Why go?Since this park covers such a large area, you’ll find a range of scenery from towering mountains to beachside oases. AccessDirect flights to Ishigaki are available from Naha on the island of Okinawa and other major airports around Japan. Where is it?Located in the Kansai region, this national park encompasses Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures. Come winter, the area is a popular destination for winter sports. Showa Memorial Park is a huge and pleasant public park in the western suburbs of Tokyo. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Rikugien Garden. So skip the cities and add a few of these scenic parks to your travel plans. Tokyo National Museum Outside Tokyo National Museum. is in the heart of Kanto’s lush, mountainous region located in Tochigi prefecture just north of Tokyo. Explore the most popular parks in Tokyo with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. It includes five of the Yaeyama Islands: Ishigaki, Iriomote, Taketomi, Kohama and Kuro. . See juhyo—snow-covered trees known as "snow monsters" and warm up in thermal springs. Sanriku Fukko National Park is the combination of several parks that were brought together in effort to help revitalise the Tohoku region after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. One of the highlights is the expansive Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest group of dunes in Japan. . If you’re flying into Hokkaido, Memanbetsu Airport is the closest, with direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka and even Sapporo. Where is it?Nikko National Park is in the heart of Kanto’s lush, mountainous region located in Tochigi prefecture just north of Tokyo. Yomiuriland, according to their website, is the biggest theme park that offers cherry blossoms when in season! Nikko National Park Nikko National Park is located in the Kanto region and is easily accessible from Tokyo. Heads up! The city has dozens of large parks and hundreds of smaller parks. #5 of 654 Nature & Parks in Tokyo. Since this park covers such a large area, you’ll find a range of scenery from towering mountains to beachside oases. Where is it?This tropical national park is located in the southern archipelago of Okinawa prefecture. Tokyo is a surprisingly good city for parks. Depending on where you want to explore, the park is easily accessible with minimal train transfers. Meiji Jingu Gaien. It boasts a variety of natural spaces, seasonal flowers, water features, museums and sports facilities. Tottori sand dunes at Sanin Kaigan National Park. Daisen Oki National Park. A number of onsen towns with local ryokan can be found around the park, including Shima Onsen and Yujyuku Onsen. 10 Best Parks in Tokyo 1. Where is it?Just north of Osaka and Kyoto, this national park stretches over 75km of coastline and is home to some of the best coastal scenery in all of Japan. Iwami and Toyooka, the closest major stations, are roughly at either end of the park. Where is it?On the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, this national park is as remote as they come. While Tokyo might not be famous for its greenery, many visitors to the city might not realize quite how many parks it has to offer. In particular, the ancient Jomonsugi cedar tree is estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old. Japan's national parks started back in 1934 with Setonaikai, Unzen, and Kirishima, and those three have expanded into 34 … AccessSince the park is so large and expands over three separate prefectures, there are several stations nearby. Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The park was opened in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa's reign. Both are easily accessible via shinkansen or limited express from Tokyo, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto stations. AccessFrom Tokyo, you can get to Nikko in under two hours by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen up to Utsunomiya Station and changing to the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station. We already have this email. One of the fastest routes from Tokyo is by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen up to Ichinoseki Station, then switching to the JR Ofunato Line for an 85-minute ride to Kesennuma Station in Miyagi prefecture, which is close to the park and the coast. Famous for its stunning beauty amid natural surroundings, Nikko has been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for centuries. Located along the volcanic interior mountains of the northern Tohoku Region, the Towada Hachimantai... Kanto Region. AccommodationDepending on which area of the park you want to be close to, there are a number of towns and cities with places to stay. Wakayama and Nara stations are also good starting points to see the southern and northern parts of the park, respectively. From there, the park is a roughly 100km drive. While there are roads leading through approximately 75 percent of the peninsula, much of this untouched land can only be seen by boat or by trekking your way through on foot. AccessIwami and Toyooka, the closest major stations, are roughly at either end of the park. 5 Things To Do In Aoyama Itchome. Shinjuku Gyoen. Tokyo might look like a concrete jungle, but the big city is also home to plenty of