Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Designated on June 25, 2024, as Japan's 35th national park. Centered on the Hidaka Mountain Range, which stretches approximately 140km from north to south, the park includes Mount Apoi, Lake Toyoni, Cape Erimo and its surrounding waters. With a land area of approximately 2,457 km², it is Japan's largest national park.

Known as the "Roof of Hokkaido," this mountain park features many outstanding scenic spots including Sounkyo Gorge with its towering columnar joint cliffs and the natural Lake Shikaribetsu, with hot springs scattered throughout the area.

This park boasts a primordial northern landscape created by forests, lakes, and volcanoes, with towering mountains such as Mount O-Akan and Mount Me-Akan. Lake Mashu, known as the "mysterious lake," is famous for having what is said to be the world's highest water transparency. Lake Akan's marimo (moss balls), registered under the Ramsar Convention, are designated as a Special Natural Monument as this is their only habitat in Japan.

This park allows visitors to experience various volcanic landforms and phenomena up close, including the two major calderas of Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, the currently active Mount Usu and Mount Tarumae, Mount Yotei (called the Mount Fuji of Ezo for its beautiful conical shape), and hot springs that emerge in various locations, including Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley).

This park is characterized by rugged mountain ranges, deep virgin forests, and dramatic coastal scenery with sea cliffs. It uniquely contains diverse pristine ecosystems within a single area, spanning coastal areas, grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes, and alpine environments.

The park boasts diverse landscapes including Rishiri Island, Rebun Island, the Bakkai-Wakkasakinai Coast with its developed sand dune formations, and the vast Sarobetsu Plain (registered under the Ramsar Convention) formed along the Sarobetsu River. It is also known as one of Japan's major stopover points for migratory birds.

Most of the park consists of low-lying wetlands made up of reed plains and alder forests, presenting a vast horizontal landscape along with meandering pristine rivers. It is a habitat for precious flora and fauna, including the Japanese Red-crowned Crane (a Special Natural Monument). The main wetland area is designated as a Ramsar Convention site and is highly regarded internationally.

Brochure "Seven National Parks"