi.jp/■ Akita Tourism Supprt Center
Tel: 018-838-0225 (English)
http://www.akitafan.com/

TRADITIONS OF THE REMOTE NORTH

From spiritual sites such as the Towada Shrine
nestled in the peninsula surrounded by Lake
Towada to the traditional Korakukan playhousein the town of Kosaka which offers a glimpse ofearly 20th century Meiji-era performing arts
to the Kosaka Mine Office, where Meiji-era
modernisation took place, this is an area withcountless tales to tell.

Nikko National Park

Fukushima

Japan’s Original Resort,
Enjoyed Since Antiquity

Tokyo

Gunma

Tochigi

By Shinkansen
and local train:
about 1h 50minfrom Tokyo Stn.

GAIN A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Venture into the rivers and lakes that carve up
the dense mountains of Nikko. Whether you set
sail on tranquil Chuzenji Lake by classic pleasurecruise or contemporary stand-up paddleboard, ora leisurely kayak cruise along Shiobara Ravine andMomiji Gorge, you are sure to see the splendid
nature of Nikko National Park with fresh eyes.

For centuries a sanctuary of theJapanese Court, the Imperial Family
and Japanese people for its sumptuous
seasonal sights, Nikko is a must-see
destination for both domestic and international
tourists. However, few visitors travel beyond
the shrines and temples at its spiritual core
to experience the nature and history of

the national park, which is, after all, thereason that Nikko has attracted people forgenerations. Your journey will take you throughiconic scenery that has inspired images ofquintessential Japan and been the backdrop for
history. Experience Japan’s first resort and see
the same natural sights that have influenced
Japanese culture since antiquity.

EXPLORE OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Nikko may be known as a tourist spot, butthere are still abundant opportunities to breakaway from the usual route and find a pieceof Nikko that is all your own. Take a trekking
trip to the serene Senjōgahara, named after
a mythical battlefield where the streams run
blood red, now known to be caused by irondeposits from the surrounding mountains.
Alternatively, hike to the summit of Mount
Nasu, whose craggy peaks are a world apartfrom the lush forests at its feet.

TIMELESS APPEAL

Follow in the footsteps of some of the earliest
visitors to Japan through the splendour of the
British and Italian embassy villa memorial parks,
where you can see the holiday villas of some ofJapan’s first diplomatic visitors. Through thesestunning homes that bridge east and west on thebanks of Chuzenji Lake you can share the selfsame
timeless appeal of Nikko’s first international
summer resort at this elevated altitude.

A GIFT TO THE NATION

Step into the wooded tranquillity of Nasu Heiseino-mori Forest. Previously the Japanese Imperial
Family’s private resort, a section of the forest wasgiven as a gift to the Japanese people in 2008,
allowing all to experience its perfectly preserved
and peaceful glades. Explore by yourself or go
deep into the forest with an experienced guide
who can reveal the secrets of the forests.

RELAX IN NATURE’S SPAS

TOURISM INFORMATION■ Tochigi Tabi Net(Nasu Heisei-no-mori Forest andSenjōgahara)
https://travel.tochigiji.or.jp/en/
Visited in Oct■ Nikko Natural Science Museum(British and Italian embassy villamemorial parks)
https://www.nikko-nsm.co.jp/■ Shiobara Onsen Tourist
Association(Shiobara Ravine, Momiji Gorge
and Yuppo-no-Sato)
http://www.siobara.or.jp/en/

Every resort needs a spa, and Nikko National
Park boasts its fair share of hot springs that haveinspired traditional Japanese bathing culture.
But there are also always new traditions being
born, such as those at the Yuppo-no-Sato baths
in Nasushiobara City, where you can experiencea footbath and reflexology fully clothed.

Ise-Shima National Park

Jewels of the Japanese Coast
at Ise-Shima National Park

Mie

Pacific OceanTokyo
By Shinkansen
and express train:
about 3h 30minfrom Tokyo Stn.

EXPLORE ISE-SHIMA NATIONAL PARKBY BICYCLE

From verdant mountains to unspoilt beaches,
cycling or joining a tailor-made bicycle touris the perfect way to traverse the nationalpark, taking in the wide variety of scenery as
you zoom along. With cultural tours, including
refreshments, as well as a range of bikes onoffer, this is an unforgettable way to explore oneof Japan’s most celebrated coasts.