greenery, both hidden neighbourhood gems and large central parks. See the. It’s also home to the. The area was deemed a “Place of Scenic Beauty”, with a bounty of “Special Natural Monuments”, or features of the natural environment like animals, plants, and mineral deposits protected by law for their academic and aesthetic value. More architect-designed public bathrooms will be created in the coming months. Where is it?This national park runs along the coastline of Japan’s northern Aomori prefecture, then stretches south through Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. The majority of the parks on this list are traditional Japanese gardens, so you can enjoy a little oasis of peace in the middle of the big city. It's also a university town with reasonably vibrant nightlife. covers some of the Osumi Islands including the entire island of Kuchinoerabujima and nearly half of Yakushima itself. Located in northeastern Tokyo a stone's throw from both ancient Senso-ji temple and ultra-modern Akihabara... Koishikawa Koraku-en. It includes five of the Yaeyama Islands: Ishigaki, Iriomote, Taketomi, Kohama and Kuro. Karuizawa also offers a range of accommodation options, and there are campgrounds throughout the park, too. If you’re flying into Hokkaido, Memanbetsu Airport is the closest, with direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka and even Sapporo. From there, local buses are available to get you around the area. Nikko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan, The best Okinawa islands you should visit. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to historic shrines—including Toshogu, the most decorated shrine in Japan—and natural wonders such as onsen and waterfalls. Try another? If you’re travelling by ferry, the Kagoshima Hon-ko Port can take you to the Miyanoura or Anbou ports in 2 to 3 hours. Yoyogi park sundayafternoon1.jpg 493.88 KB Just beside Harajuku station lies the weird and wonderful Yoyogi park.It's one of Tokyo's largest parks and was once the site of the Olympic Village in 1964. Karuizawa also offers a range of accommodation options, and there are campgrounds throughout the park, too. AccommodationA number of onsen towns with local ryokan can be found around the park, including Shima Onsen and Yujyuku Onsen. This space is heavy in acreage and, besides the mountain range, features gorges and hills. Adventure in the Great Outdoors. Visitor Information Center. Hama Rikyu. See our cookies Organization. From Tokyo, you can get to Nikko in under two hours by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen up to Utsunomiya Station and changing to the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station. You’ll find the famous star-shaped sand on some of the beaches and snorkelling in the coral reefs is a must. See dynamic coastline shaped by strong winds since ancient times on the shores of Tottori and Shimane. Iriomote is known for its lush jungles, and is a good spot for hiking or river kayaking. There are half a dozen onsen areas in the park offering accommodation for travellers including Kinugawa Onsen, Yumoto Onsen, Chuzenji Onsen, Itamuro Onsen, Siobara Onsen and Shin-Kashi Onsen. policy for more information. The nature reserve encompasses three prefectures, including Kyoto, Hyogo and Tottori. Leaf Tokyo for these lakes, temples and forests, where you'll find some of Japan's most spectacular autumn foliage, Want to go camping without roughing it? AccessDepending on where you want to explore, the park is easily accessible with minimal train transfers. encompasses Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures. Plus, there’s plenty to see while just strolling through the town. Why go?Yakushima is probably the most revered island in the park and is home to some of the country's oldest trees. Wakayama and Nara stations are also good starting points to see the southern and northern parts of the park, respectively. History abounds in the park and the aforementioned shrine is a must-see as is the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Hiking the mountainous island is a popular activity, along with seeing the native loggerhead turtles, which lay their eggs from May to July along the beach. Nikko National Park Located near Tokyo in the Kanto region, Nikko is among Japan’s most popular destinations. Déjà vu! While most parks and gardens have the city as a backdrop, I particularly enjoyed the view of this one. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin) See more nature & parks in Tokyo on Tripadvisor. Japan established its first kōen (公園) or public parks in 1873 (Asakusa Park, Asukayama … If you’re looking to escape the concrete jungle, head for one of Japan’s 34 expansive national parks, each with their own distinctive charm. Keep an eye out for the unique rock formations and jagged cliffs overlooking the sea. It’s also home to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you’ll often find wild macaque monkeys bathing away in outdoor onsen. Why go?Come winter, the area is a popular destination for winter sports. This park makes a good day trip or overnight trip from Tokyo. On the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, this. There are also some accommodation options on Iriomote and Taketomi if you’d rather go more remote. Always busy with