Wilderness of the North: Hokkaido's top 5 national parks

Situated in the northernmost part of Japan, Hokkaido (北海道) is renowned for its stunning wilderness and diverse array of unique flora and fauna. Boasting numerous national parks, you'll be spoiled for choices as you explore the unique and rugged landscapes each park has to offer. 

Experience the great northern wilderness up close and learn about the important roles these parks play in preserving the environment, sustaining biodiversity, and offering a space for people to connect with nature.

Northern Hokkaido

1. Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park (利尻礼文サロベツ国立公園)

Rebun island, an elongated island located offshore of Hokkaido’s northernmost region. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park (利尻礼文サロベツ国立公園), Japan's northernmost national park, includes a coastal stretch on Hokkaido's main island and extends offshore to the smaller islands of Rebun (礼文島) and Rishiri (利尻島). The park features diverse landscapes, from volcanic cones and rugged coastal cliffs to plains and marshlands. This encompasses the Nukaumi (抜海海岸) and Wakasakanai (稚咲内海岸) coasts that are renowned for their well-developed sand dunes and the expansive Sarobetsu Plain (サロベツ川流域) which is a major stopover for migratory birds, including the Taiga bean goose.

Rebun Island

Rebun Island, stretching 29 kilometers from north to south, features gently sloping hills on the east coast and steep cliffs on the west. Separated from the mainland for centuries, the island has preserved its pristine wilderness and is affectionately known as the “Island of Flowers” within Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, where an estimated 300 species of alpine plants bloom from June to August. At Rebun, you can embark on a long hike to the island's northernmost point, Cape Sukoton (スコトン岬), where you might spot sea lions on the nearby Todo Island.

Rishiri Island

A view of Mount Rishiri observed from Rebun Island. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

Home to a dormant volcano, Rishiri Island provides ample hiking opportunities for the adventurous. Rising 1,721m above sea level, the island's iconic Mount Rishiri (利尻山), also known as Rishiri Fuji (利尻富士), is proudly listed as the first of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Although the ascent of Mount Rishiri is challenging, you can also explore the island by cycling along its northern coast. Boasting the abundance of marine life, the island offers the chance to catch your own sea urchins and crabs and have them as fresh as they come!

Central Hokkaido

2. Daisetsuzan National Park

Lake Shikaribetsu, praised as one of Japan’s most transparent natural lakes. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

Known as Hokkaido’s largest national park and one of Japan's most popular, Daisetsuzan National Park (大雪山国立公園) encompasses the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range (大雪連峰), with its highest peak reaching 2,291 meters above sea level, earning it the nickname “Roof of Hokkaido”. This park preserves a vast, mountainous area of pristine wilderness and features many scenic spots, including Mount Asahidake (旭岳), Hokkaido’s highest peak, the stark columnar jointed cliffs of Sounkyo Gorge (層雲峡) and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikaribetsu (然別湖), one of Japan’s most transparent natural lakes.

Mount Asahidake

Each year, Hokkaido sees the latest cherry blossoms, the chishima zakura (チシマザクラ), bloom around mid-May, and the earliest autumn foliage appears on Mount Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan Mountains around early September. Autumn is particularly popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, as the vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow foliage blanket the entire mountain range, providing an exceptionally scenic hiking experience.

Sugatami Pond

From Sugatami Pond, it is about a 2.5 hour hike up to the summit of Mount Asahidake. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

If you're not keen on serious mountain climbing, you can take the ropeway to Sugatami Station (姿見駅) and reach Sugatami Pond (姿見の池) with a 30-minute walk. From there, enjoy a leisurely stroll, observing the alpine plants and wildlife, as you continue for approximately 2.5 hours to the summit. For more experienced hikers, consider the classic 2-day Mount Asahidake to Mount Kurodake (黒岳) Traverse, or even take on the challenge of the 3-day Central Daisetsuzan Circuit.

Eastern Hokkaido

3. Akan-Mashu National Park (阿寒摩周国立公園)

Marimo at the bottom of Lake Akan can grow up to 20-30cm in diameter, earning them the designation of National Special Natural Monument. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

This Akan-Mashu National Park (阿寒摩周国立公園) located in eastern Hokkaido consists of three famous and captivating lakes including Lake Akan (阿寒湖), Lake Kussharo (屈斜路湖) and Lake Mashu (摩周湖). The park not only showcases a pristine and diverse northern landscape consisting of forests, lakes, and volcanoes, but is also the home of the Ainu (アイヌ), Japan’s indigenous people, making Akan-Mashu National Park a rich repository of natural and cultural treasures.

Lake Akan

In the western division of the park sits Lake Akan, a stunning crater lake renowned for the peculiar marimo (毬藻), a freshwater green algae known for its spherical shape. These large marimo are exceptionally unique and rare, with Lake Akan being one of just two places globally where marimo with a diameter of 15cm or more can be found, earning the Lake Akan Marimo the designation of National Special Natural Monument under the Ramsar Convention.

Lake Kussharo

A stunning lake formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, spanning 57km in circumference. Evidence of ongoing volcanic activity can still be seen in various areas around the lake, explaining the abundance of open-air hot springs in the region. 

