is a national park in the Kantō region, on the main island of Honshū in Japan. The park spreads over three prefectures: Tochigi,

Gunma is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kantō region of Honshu. Gunma Prefecture has a population of 1,937,626 (1 October 2019) and has a geographic area of 6,362 km2 (2,456 sq mi). Gunma Prefecture borders Niigata Prefecture and Fukushima P ...

and

Fukushima may refer to: Japan * Fukushima Prefecture, Japanese prefecture ** Fukushima, Fukushima, capital city of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan ***Fukushima University, national university in Japan *** Fukushima Station (Fukushima) in Fukushima, Fukushim ...

, and was established in 1934.

History

The establishment of Nikkō National Park dates to the early 20th century. The Diet of Japan designated Nikkō an in 1911. The National Parks Law was passed in 1931, and Nikkō National Park was established in 1934. The park was expanded throughout the 20th century.

Oze National Park , is an area consisting of open greenland in Fukushima, Tochigi, Gunma and Niigata Prefectures in Japan. The park is 372 km² in area and is the 29th national park in Japan. Opened on 30 August 2007, the park's area includes the marshes ...

was once part of Nikkō National Park, but became a separate national park in 2007.

Description

The park is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan, and is a popular tourist destination.Nikko National Park
Beyond its striking scenery, the park is noted for its historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, most notably the

Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Together with Futarasan Shrine and Rinnō-ji, it forms the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 42 structures of the shrine included in t ...

and

Rinnō-ji is a Tendai Buddhist temple in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. History The site was established in 766 by the Buddhist monk Shōdō Shōnin (735–817). Due to its geographic isolation, deep in the mountains of Japan, the ...

. They are designated a

UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It ...

World Heritage Site A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for h ...

as the "

Shrines and Temples of Nikkō The UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikkō encompasses 103 buildings or structures and the natural setting around them. It is located in Nikkō, Tochigi, Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The buildings belong to two Shinto shrine ...

". The park is free entry and is divided into three zones, such as Nikko, Kinugawa/Kuriyama, Nasu Kashi/Shiobara.

Notable places

, a Shinto shrine,

Nikkō is a city located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 80,239 in 36,531 households, and a population density of 55 persons per km2. The total area of the city is . It is a popular destination for Japanese and ...

Tochigi Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kantō region of Honshu. Tochigi Prefecture has a population of 1,943,886 (1 June 2019) and has a geographic area of 6,408 km2 (2,474 sq mi). Tochigi Prefecture borders Fukushima Prefecture to the ...

Lake Chūzenji , also called Sea of Happiness, is a scenic lake in Nikkō National Park in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It was created 20,000 years ago when Mount Nantai (2484 m) erupted and blocked the river. The lake has a surface area of 11 ...

, , a scenic lake, Nikkō * Kegon Falls, , one of Japan's three highest waterfalls * Mount Nantai, , rises dramatically above Lake Chūzenji * Mount Nikkō-Shirane, , a shield volcano *

, a Buddhist temple, Nikkō * Ryūzu Falls, , a scenic twin waterfalls * Sessho-seki, a "killing stone" that fractured in 2022

Flora

Nikkō National Park is noted for numerous species of plants and trees, including ''mizu-bashō'', the

white skunk cabbage ''Lysichiton camtschatcensis'', common name Asian skunk cabbage, white skunk cabbage, Far Eastern swamp lantern or Japanese swamp lantern, is a plant found in swamps and wet woods, along streams and in other wet areas of the Kamchatka Peninsula, ...

of the Ozegahara marshland,

maple ''Acer'' () is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples. The genus is placed in the family Sapindaceae.Stevens, P. F. (2001 onwards). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 9, June 2008 nd more or less continuously updated since http ...

s, firs, and magnificent stands of ''sugi'', the Japanese cedar that line the roads around Nikkō.

Recreation

Nikkō National Park is a popular destination for

hiking Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century.AMATO, JOSEPH A. "Mind over Foot: Romantic Walking and Rambling." In ''On Foot: A Histor ...

skiing Skiing is the use of skis to glide on snow. Variations of purpose include basic transport, a recreational activity, or a competitive winter sport. Many types of competitive skiing events are recognized by the International Olympic Committee ( ...

camping Camping is an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home, either without shelter or using basic shelter such as a tent, or a recreational vehicle. Typically, participants leave developed areas to spend time outdoors in more na ...

, golfing, and its numerous historical onsen hot spring resorts.

References

External links

Japan Ministry of the Environment: Nikko National Park

日光国立公園
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nikko National Park National parks of Japan Parks and gardens in Fukushima Prefecture Parks and gardens in Gunma Prefecture Parks and gardens in Tochigi Prefecture 1934 establishments in Japan Protected areas established in 1934