National Parks of Japan: Stories to Experience
National parks of Japan are natural parks with an outstanding landscape that may be presented globally with pride as representing that of Japan, and which are designated, protected, managed, and improved by the national government. National parks offer the experience of interacting with nature amid features created by dynamic geological activity and indigenous biodiversity. National parks of Japan started out with the designation of three parks in 1934 —Setonaikai, Unzen, and Kirishima— and with the designation of Amamigunto in 2017, the number reaches 34 today.
This special exhibition titled National Parks of Japan is organized as part of the Japan Cultural Expo series of programs, with the general theme of Humanity and Nature in Japan, held in conjunction with the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. We hope that the specimens of natural history selected from the specimens collection of the National Museum of Nature and Science will deepen your understanding of national parks through the perspective of science, and encourage you to visit and take in the beautiful nature of the national parks.
Exhibition
| Title | National Parks of Japan: Stories to Experience |
|---|---|
| Period | August 25, 2020 – November 29, 2020 |
| Hours | 9:00-17:00 *9:00-18:00 on Fridays, Saturdays *Opening days, hours etc. are subject to alteration. Please check the website before your visit. |
| Closed | September 7, 14, 23, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 4, 9, 16, 24 |
| Organizers | National Museum of Nature and Science, Ministry of the Environment, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan Arts Council |
Access
| National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo | |
|---|---|
| Address | 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718 |
Precautions for Visitors
We accept only visitors with advanced bookings to avoid closed places, crowds and close-contact settings in the museum.
What to See
(1) Nature in Japan as Seen from National Parks
National parks are a microcosm of nature in Japan and offer a view of the country’s landscape and wildlife. Every national park is home to mountains, islands, and waters with a unique history and a diverse array of flora and fauna. As such, the charms and qualities of Japan’s national parks cannot be expressed fully in this venue alone.
This chapter presents a story for each park introducing one natural characteristic selected by researchers at the National Museum of Nature and Science. Needless to say, you are certain to encounter many more stories if you visit each park in person.
(2) History of National Parks
Japan’s national park system boasts a history of over 85 years, and selection standards and boundaries have changed according to the needs of the times. Let’s revisit the history through works of painting produced for the promotion of national parks.
OHNO Ryutoku
‘Autumn in Oirase Gorge’
©Kosugi Hoan Museum of Art, Nikko
NAKAZAWA Hiromitsu
‘Taisho Pond in Kamikochi’
©Kosugi Hoan Museum of Art, Nikko
(3) Let’s Go to a National Park
National parks of Japan are fascinating for their natural diversity and the basis this forms for each area’s unique culture and history. The joy of experiencing a national park is as diverse as its story. Why not take this opportunity to discover your favorite national park and plan a trip to visit it?
Chubusangaku National Park