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.

Many first time visitors to Japan will make it a point to travel to at least one of the numerous national parks within the country. In the hectic times that we all face nowadays, many of us enjoy traveling to places far and wide all over the world that offer a temporary escape from our busy lives. 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. Many have regarded the Shiretoko, Nikko and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Parks as the most popular ones in Japan.

Nikko National Park has the city of Nikko acting as its gates, inhabited by a small but warm population. However, visitors arrive non-stop to see for themselves the scenic beauty of the area. 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 can safely be said to be the one sight that everyone associates most often with Japan. But, the area in which it is located has a quiet elegance of its own in the form of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is even larger in size compared to the park in Nikko, especially when one considers that it borders Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes, amongst many others. 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 haven of nature which has yet to be muddied by man or commercial entities. 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.