Another unique feature is Sunayu Beach (砂湯), where natural spring water emerges to the surface when dug, providing visitors with a relaxing and unique beach experience while enjoying the scenery. Due to its geothermal activity, Lake Kussharo also serves as a wintering ground for whooper swans flying in from Siberia, offering visitors the opportunity to potentially spot these majestic birds while enjoying the open-air hot springs.

Lake Mashu

The view from the top of Mount Mashu, overlooking the majestic, azure blue Lake Mashu. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

Lastly, vying with Lake Shikaribetsu for the distinction of Japan's most transparent lake is Lake Mashu, renowned as one of the world's most transparent bodies of water. On sunny days, the lake's water exhibits a remarkably clear sapphire-blue hue. While visitors are prohibited from accessing the lake shore, several observation decks offer stunning views of its beauty. 

For a truly ethereal experience, embark on a 2-hour hike to the crater rim atop Mount Mashu (摩周岳), where you'll be treated to a surreal landscape and awe-inspiring vistas of this enigmatic lake.

4. Shiretoko National Park (知床国立公園)

Enjoy a serene walk within Shiretoko National Park as you follow the trails surrounded by the vast wilderness of eastern Hokkaido. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

Situated at the easternmost tip of Hokkaido, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a richly varied landscape, encompassing rugged mountain ranges exceeding 1,000 meters in elevation, pristine virgin forests, and stunning coastlines. Additionally, Shiretoko National Park (知床国立公園) serves as habitat for numerous endangered species, such as the Blakiston's fish owl and the Ezo deer.

Shiretoko Five Lakes

Between April and November, visitors have the option to join local tours for hikes, which often lead to one of Shiretoko National Park's highlights: the Shiretoko Five Lakes (知床五湖). These lakes are found among the primeval forest located at the base of Mount Rausu (羅臼岳) is said to resemble the shape of five fingerprints of God. Formed by the eruption of nearby Mount Io (硫黄山), these lakes create a surreal landscape unique to the area. To preserve the fragile ecosystem, elevated boardwalks have been constructed, enabling visitors to appreciate the scenic views while safeguarding the natural wildlife.

In winter, the seas along Shiretoko’s coastline is covered with drift ice that originates from the Sea of Okhotsk. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

In winter, visitors have the opportunity to witness the drift ice enveloping Shiretoko and can even partake in walking through the drift ice fields. Additionally, you can try your hand at snowshoeing, traversing the pristine Shiretoko Five Lakes while observing signs of wildlife along the route. Unlike the summer months, winter offers a unique perspective of Shiretoko National Park, where you will once again be reminded of northern Japan’s mesmerizing wilderness.

5. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park (釧路湿原国立公園)

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park serves as a habitat for the endangered Japanese Crane, an iconic bird symbolizing longevity and good luck. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

Also located in eastern Hokkaido is the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park (釧路湿原国立公園), Japan’s largest expanse of wetlands formed over the course of 6,000 years. It serves as a vital habitat for diverse plant and animal species, notably the endangered red-crowned crane, also known as the Japanese Crane, designated as a National Special Natural Monument. Winter is the prime time to observe these cranes during the artificial feeding period, when they can be spotted dancing in pairs amidst the snowy landscape, creating a picturesque and enchanting scene. 

Apart from the iconic crane, the park also supports other species like the Ezo Red Fox and the Siberian Salamander.

An aerial view of Kushiro River meandering through the wetlands, a spectacular sight to behold. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

Prior to being designated as a national park in 1987, the wetlands themselves were designated a national natural monument in 1967, with access being strictly limited, allowing the park to maintain largely untouched and preserving a landscape that is uniquely Hokkaido. Visitors can explore the marshland by walking along designated trails or kayaking down the distributaries of the Kushiro River (釧路川), which begins at Kussharo and meanders through the wetlands.

During a winter visit to Kushiro, don't overlook the SL Fuyu no Shitsugen train (SL冬の湿原号), a scenic steam locomotive journeying between Kushiro Station and Shibecha Station (標茶駅). This ride offers breathtaking vistas of the snow-covered Kushiro Wetlands, and if fortunate, you may witness the revered Japanese Crane and Ezo deer gracefully frolicking in the snow – an ideal opportunity to savor the natural beauty of the season.

Dive into Hokkaido’s national parks, the wilderness of the north 

Next time you’re in Japan, why not skip the bustling cities and explore the charming national parks and majestic wilderness that Hokkaido has to offer? (Image credit: PhotoAC)

As you explore the diverse array of national parks in Hokkaido, you'll discover a land rich in natural wonders and cultural heritage. From the majestic wilderness of Daisetsuzan to the pristine wetlands of Kushiro, each park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, encounter rare wildlife, and appreciate the delicate balance of ecosystems preserved within. Whether you're hiking through towering mountains or kayaking along tranquil rivers, Hokkaido's national parks promise unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its unparalleled beauty and boundless opportunities for exploration, Hokkaido truly stands as a testament to Japan's remarkable natural diversity.