Nikkō National Park | |
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日光国立公園 | |
IUCN category II (national park)
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Kegon Falls and Lake Chūzenji, Nikkō National Park.
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Location | Honshū, Japan |
Nearest city | , |
Coordinates | 36°58′43″N 139°23′42″E / 36.97861°N 139.39500°ECoordinates: 36°58′43″N 139°23′42″E / 36.97861°N 139.39500°E |
Area | 1,147.53 square kilometres (443.06 sq mi) |
Established | December 4, 1934 |
Nikkō National Park (日光国立公園 Nikkō Kokuritsu Kōen?) is a national park in the Kantō region, on the main island of Honshū in Japan. The park spreads over four prefectures: , Gunma, Fukushima, and Niigata, and was established in 1934.
The establishment of Nikkō National Park dates to the early 20th century. The Diet of Japan designated Nikkō an imperial park (帝国公園 teikoku kōen?) in 1911. The National Parks Law was passed in 1931, and Nikkō National Park was established in 1934. The park was expanded throughout the 20th century. Oze National Park was once part of Nikkō National Park, but became a separate national park in 2007.
The park is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan, and is a popular tourist destination. Beyond its striking scenery, the park is noted for its historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, most notably the Nikkō Tōshō-gū and Rinnō-ji. They are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō".