Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park, National park and biosphere reserve in Jōshin'etsu region, Japan.
Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park spreads across Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata Prefectures, covering volcanic peaks, high-altitude forests, and natural hot springs. The terrain includes deep valleys, mountain ridges, and crater lakes with varied plant and animal habitats at different elevations.
The park was established in September 1949, with its name combining characters from three ancient provinces: Kōzuke, Shinano, and Echigo. This naming reflects the regional heritage spanning across what are now three modern prefectures.
The Jigokudani Monkey Park within the area shows how Japanese macaques and humans share a connection through hot spring bathing. Visitors can watch the animals soak in warm water during cold months, a behavior that locals find special.
The park can be reached from several entry points, with Karuizawa station in the south offering direct Shinkansen trains from Tokyo. Visit in summer for hiking trails or winter for hot springs and snow activities, depending on your interests.
Mount Kusatsu-Shirane holds Yugama Crater Lake, with water acidity among the highest recorded in natural bodies worldwide. This extreme chemical environment creates a milky appearance and makes the lake one of the harshest volcanic lakes to find in nature.
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