Nikkō National Park (日光国立公園, Nikkō Kokuritsu Kōen) is a national park in the Kantō region on the main island of Honshū in Japan. It covers three prefectures: Tochigi, Gunma, and Fukushima. The park was created in 1934.
History
Nikkō National Park was created in the early 1900s. In 1911, the Diet of Japan named Nikkō an imperial park. In 1931, Japan passed the National Parks Law. Nikkō National Park officially opened in 1934. During the 20th century, the park grew larger. Oze National Park was part of Nikkō National Park. However, in 2007, it became its own national park.
Description
The park is known as one of the most beautiful places in Japan and is a favorite spot for visitors. In addition to its beautiful natural views, the park is famous for its historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, including the Nikkō Tōshō-gū and Rinnō-ji. These sites are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site called "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō."
Entry to the park is free, and it is divided into three areas: Nikko, Kinugawa/Kuriyama, and Nasu Kashi/Shiobara.
Notable places
- Nikkō Tōshō-gū, a Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture
- Lake Chūzenji, covering an area of 11.62 square kilometres (4.49 square miles), a scenic lake in Nikkō
- Kegon Falls, 97 metres (318 feet) tall, one of Japan's tallest waterfalls
- Mount Nantai, 2,486 metres (8,156 feet) high, rises above Lake Chūzenji
- Mount Nikkō-Shirane, 2,578 metres (8,458 feet) high, a shield volcano
- Rinnō-ji, a Buddhist temple in Nikkō
- Ryūzu Falls, 60 metres (200 feet) tall, a pair of scenic waterfalls
- Sessho-seki, a "killing stone" that cracked in 2022
Flora
Nikkō National Park is known for many types of plants and trees, including mizu-bashō, the white skunk cabbage found in the Ozegahara marshland, maples, firs, and large areas of sugi, the Japanese cedar that grow along the roads around Nikkō.
Recreation
Nikkō National Park is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, camping, and golfing. It also has many historical onsen hot spring resorts.