Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu National Park

The 10 Best National Parks in the World

"Some of the best national parks in Japan are in Hokkaido, the sparsely populated northernmost island of Japan, known for its mild summers and winters of powder. If you're a hiker, summer and fall are excellent options. If you're looking to get off the beaten path, I'd recommend [this park] off the northwest coast. "There are two unique islands you can reach in under two hours by ferry from the mainland, which offer some incredible hiking experiences — including ascending a dormant volcano on Rishiri and enjoying the alpine flowers, fishing villages, and various temperate zones of Rebun. If winter is your game and you're looking for memorable experiences on their own or to add to a ski trip, you need to see the intricate dances of the red-crowned cranes in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park in eastern Hokkaido. In the winter, their marsh habitats are covered in snow, and it's a magical experience to see them at sunrise as the steam drifts up from the river." — Amy Tadehara, InsideJapan. The entry highlights ferry-accessible island hiking (including a dormant volcano on Rishiri), alpine flowers, and nearby wildlife/winter experiences." - Elizabeth Cantrell Elizabeth Cantrell Elizabeth Cantrell is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure. She edits stories with a focus on outdoor and adventure travel, as well as Canada, Northern Europe, and the Southeastern U.S. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines