Japan's Alpine Wilderness Protecting the Akaishi Mountains
Minami Alps National Park
Minami Alps National Park is a protected mountain wilderness in central Honshū, Japan, encompassing the Akaishi Mountains along the borders of Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and Nagano Prefectures. Established on June 1, 1964, the park stretches approximately 55 kilometers in length with a maximum width of 18 kilometers, covering an area of 357.52 square kilometers. This rugged alpine landscape features some of Japan's most impressive high-altitude terrain, with multiple peaks exceeding 3000 meters including Senjō-ga-take, Kita-dake, Aino-dake, and Akaishi-dake. The park serves as a critical watershed area, protecting the headwaters of three major river systems: the Fuji River, Ōi River, and Tenryū River. Unlike many Japanese national parks with extensive visitor infrastructure, Minami Alps remains a wilderness destination primarily accessible to mountaineers and experienced hikers, preserving a sense of pristine, untouched natural character.