Chūbu-Sangaku National Park

Lore & Background

The park was established on December 4, 1934, as one of Japan's earliest national parks, alongside Daisetsuzan, Akan, Nikkō, and Aso Kujū. Its core is the Hida Mountains, also called the Northern Alps, which contain many peaks above 3,000 meters, including Kamikōchi, Mount Norikura, Mount Hotaka, and Mount Tate. The park features numerous gorges, ravines, and dramatically shaped escarpments.

Reader's Guide

Chūbu-Sangaku National Park is significant as the most important hiking area in Japan, drawing tourists to the mountainous highland valley of Kamikochi. It contains the headwater of Japan's longest river, the Shinano River, which begins as the Azusa River on the southeastern slope of Mount Yari. The park's designation in 1934 places it among the first group of national parks in Japan, highlighting its early recognition for natural preservation and recreation. Its rugged terrain and high peaks make it a key destination for mountaineering and alpine tourism in the Chūbu region.

Did You Know?

• The headwater of Japan's longest river, the Shinano River, begins in the park as the Azusa River on Mount Yari.
• The park contains many points above 3,000 m, including Kamikōchi, Mount Norikura, Mount Hotaka, and Mount Tate.