Why go
Daisetsuzan National Park centers on the island's mountain interior, while Shikotsu-Tōya National Park combines lakes with volcanic terrain. Shiretoko National Park follows a rugged eastern peninsula; Akan-Mashu National Park adds caldera lakes, and Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park brings island and coastal scenery. These are distinct trips with different exposure and access demands, so select a park before building the route around it.
Useful to know
- Allow a dedicated outing for a park rather than combining distant parks in one day.
- Check trail, boat and road conditions before setting out; access changes with the season.
The route, stop by stop
Times are planning estimates. Unknown visit durations start at an editable 30 minutes; access is checked separately.
- 01
Optional · – min
Akan-Mashu National Park
Akan-Mashu National Park brings together volcanic lakes, forest and hot-spring landscapes in eastern Hokkaido. Lake Akan’s marimo and the caldera views at Mashu and Kussharo reward a focused route.
Explore Walk · 1647 min · Estimated
02Optional · – min
Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko is a remote peninsula of sea ice, volcanic mountains and coastal cliffs. Its wildlife and rugged terrain are compelling, but access depends heavily on route, season and conditions.
ExploreWalk · 3340 min · Estimated
03Optional · – min
Daisetsuzan National Park
Daisetsuzan is Hokkaido’s vast high-mountain park, known for volcanic peaks, alpine plants and remote backcountry. A short scenic visit and a mountain trek call for very different preparation.
ExploreWalk · 3239 min · Estimated
04Optional · – min
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park
Shikotsu-Tōya pairs two caldera lakes with active volcanic landscapes in western Hokkaido. Lake Shikotsu and Lake Tōya are separate bases, so choose which volcanic story to follow.
ExploreWalk · 4885 min · Estimated
05Optional · – min
Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park
This northern park spans Rishiri and Rebun islands plus the mainland Sarobetsu wetland. Its three landscapes offer sharply different visits, and the island sections depend on ferry travel.
ExploreWalk · 6188 min · Estimated
06Optional · – min
Ōnuma Quasi-National Park
Ōnuma offers lakes dotted with islands beneath Hokkaido Komagatake, a gentler landscape break near Hakodate. Lakeside cycling and boating offer different ways to see the volcanic terrain.
Explore