At the heart of Ise-Shima National
Park is Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine).
The enduring seat of Japanesereligion and spirituality, it wasformed in harmony with the exquisite naturethat envelops it. Like the shrine itself, which
is a gateway to 2,000 years of history andrebuilt every 20 years, the nature in Ise-Shima

National Park is timeless and bound to theliving culture of the region. Take this chance
to explore beyond Ise Jingu and you will finda striking coast: at times a haven of rollingsands, at others buzzing with activity as local
fishermen go about their time-honoured
practices, the fruits of their efforts yours toenjoy, fresh from the sea.

EXPERIENCE LOCAL FISHING CULTURE

Discover the story behind Japanese washoku
cuisine as you journey on a fisherman’s vessel,
observe local customs, and see first-hand theunique character of Ise-Shima National Park’sbountiful seas. Land your own catch before
returning to the shore to enjoy the fruits of yourlabour: sashimi, fresh from the sea.

ENJOY THE BOUNTY OF THE SEAS

Take in the exceptional flavour of local seafood
delicacies from a coastal vantage point or, better
still, savour them as you sail the very seas thatbore them, on a traditional Japanese houseboat.
Don’t miss out on seeing the female divers,
who have harvested beautiful natural pearls andseafood from the ocean’s depths for centuries.

JEWELS OF THE COAST

Since Kōkichi Mikimoto shot to global fame as
the first person to create cultivated pearls in
Mie, in 1905, the area has become synonymouswith these beautiful jewels of the sea. Develop
your appreciation of Ise-Shima’s mostcelebrated export and take the chance to makeyour own pearl jewellery.
TOURISM INFORMATION■ Iseshima Tourism & Convention Organization
E-mail: info@iseshima-kanko.jp
https://www.iseshima-kanko.jp/en/■ Toba Tourist Information
Tel: 0599-25-2844
http://toba.or.jp/sites/en/
Visited in Nov■ Ise Tourist Information Office, Iseshi Station
Tel: 0596-65-6091
http://www.ise-kanko.jp/english/index.html■ Shima-City Tourist Association
Tel: 0599-46-0570
https://www.kanko-shima.com/en/index.html

DISCOVER CHARMING SEASIDE LIFE

Take a walking tour of seaside towns such asDaiō in Shima, and enjoy the living culture of
Ise-Shima National Park, where time-honoured
traditional fishing practices create sights,
smells and flavours to cherish in the harbours.
See artisanal smoking over local wood to
produce bonito, which is frequently given as anoffering at Ise Jingu.

Daisen-Oki National Park

Scale Spiritual Heights andExplore Coastal Features

Sea of Japan
ShimaneTottori
OkayamaTokyo
By airplane andbus: about 3 hours
from Haneda Int'l
AirportSURVEY THREE PREFECTURES

E

xplore a terrain at Daisen-Oki National
Park that has been a place of spiritualpilgrimage for Japanese people formore than 1,000 years. Follow in theirselfsame footsteps and scale sacred peaks
punctuated by the scars of volcanic activity.
Explore the peaceful ponds and lush forests that
become white in winter. Even as you take in themountain views you are never far from the coast.
Witness a diverse array of craggy cliffs, deep
caves and sunken caverns, created by millennia
of volcanic activity unimaginable in the present
calm. Beyond the coast await the islands of Oki
and their diverse mix of local culture, each theresult of a park that allows you to enjoy the same
rustic comfort as did generations past.

Hike 1,700 metres to the top of Mount Daisen
and enjoy a Japanese obento lunchbox while
taking in magnificent views of Tottori, Okayama
and Shimane, the three prefectures that thenational park encompasses. The hike can bemade year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy
the scenic panorama stretching from themountains to the sea in each season as well as
during the changing of the seasons.

PILGRIMAGE TO SACRED MOUNTAINSCYCLING FROM MOUNTAINS TO COAST

Go deeper into the world of Japanese spiritual
traditions as you explore Mount Daisen. Once
deemed too sacred for the public to traverse,
the mountain and its original pilgrimage routeto Ogamiyama Shrine can now be explored.
The shrine is a designated important culturalproperty whose beautiful 700-metre flagstone
approach is the longest of its type in Japan.
Elsewhere, spiritual walks offer views of themountain’s most photogenic power spots.

Amongst the Hiruzen Highlands, you can ride
powered bicycles for a tour of the magnificent
plateau surrounding the mountains before
enjoying local cuisine. In the Daisen area, gentle
downhill cycling will take you from the mountains
to the ocean in 150 minutes, and there are many
places where you can stop off and meet local
people. There is a variety of guided cycling
courses packed with charming local character
that incorporate visits to cheesemakers andwineries, artist workshops, and streams fromwhich you can drink pure water.

