Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Lore & Background

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park consists of Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands. Rather than being a single spot, it is a collection of dispersed tourist sites within the region. The furthest point south, Hachijō-jima, is several hundred kilometers from Mount Fuji. The park includes natural hot springs, coastlines on the Pacific, mountainous areas, lakes, and more than 1,000 volcanic islands. Vegetation ranges from mountainous trees to subtropical vegetation of the Izu Islands.

Reader's Guide

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is significant as one of Japan's first four national parks, established in 1936. Its expansion in 1950 to include the Izu Islands reflects the park's evolving scope. The park's proximity to the Tokyo metropolis and ease of transportation make it the most visited national park in Japan. It is divided into four general areas: Mount Fuji area (including Shiraito Falls, Fuji Five Lakes, Aokigahara, and Lake Tanuki), Hakone area (including Old Tokaido Road, Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands, Lake Ashi, Ōwakudani, and Hakone Park), Izu Peninsula (including Mount Amagi, Atami hot springs, Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden, and Jogasaki coast), and Izu Islands (including Izu Ōshima, To-shima, Nii-jima, Shikine-jima, Kōzu-shima, Miyake-jima, Mikura-jima, and Hachijō-jima). The Izu Islands are also a popular destination for scuba diving. Nearby cities include Odawara, Fuji, Minami Ashigara, and Numazu.

Did You Know?

• The park covers 1,227 square kilometres (474 mi²) and includes more than 1,000 volcanic islands.
• The Izu Islands were added to the park in 1950, which also led to the park's name change.