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UNESCO Natural Heritage Site: Japan impresses with its beauty

Japan, Tokuyama Dam, Ibigawa-chō, forest, lake, fog, nature, travel,
Japan is a paradise for nature lovers, whether you are looking for magnificent mountains, lush forests, wild volcanoes or beautiful lakes.
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UNESCO Natural Heritage Site: Japan impresses with its beauty written by The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejs.

Japan, waterfalls, streams, nature, travel

Nature experiences and national parks in Japan  

A number of Islands in the southwest Japan has in July 2021 just been recognized as UNESCOworld heritage - as the fifth natural area in Japan. The nearly 43.000 acres cover Amami-Oshima Island and Tokunoshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture as well as the northern part of Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture.

There are a total of 25 sites and areas in Japan with UNESCO World Heritage status. And will one explore more of the country's beautiful scenery, there are several options.

Japan consists of 6.852 islands and stretches 3.300 km from north to south. As much as 70 percent of the country is covered by mountains and forests, and thus Japan is a true mecca for nature lovers - whether you dream of raw mountain landscapes and volcanoes or lush forests and mirror-like lakes. Here is an introduction to some of the country's national parks and natural areas.

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Japan, Hokkaido, national park, flowers, fields, nature, travel, UNESCO natural heritage

One of the country's most beautiful national parks: Hokkaido

Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaido is one of Japan's most beautiful national parks and recognized as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. The area is home to 36 species of land animals, including brown bears, and 22 marine animals as well as 285 bird species.

The volcanic landscape offers both sea, river and forest that change with the seasons. Here you can walk along flowering meadows in summer and walk through frozen forests with snowshoes in winter.

There is also the possibility bike vacation along the mountain trails. If you are visiting the park for the first time, the western part is a good choice. Here you will find, among other things, the beautiful lakes Shiretoko Five Lakes, which as the name suggests consists of five lakes and a beautiful waterfall. There are good opportunities for bird watching both winter and summer.

Japan, sunset, Fukushima, Tohoku, mountains, nature, travel, UNESCO natural heritage

Volcanic lakes and hiking trails: Tohoku

Bandai-Asahi National Park in the northeast Japan extends over three prefectures: Fukushima, Yamagata and Niigata. Millions of years of volcanic activity have created the dramatic and varied scenery that features three sacred mountains, dense beech forests and turquoise volcanic lakes.

The area has several historical and cultural monuments, as well as several hiking trails - also multi-day trips for experienced trekkers. Among the most iconic is Mt. O-asahi that can be climbed in three to four days. The mountain is 1.870 meters high.

Japan, Nikko National Park, lake, mountains, nature, travel

Cultural cycling and hiking holiday: UNESCO natural heritage in Kanto

Only two hours train ride from Tokyo Nikko National Park, known for its mountains and forests, is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The area is especially well visited in the autumn, when the golden and orange leaves of the trees almost make the area look like a sea of ​​flames.

On wander- or bike ride in the park you pass lakes and waterfalls, just as the park is home to one of Japan's most famous shrines, the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. There are several options for bike rides in the park - both day trips and overnight stays. NOAC offers both bike rides on electric bikes and more challenging mountain bike rides, where you also get off-road.

Want the full cycling experience, do Bicycle Tours bike rides of 1 to 11 nights duration. Many of the tours combine cycling and hiking and also offer several cultural experiences, including of course accommodation in traditional 'ryokans'.

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Popular mountaineering and star gazing: UNESCO natural heritage in Chubu

Chubusangaku National Park is located in the northern Alps of Japan and hides amazing hiking trails in dramatic landscapes. The area can be visited both summer and winter and can also be explored by bike. However, many come here to climb Mt. Yakedake, which is among the most popular treks in the area.

There are several different trips - from day trips to several days of hiking with accommodation on the mountain. If you would rather explore the forests and lakes with a guide, you can go on a guided tour Five Senses, who also do stargazing trips when darkness has fallen.

Japan, mountains, nature, Aso, Kyushu, travel

Horseback riding and helicopter ride around one of the world's largest craters: Kyushu

Aso-Kuju National Park hides volcanic landscapes, hot springs, sapphire blue crater lakes and flower-filled fields. The southern part of the park is dominated by the majestic mountain Mt. Aso, surrounded by one of the world's largest craters, stretches over 18 km from east to west and 25 km from north to south.

Nature can of course be explored on foot, but many also choose to enjoy the area on horseback. If you want to admire nature from above, there is also the opportunity to go on a trip balloon, just as one can get very close to the active volcano from above in a helicopter.

Read more about traveling in Japan here

Really good trip to Japan and to the new UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

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The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejs

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