National Parks of Japan

When most people think of Ise-Shima National Park, the Ise Grand Shrine is the first place that comes to mind. Yet, upon more profound research, we discovered a surprising fact: 96 percent of the land within the park is privately owned. While it's not unusual for national parks to include inhabited areas in Japan, Ise-Shima ranks among the top in population. We realized this is where the park's uniqueness truly shines—so we set out to meet those who live within its boundaries.

While Shiretoko boasts several number one distinctions in Japan, including the highest population of brown bears and the highest volume of salmon catch, all of these accolades originate from nature. The grand and rich nature of Shiretoko is said to be supported by drift ice. Eager to experience the circle of life beginning with drift ice, we embarked on a journey to Shiretoko National Park, commemorating its 60th anniversary this year.

While Shiretoko boasts several number one distinctions in Japan, including the highest population of brown bears and the highest volume of salmon catch, all of these accolades originate from nature. The grand and rich nature of Shiretoko is said to be supported by drift ice. Eager to experience the circle of life beginning with drift ice, we embarked on a journey to Shiretoko National Park, commemorating its 60th anniversary this year.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Akan-Mashu National Park, a national park replete with many attractive destinations. More renowned for its tourist allure than as national park status, the area boasts numerous sites: the hot springs town beside Lake Akan; the scenic vistas of Lake Mashu; and Lake Kussharo, a sanctuary for visiting swans. But amidst such splendor, how do locals interact with nature? This piece delves into the practices of the local residents, who have long served as custodians of this rich natural heritage. They seek a sustainable tourism model that harmoniously coexists with the natural world.

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park: a place of dynamic and diverse landscapes, including mountains like Mount Rishiri, various alpine plants, and one of Japan's largest plain, the Sarobetsu Plain. As 2024 approaches, the park will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
While it stands as a major tourist destination, welcoming a multitude of visitors, the park also confronts a range of challenges.
In response, the dedicated guardians of the north work tirelessly, striving to discover solutions.
Within the northernmost national park, a dialogue unfolds between nature and people, carrying within it hints for a future of coexistence.

The vast Joshin’etsukogen National Park is the fourth largest in Japan. To be honest, we had a difficult time deciding where to visit, but this time, we decided to focus on Nozawa Onsen Village. The deciding factor was the words of Kenji Kono, The North Face Athlete, who said, "If you're interested in an intriguing story revolving around water, it's the perfect place." With Kenji Kono, who is from Nozawa Onsen Village and currently serves as the chairman of the village's tourism association, let us embark on a journey of water and fire.

Hakusan National Park spans across four prefectures - Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, and Gifu. At its heart lies the Hakusan mountain range, which has long been the object of mountain worship. Known for its heavy snowfall, the mountains receive approximately 600 million tons of snow annually due to the northwestern seasonal winds. While winters are harsh, the melting snow provides abundant water that sustains the thriving life in the villages below. Let us embark on a journey climbing Mount Hakusan and experiencing the mountain life at its foothills, revealing the true essence of mountain worship.