Visited between Oct and Nov

The treasured Japanese giant salamander,
the biggest amphibian in the world, enjoys arare habitat in Nichinan, Tottori Prefecture.
Participate in conservation activities andexperience tracking down Japanese giant
salamanders before getting a chance to learn
more about them through visual observation. The
tour concludes with a taste of Nichinan’s cuisine.

RELAX BY SECLUDED SEAS

TOURISM INFORMATION■ Daisen Tourism Bureau
Tel: 0859-52-2502
http://www.daisen.gr.jp/kyokai/■ Matsue Tourism Association,
Mihonoseki Branch
Tel: 0852-73-9001
http://www.mihonoseki-kankou.jp/

ENCOUNTER THE GIANT SALAMANDERS■ Hiruzen Tourism Association
http://www.hiruzen.info/■ Downhill Cycling in Daisen(Mori-no-Kuni)
Tel: 0859-53-8036
http://www.sanin.com/site/page/daisen/institution/morinokuni2/
ready/english/■ Giant Salamander Conservation
Experience (BUSHIDO)
http://www.bushidojapan.com/■ San'in Tourism Organization
Tel: 0859-21-1502
https://www.sanin-tourism.com/

Take a walk along Japan’s oldest cobbled shopping
streets in Mihonoseki, catch fishermen going out
to sea at night or watch their unique squid fishing
rituals from Mihonoseki Lighthouse. Get up early
for a morning offering experience at Mihonoseki
Shrine, where visitors can sweep the shrine ashonorary monks and observe a rare ceremony
featuring dances by maidens of the shrine.

Aso-Kuju National Park

Oita

Behold Volcanic Vistas
Sculpted by NatureTokyo
Kumamoto

By airplane:
105minfrom Haneda
Int'l Airport

TREK ON FOOT OR HORSEBACK

Beyond the caldera, the rich green landscapeand endless rolling fields of the surroundingarea invite exploration on foot or horseback.
Follow the area’s many trails, including throughthe stunning marshland of Tadewara, which
is home to a wealth of flora and fauna uniqueto Aso-Kuju National Park, or scale the manypeaks of the Kuju mountain range.

W

ith one of the world’s largest
calderas and a calming character,
Aso-Kuju National Park spans themajestic Aso mountain range,
the lush rim of one of the world’s few calderas
and the sweeping fields that stretch between.
From the epicentre of Mount Nakadake, whose

stunning blue waters in its crater fume gently,
to the dense greenery on the mountainsides,
this park encapsulates the beautiful contrasts
of Japan’s volcanic landscapes. There are vast
mountain ranges, lush moors and a wealth ofnatural hot springs and gastronomic cultures to
explore; the only question is how?

VIEW AN AWE-INSPIRING CALDERA

The majestic Aso caldera that lies in the centreof the five major mountains in the area alludes
to the millennia of volcanic activity that has
crafted Aso-Kuju National Park. It is a sight likeno other, which can be explored on foot or bybicycle from the scattering of villages in thearea, or seen during early morning yoga classes
on its circular ridge.

DRINK AT PRISTINE SPRINGS

Shirakawa Springs to the south of Aso-Kuju
National Park, as well as those in thesurrounding area, offer a chance to taste
Japanese mineral water purified by the
volcanic terrain. Of particular note is Shiramizu
Mineral Spring to the north-east, which boasts
naturally carbonated water that is the perfectrefreshment for your travels.

FIND THE SLEEPING HEART OF THE PARK
Gaze upon the peaceful blue waters that fill
the crater of the now-sleeping gargantuan
Mount Aso while on a breathtaking helicopter
tour that will offer stunning views in eachseason. Alternatively, enjoy the smaller andequally beautiful waters of nearby Mount
Garan via an easy hike, before relaxing in the
hot springs at its foothills.
TOURISM INFORMATION■ Aso Area
Aso Den’en Kukan
Ecomuseum OfficeTel: 0967-35-5077
http://www.aso-denku.jp/
Visited in Oct■ Kuju Area
Yufu City Tourist Information Center Tourism Oita
Tel: 097-536-6250
Tel: 0977-84-2446
E-mail: tourism@we-love-oita.or.jp
E-mail: desk@yufu-tic.jp
http://en.visit-oita.jp/

COOKING WITH NATURE’S FORCESThe natural geysers that punctuate thelandscape create not only stunning sights andhot spring baths in which to lose yourself, butalso a way to cook gastronomic treats. At the
Komatsu Jigoku fumarole you can play chef,
cooking eggs and other food in the gently risingsteam that emerges from the rocks amidst
slowly bubbling volcanic mud.

Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park

Follow the Volcanic Trail Alongthe Kyushu Coast

Kagoshima

Miyazaki

Pacific OceanTokyo
By airplane andbus: about 3 hours
from Haneda Int'l
AirportEXPERIENCE AN ACTIVE VOLCANOT

he softly smouldering form of
Sakurajima greets all who enter Kinko
Bay and the active volcano is always on
the horizon as you explore KirishimaKinkowan National Park. As you traverse thesouthernmost reaches of mainland Japan, it isa constant reminder that living alongside suchgreat power is not only normal for local people,

Take the ferry across Kinko Bay to Sakurajima,a peninsula with an active volcano at its centre.
Far from being an imposing sight, the soft
plumes rising from its crater, together withthe gentle slopes of its sides, are a celebrated
source of local beauty, and its mineral-richsoil is a gift for farmers. Enjoy a tour aroundthe volcano’s perimeter before tasting daikon
radishes plucked from its soils; you can evenpick your own.
but also a source of great beauty; its plumes
conjure shapes in the sky and its foothills areblessed with mineral-rich farming land. Similarly,
in the volcanic mountains of Kirishima, you
are never far from nature’s might. The area’s
vast volcanic crater lakes sometimes sleep andsometimes smoulder, but are always a stunningsight, no matter the season.

CYCLING AND TREKKING
ON HORSE OR FOOT

COASTAL SAND BATHING

Take your pick of how to experience
Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park with awealth of activities on offer that will put you
in the heart of the area. Take a challenging
hike around the crater lakes surrounding
the Ebino Plateau or a gentle walk around
Sakurajima, you can even take to the skies ina chartered plane!

Put yourself in the hands of the healing,
volcanically heated sands that have been enjoyedby local people for centuries. Wearing traditional
Japanese yukata you are buried up to the neck inthe soft sand in a relaxing beach setting. With thegentle heat rising from the sands enveloping you,all the stresses of the modern world will evaporate
as the seas lap gently in the distance.

SKIRT THE COAST BY RAIL

Take a scenic coastal railroad trip on the Hayato
no Kaze classic train, which races along thecoast offering views of a constantly smouldering
Sakurajima. Along the way, enjoy stops at stations
unchanged since they were first built a century
ago and pick up delicious local obento lunchboxes
to eat in the comfort of your cabin.
TOURISM INFORMATION■ Kirishima Geopark
http://www.mct.ne.jp/users/kiri-geopark/en/■ Sakurajima-Kinkowan Geopark
http://sakurajima-kinkowan-geo.jp/en/■ Kirishima Tourism Association
E-mail: info@kirishimakankou.com
http://kirishimakankou.com/charms_en■ Sakurajima Tourist Information
Tel: 099-293-4333

Visited in Oct and Feb■ Kagoshima Chuo Station Tourist Information Center
Tel: 099-253-2500

KIRISHIMA-JINGU SHRINE,OLD AND NEW

Explore the religious traditions born of the
awe-inspiring might of nature at Kirishima-Jingu
Shrine and the grounds beyond, to unlock thespiritual secrets of the shrine. You can visit thesite where the shrine once stood before it was
moved due to volcanic activity: an experiencethat reminds us all that nature is to be revered.

Keramashoto National Park

Find Your Own Far-Flung
Island ParadiseTokyo

Okinawa

By airplane, taxi
and high-speed
boat: about 4 hours
from Haneda Int'l
AirportLET THE ISLANDS PROVIDEThe Kerama Islands abound with local cuisine
and a great gourmet option is a simple barbecue
using ingredients gathered on the islands andsurrounding seas. Feast on fish fresh from theclean transparent waters, under the splendid
star-filled skies, far from city life.

F

ar south of mainland Japan and 40
kilometres west of Okinawa lie the tropicalislands of Keramashoto National Park: atreasure trove of immaculately preserved
beaches, radiant blue waters and island culturethat is familiar yet distinct compared to that of
the mainland. Island hop along the archipelago,

exploring the beaches and sea, where rare coral
reefs stretch out beneath you and carefree
turtles and darting fish enjoy the pure waters asmuch as you. For those seeking adventure, nature
trails through lush hills are waiting to be explored,
as are the seas, where you can observe migrating
whales and other marine life.

HIKE PRISTINE BEACHESTO HIDDEN COVESTRACK THE PEACEFUL GIANTS
OF THE DEEPThe Kerama Islands may look small but, spanningthe main isles of Zamami, Tokashiki, and Aka,and other smaller islands, is a bevy of walking
routes to take in the flora and fauna, as well as
the history of the islands. Guided nature walks
are also available for those wanting to take theirtime and learn, with the soft sound of ocean
waves never far away.

