Shizuoka Prefecture is home to three National and Quasi-national Parks each of which has its own characteristics and charm.
FIND NATURE IN SHIZUOKA
Shizuoka is blessed with an abundance of nature – mountains, rivers and ocean – so it is not surprising that large parts of the Prefecture are included in Japan’s National Park system.
Parts of Shizuoka are included in 2 National Parks and a Quasi-national Park each with its own characteristics and charm and all 3 are easily accsessible from any of Shizuoka’s 6 Bullet train stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
In Japan, the concept of National Parks is not simply nature conservation areas, but a deep interconnection between the people and the land.
The primary drawcard of all National Parks is the beautiful natural environment to enjoy various outdoor activities. On closer inspection, you will quickly discover the relationship between the land, seasons, and local culture.
Most importantly – the local people, for whom lifestyle, culture, and legends have all coexisted in these special areas long before they were designated as National Parks.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
By far the most visited park in Japan with its proximity to Tokyo, it stretches from Mount Fuji to a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean south of the Izu Peninsula.
It is divided into four areas: the Mount Fuji and Hakone areas in the north, and the Izu Peninsula and the Izu Islands to the south.
Highlights include climbing Mount Fuji, hiking the beautiful Edo-period Hakone Hachiri route, sea kayaking the rugged west coast of Izu, and relaxing in the thermal springs of Shuzenji.
Minami Alps National Park
Stretching from Nagano to Shizuoka, the Minami, or Southern Alps National Park is in the southernmost region of the Japanese Alps.
A haven for hikers and climbers with multiday treks that take in some of the most southerly glacial formed mountains in Japan, with peaks and ridgelines of over 2000 meters.
Highlights include hiking through beautiful amphitheater-like valleys, known as cirques, and vast alpine meadows home to unique flora and fauna.
Tenryu-Okumikawa Quasi-National Park
Bordering Aichi, Nagano, and Shizuoka prefectures, this Quasi-National Park (managed by local governments) is centered around the Tenryu River.
A vast mountainous rural area, this park has numerous hiking trails and fishing spots around Sakuma Lake.
Highlights include visiting the villages dotted along the Tenryu and Keta rivers, including Harunocho, with its peaceful shrines and temples.