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One of the most beautiful East Asian countries in the world is Japan, with her numerous attractions and natural sights that includes volcanic mountains, parks, gardens, lakes and scenic islands. They provide both an urban charm and natural seductiveness, and nothing illustrates this best than the parks in Japan. There are many that are tucked within cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, while others can only be reached when one goes to the countryside or relatively rural areas.

The national parks in Japan are often high on the itineraries of first time visitors to the country. As we all face the pressures of the modern world, it is a simple but pleasurable experience to travel to faraway destinations that allow us to escape from that if only for a moment. What could be better to provide that avenue than taking trips to the gorgeous Japanese gardens and parks that have Eastern and Western flavors all mixed together?

Taking up more than five per cent of the total land area in Japan, there are 29 national parks within the country. While locals are an ever present in terms of visitors, there is an increasing number of foreign tourists who are eager to have a taste of what the nature of Japan has to offer. The more popular parks include the ones found in Nikko, Fuji-Hakone-Izu and Shiretoko.

Nikko National Park is guarded by the small city of Nikko, which houses a small population. However, the area enjoys a vibrant stream of visitors due to the widely acknowledged beauty of its surroundings. From the peace and quiet of Lake Chuzenji to the towering awe of dormant volcano Mount Nantai, the park covers an immense land size that stretches over four prefectures. Even visitors on a budget Nikko National Park day tour would be able to enjoy other highlights that include the large Kegon waterfall as well as the Toshogu shrine that has become a recognizable landmark for the city itself.

Mount Fuji is undeniably the most recognizable symbol of Japan in many foreigners' eyes. However, the area in which it is found has an understated elegance of its own - the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It has an even larger area relative to Nikko park. This is due to the inclusion of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes and other locations within it. There are even tiny islets found within the region, giving credence to the feeling that it is Japan's biggest national park.

Perhaps one of the most understated parks in Japan is Shiretoko National Park. It is a true natural haven untouched in the most part by civilization or commercialization. In fact, there is no way one can get there on wheels. There is much to see in terms of wildlife that might not be possible in other parts of Japan. The Shiretoko National Park also has a huge variety of flora and fauna, prompting UNESCO to designate the area as a World Heritage Site and it is a source of pride for the advanced industrial country.

Whether it be an adventure to the wilderness in Shiretoko, an experience with national symbols in Fuji-Hakone-Izu or visiting Nikko National Park on a tour package, Japan’s national parks have so much to offer for the eager and willing traveler. One will never cease to be amazed by a country that has an advanced and modern metropolis in its city centre of Tokyo, while surrounded by such extensive and beautiful nature.