Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park

This national park was newly created in March 2015, and is located on the border between Niigata and Nagano prefectures, spanning six municipalities in two prefectures: Itoigawa City, Myoko City, Nagano City, Kotani Village, Shinano Town, and Iizuna Town. Although small in size, the area is densely populated with mountains of unique shapes, and the plateaus scattered at the foot of the mountains and lakes such as Lake Nojiri are a major attraction of the area's unique landscape. The mountains vary from volcanic peaks, calderas, isolated non-volcanic peaks, and mountain ranges, and mountain worship is popular in each area. Myoko, Hiuchiyama, Ameshika, and Takatsuma, and there are mountains that can be enjoyed by beginners such as Iinawa and advanced climbers such as the steep Togakushi mountain range. The highlands at the foot of the mountains are popular for nature exploration in summer, skiing in winter, and hot springs throughout the year, attracting a wide variety of visitors. The park is a national park with mountains, highlands, and lakes, offering a wide range of activities other than the ocean. The park area is also home to heavy snowfall, and its unique landscape has been created by the combination of the harsh but wonderful natural environment and the unique culture and mountain beliefs that have been blessed by the natural environment. (Source: Ministry of the Environment website https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/list/)