locals and tourists. Almost the entire national government of Japan lies just to the east of this massive business and entertainment district. The resort town of Karuizawa is also inside the national park and is a popular spot for cycling and golf in summer or skiing and ice skating in winter. If you There's no doubt that Japan has a host of incredible natural landscapes to enjoy, and the various national parks across the country are blessed with some of the best. The restrooms recently opened at two parks in Tokyo. Direct flights to Ishigaki are available from Naha on the island of Okinawa and other major airports around Japan. The town of Utoro, home to a number of hotels and onsen resorts, is your best bet for staying in the area. Akan-Mashu National Park. Having been established since 1872, the museum exhibits a variety of Japanese artwork such as antiques and artifacts from both Japan and other countries in East Asia area. , where you’ll often find wild macaque monkeys bathing away in outdoor onsen. 17. From northern Hokkaido all the way down to sunny Okinawa, here are the best national parks in Japan. Experience the parks through guided walks, wildlife spotting, hot-air balloon rides, camping, kayaking, fishing and more. Why go?One of the highlights is the expansive Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest group of dunes in Japan. Both are easily accessible via shinkansen or limited express from Tokyo, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto stations. Government of Japan. We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Being located at Ueno park, the Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and most famous of Japan’s top-level national museums. Why go?The national park lies along the Sea of Okhotsk, which means you’ll be able to see drift ice from Russia’s Amur River passing through its waters. Highlights include the grandiose Kumano-Nachi Taisha Shrine with Nachino-Otaki Falls in the background, the pink hues of Mt Yoshino during cherry blossom season and World Heritage Site Kumano Hongu Spa Village. Amid growing interest in national parks and nature preservation, the Chubu Sangaku National Park was established 1934. During the winter, ice walking tours are a popular activity and you can even book a drift ice cruise. Highlights of the Oki Islands. Why go?If you’re looking for the ultimate beach getaway, the islands of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park are the place to go. The area around Lake Chuzenji and the Ryuzu Falls is particularly stunning for autumn foliage and the park is also home to a number of natural onsen hot springs if you’re looking for a nice warm soak. Here are the 5 best parks in Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a gorgeous urban oasis among the skyscrapers, a mere ten-minute walk from Asia’s busiest transport hub, Shinjuku Station. One the most picturesque amusement parks in Tokyo is Yomiuriland, and it’s not just because theme parks typically burst with colorful decorations! So skip the cities and add a few of these scenic parks to your travel plans. Camping is the best way to get the most out of your visit, and there are a number of great campgrounds dotted throughout the park. The small island of Taketomi is home to an ancient Ryukyu village and is best explored on foot or by bike. While not a particularly spectacular nature park, it does have a pretty Ginkgo tree forest that turns bright yellow in autumn and a pond with ducks. Explore forests, volcanoes and lakes. The 10 Best Parks in Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. From there, local buses are available to get you around the area. It’s also one of the best parks in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing. Meiji Jingu Gaien (明治神宮外苑) is a large park located in Aoyama area, which can be accessed easily... 3. There are also plenty of hotels and ryokan throughout all three prefectures. One of the fastest routes from Tokyo is by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen up to Ichinoseki Station, then switching to the JR Ofunato Line for an 85-minute ride to Kesennuma Station in Miyagi prefecture, which is close to the park and the coast. There are also plenty of hotels and ryokan throughout all three prefectures. The northernmost of Japan's National Parks, the Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu National Park is made up of two small... Tohoku Region. It's home to Inokashira Park, one of Tokyo's best parks. AccommodationCamping is the best way to get the most out of your visit, and there are a number of great campgrounds dotted throughout the park. If you’re travelling by ferry, the Kagoshima Hon-ko Port can take you to the Miyanoura or Anbou ports in 2 to 3 hours. Depending on which area of the park you want to be close to, there are a number of towns and cities with places to stay. Explore the most popular quasi national parks in Tokyo with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. National Parks Hokkaido. Phone +81 3-3350-0151 Exploring Shinjuku, whether strolling through Kabukicho or... Ueno Park. The drift ice is best witnessed between January and April. Plus, there’s plenty to see while just strolling through the town. 5,241 reviews. Kinosaki Onsen is ideal for those looking for a traditional ryokan