Hokkaido’s National Parks preserve much of the country’s majestic beauty. Even if you face the crowds at peak season, you can still take a good hike. Plan a family trip to one of these amazing National Parks. Don’t miss the finest scenery in Hokkaido.
Table of Contents
About National Parks in Hokkaido
There are 6 National Parks and 5 Quasi-National Parks in Hokkaido. You may wonder about the difference between National Park and Quasi-National Park.
National Park
National Parks are natural landscapes that represent Japan, and they are designated by the Minister of the Environment and directly managed by the government. The 6 National Parks in Hokkaido are:
- Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park
- Shikotsu-Toya National Park
- Daisetsuzan National Park
- Akan-Mashu National Park
- Shiretoko National Park
- Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park
Quasi-national Park
Quasi-national parks are natural landscape areas similar to national parks, and they are designated by the Minister of the Environment at the request of Hokkaido and managed by Hokkaido. The 5 Quasi-national Parks in Hokkaido are:
- Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-national Park
- Onuma Quasi-national Park
- Shokanbetsu-Teuri-Yagishiri Quasi-national Park
- Hidaka Sanmyaku-Erimo Quasi-national Park
- Abashiri Quasi-national Park
Things Before You Go
It’s always great to check the weather before you start your family vacation. You can pack the clothes you need and pack your luggage efficiently. Here is a Hokkaido Weather and Temperature Guide [Click Here] to help you understand the weather and temperature in Hokkaido.
In addition to clothes, you may need to pack some diapers, pacifiers, baby bottles, teething toys, depending on your kid’s age. Don’t forget the wet wipes, and you will often need it to wipe your kid’s hand.
Best 5 National Parks For Family Vacation
Listed in no particular order.
Akan-Mashu National Park
Akan-Mashu National Park is one of the oldest National Parks in Hokkaido. The total area is 91,000 hectares, comprising Japan’s Largest caldera landform, volcanoes, forests, lakes (Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo), and a native Ainu settlement. Almost 90% of the national park has been preserved as an undeveloped area as an untouched nature conservation area.
To start with, Mount Meakan offers spectacular volcanic scenery. You can hike on Mount Meakan from May to early October via three routes. It takes around 4-5 hours and will be recommended to teenagers and above. Secondly, Lake Akan Offers a beautiful crater lake view and is famous for “marimo” (algae ball, moss ball). The marimo is a National Special Natural Monument. Thirdly, Lake Mashu offers a picturesque crater lake view. It’s one of the clearest lakes in the world. Also, there are two observation decks that you can access by car. (Yay~) One thing to note is that there are no facilities provided around observation decks. Fourthly, canoeing! Imagine you and your kids slowly paddling along waterways surrounded by forest. Yes? Last, Ainu Kotan (Ainu settlement), located in the Akanko Onsen hot spring district. You can watch traditional Ainu dances that UNESCO designed as an intangible cultural heritage.
In short, Akan-Mashu National park is an excellent place to go with kids. The natural beauty and cultural heritage are worth you putting into your family vacation.
Information
Address: Akancho Akankoonsen, Kushiro Hokkaido 085-0467
Contact: 0154-32-7500
Official Website [Click Here]
Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-national Park
It’s the only marine park in Hokkaido. On the coast of the Sea of Japan, a Marine Protected Area is covering the west and north coast of the Shakotan peninsula from Kamoenai to Otaru.
It’s a must-see National Park. First, the world-famous powder snow and hot springs. The snow is crisp and fluffy, great for skiing and snowboarding. And many famous hot spring resorts in Niseko Onsen Kiyou (ニセコ温泉郷). Second, outdoor activities. You can camp, hike, swim, and fish with your kids here. Third, connect sheer rocks. Mainly, Cape Shakotan is one of Hokkaido’s heritage.
In conclusion, there are three things to keep in mind-snow, hot springs and Cape Shakotan. Highly recommend visiting during the snow season and stay at least one night at resorts in the Niseko Onsen Kiyou.
Information
Official Website [Click Here]
Niseko Resort Tourist Association [Click Here]
Shakotam Tourist Association [Click Here]
Otaru Tourist Association [Click Here]
Onuma Quasi-national Park
Onuma Quasi-national Park is located about 16km north of Hakodate City. It consists of the active volcano Hokkaido Komagatake and the lakes Onuma, Konuma, and Junsai swamp created by its volcanic activity. Onuma has 126 small islands and offers a lot of children’s activities in four seasons. Also, the scenery is picturesque and unique from season to season. Most kids who grow up in Hakodate have a great experience with their parents in Onuma Quasi-national Park.
Ultimately, the park is a great place to go with kids in four seasons.
Information
Address: 1023-1 Onumacho, Nanae, Kameda District, Hokkaido 041-1354
Contact: 0138-67-2170 Onuma Tourist Information Center
Official Website [Click Here]
Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park
It is the northernmost national park in Japan. It consists of half of Rishiri Island and Rebun Island. Approximately 70% of the entire park is in a pristine natural state and windy. On Rishiri Island, there is a famous iconic mountain called Rishiririfuji (利尻富士). On the other side, Rebun Island offers over 300 species of alpines with mountains, marshes, and coastal dunes. Rebun Island is also known as the “flower floating island.”(花の浮島) Flowers, including endemic species, bloom throughout the island. And the Sarobetsu Plain is perfect for birdwatching. It’s a stopover point for migrating birds such as the Taiga bean goose.
Overall, Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park has an untamed nature view. If you’re a birdwatcher, visit here in Spring and Autumn.
Information
Address: Kutsugata, Rishiri, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0401
Contact: 011-299-1950
Official Website [Click Here]
Daisetsuzan National Park
The total area (226,764ha) is the largest in Japan’s national parks, and it’s bigger than Tokyo. Away into the distance stretched ridge after ridge, people give Daisetsuzan the nickname the “roof of Hokkaido”. There is a ski resort in the snow season, but I do not recommend it for beginners because of the landform.
In short, it’s a wonderland for outdoor lovers, perfect for hiking, exploring wildlife, and nature. Recommends family travel with teenagers and above to Daisetsuzan National Park.
Information
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701
Contact: 01658-2-2574
Official Website [Click Here]
Conclusion
These National Parks are good places to go with kids season to season. Each has its characteristics. If you like to have more children’s activities, Onuma Quasi-national Park is the best choice. Also, you can drive through most of the National Parks to have a quick view if you haven’t got much time.