Between December and April, the calm watersthat surround the Kerama Islands are home to
humpback whales as they follow their migration
path along the Japanese archipelago. Take to theseas in a whale watching boat and enjoy the thrillof the chase as you track down the humpback
whales, and even listen to their song through anunderwater microphone.

SWIM CORAL REEFS WITHSEA TURTLES

The coral reefs surrounding the Kerama Islands
are a destination of choice for experienced
divers, with the varied and well-preserved reefs
offering endless exploration. Even with a snorkel,
anyone can enjoy the reefs and the marine life,
not least the carefree green sea turtles that canbe found swimming close to the shores.
TOURISM INFORMATION■ Zamami Village Officewww.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/info/language.html■ Zamami Tourist Information
Tel: 098-987-2277
E-mail: zamami-k@kankou.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp■ The Zamami Whale Watching Association
Tel: 098-896-4141 (from Dec. to Apr.)
http://zwwa.okinawa/englishinfomation
Visited in Feb■ Tokashiki Village Officewww.vill.tokashiki.okinawa.jp■ Tourist Activities at Tokashiki Island• Nature walking, hiking, BBQ, star-watching. (Sunny Coral)
E-mail: sunny.325.coral@gmail.com• SUP (Acoustic Life)E-mail: info@acousticlife-tokashiki.com• Swimming with Sea Turtles (Islands Trip)
E-mail: islands-trip@oki-tokashiki.jp

TAKE IN THE CALM WATERSFOR YOURSELF

For the more active, the gentle currents in theislands’ many bays make for stunning stand up
paddle (SUP) board riding, as well as sea kayaking
for those wanting to go further afield. In either
case, atop the sea is the perfect vantage point
to appreciate the activity of the marine life
beneath you, as well as the stunning coastline.
Why not enjoy an SUP tour at sunset for a truly
unforgettable taste of island paradise?

Welcome to the National Parks of JapanHELP THE RANGERS KEEP THE PARKS
AS A NATIONAL TREASURE
Add the visitor centres at each national park
to your itinerary. Not only do they offer anentertaining and educational experience, butthey are also the place to plan your travels andfind information on local weather, access, andtidal and volcanic activity, as appropriate.

Leave the vista as you find it, and take yourrubbish home with you.
Don’t take plants or stones home with you.
Take care to avoid trampling plants, damaging
paths with trekking sticks, or coral with fins.

ENJOYING YOUR VISIT

The 34 designated national parks of Japanare home to a remarkably diverse array ofcultures and communities, all born from thequintessentially Japanese nature that each
epitomises. Before beginning your travels,familiarise yourself with the information inthis pamphlet and online to make sure thatyou don’t miss a single thing on your visit. As the
exceptionally unspoiled nature of the nationalparks is strictly protected, ensure you are familiar
with the correct way to enjoy the parks. In doingso, you will play your part in guaranteeing thateach park can be enjoyed by generations to come.

MEET THE RANGERS

As well as assisting local people and park
volunteers with conducting importantresearch and conducting conservation
work on local wildlife, Japan’s National Park
Rangers are also a recognisable presencein all the parks thanks to their distinctive
yellow-green uniforms and should be yourfirst port of call if you have a question orneed any guidance. They are sure to help you
get the most of the National Parks on yourvisit. Be sure to look out for them at work in
the field, or in each area’s visitor’s centres
and eco museums.

Don’t feed local animals as this may cause an
imbalance in the ecosystem or encourage wild
animals to venture from their natural habitats.
Observe but don’t interfere with local
wildlife. Hunting or catching animals isstrictly prohibited.
Smoke in designated areas only. Do not smoke
while walking, and take ash and cigarette buttswith you or dispose of them appropriately.
Do not camp or build a bonfire outside clearly
indicated areas. Fires are frequently thebiggest threat to the parks.
Do not vandalise or mark the local
environment. This is a crime in Japan, as well as
disrespectful to your fellow travellers.

Stories to Experience-National Parks of Japan-

Planning your visit? Stay up to date with the latest information online in English at:
OFFICIAL HOMEPAGE  https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/
TOUR ITINERARIES  http://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/guide/index.html
OFFICIAL
HOMEPAGE

READ MORE ABOUT 8 FEATURED PARKS ONLINE:

https://en.japantravel.com/feature/national-parks
ID: National Parks of Japan

ID: nationalpark_japan