experience, while the cities of Toyooka or Takeno are also convenient options. Daily ferry rides are available and can easily take you from Ishigaki to Iriomote in just 35 to 40 minutes. stretches over 75km of coastline and is home to some of the best coastal scenery in all of Japan. See the park website for suggested routes. Discover otherworldly winter scenes. The area has also been listed as a Unesco Global Geopark, thanks to its unique landscape and the rock formations found along the coastline. The drift ice is best witnessed between January and April. Cape Hedomisaki . Hiking the mountainous island is a popular activity, along with seeing the native loggerhead turtles, which lay their eggs from May to July along the beach. These places are best for nature & parks in Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. You’ll find the famous star-shaped sand on some of the beaches and snorkelling in the coral reefs is a must. We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out. Hike, ski, canoe or hot spring hop in northeastern Honshu's great outdoors, Smoldering volcanoes, crater lakes and ocean view hikes through southern Kyushu, Lush grasslands and the vast Aso caldera in central Kyushu, Experience the earth's power through massive volcanoes and belching fumaroles, Snorkel, scuba and trek to discover the archipelago's rare endemic species, Experience colorful reefs bursting with life, sandy beaches and relaxed island life, Subtropical islands home to flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world, Endemic species and a unique, thriving culture of coexistence with nature, Hot springs and islands with omnipresent views of Mount Fuji, Soaring mountains and spiritual history shaped by glaciers and heavy rainfall, Towering peaks, deep gorges and hardy alpine plants in Hokkaido, Immerse yourself in the steep cliffs and striking valleys of Japan's Northern Alps. continue The resort town of Karuizawa is also inside the national park and is a popular spot for cycling and golf in summer or skiing and ice skating in winter. Top Tokyo Parks & Nature Attractions: See reviews and photos of parks, gardens & other nature attractions in Tokyo, Japan on Tripadvisor. Hama Rikyu Gardens. Daily ferry rides are available and can easily take you from Ishigaki to Iriomote in just 35 to 40 minutes. All rights reserved. The nature reserve encompasses three prefectures, including Kyoto, Hyogo and Tottori. Buses from Nagano Station will take you into the park, while Echigo-Yuzawa Station is right beside the park in the mountains, close to the ski resorts in Niigata. Home to the stunning Toshogu Shrine, Nikko is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country and as such is definitely worth visiting. Nikko is a delight for those hoping to catch a glimpse of majestic shrines surrounded by untouched nature and colourful leaves come. Ueno Park. Yakushima is probably the most revered island in the park and is home to some of the country's oldest trees. Yakushima Airport has direct flights from Kagoshima, Itami and Fukuoka. From northern Hokkaido all the way down to sunny Okinawa, here are the best national parks in Japan.RECOMMENDED: Discover the most beautiful places in Japan. on Japan’s main island spans Gunma, Nagano and Niigata prefectures and includes several dormant and active volcanoes. AccommodationThe coast of Wakayama is home to a range of beachside resort towns filled with hotels, while Nara is a great place to stay if you’re looking to visit Mt Yoshino. AccommodationThe town of Utoro, home to a number of hotels and onsen resorts, is your best bet for staying in the area. Explore Kirishima’s stunning volcanic landscape, Experience the exceptional beauty of Lake Towada, Oirase and Hakkoda, See dynamic coastline shaped by strong winds since ancient times on the shores of Tottori and Shimane, An activity-packed holiday spanning four islands, Copyright © Website produced by Japan National Tourism. The national park lies along the Sea of Okhotsk, which means you’ll be able to see drift ice from Russia’s Amur River passing through its waters. Nevertheless, several of Tokyo's parks are just big enough to have a similar feel. Stories to experience—discover the people and places that make up the national parks of Japan. Visited all the shrines and temples in Kyoto? Since the park is so large and expands over three separate prefectures, there are several stations nearby. is as remote as they come. Whether you’re a fan of snowy mountainscapes or prefer views of tropical beaches, the country’s lush nature reserves have got you covered. During the winter, ice walking tours are a popular activity and you can even book a drift ice cruise. Cape Hedomisaki . Highlights include the grandiose Kumano-Nachi Taisha Shrine with Nachino-Otaki Falls in the background, the pink hues of Mt Yoshino during cherry blossom season and World Heritage Site Kumano Hongu Spa Village. See the real Japan in the peaceful rolling hills of Hokkaido, a Nagano nature reserve dotted with volcanoes, and more. While there are roads leading through approximately 75 percent of the peninsula, much of this untouched land can only be seen by boat or by trekking your way through on foot. There are also some accommodation options on Iriomote and Taketomi if you’d rather go more remote.