Chichibu Tama Kai National Park

Chichibu Tama Kai Overview

Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, known locally as Chichibu-Tama-Kai Kokuritsu Kōen (秩父多摩甲斐国立公園), is a stunning expanse of natural beauty located in central Honshu, Japan. Encompassing an area of 482 square miles (1,250 square kilometers), this park stretches across the prefectures of Saitama, Tokyo, Yamanashi, and Nagano. It is a sanctuary of diverse landscapes, marked by rugged mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers that captivate visitors with their unspoiled charm. The park is often referred to as the “Okutama and Chichibu Mountains” due to its prominent peaks, including Mount Kobushi (2,475 meters), Mount Mitake (929 meters), and Mount Mizugaki (2,230 meters), which form a breathtaking backdrop to the region.

The terrain of Chichibu Tama Kai National Park is a remarkable blend of towering ridges, deep valleys, and rolling highlands. Its landscape is enriched by iconic waterfalls like Hossawa Falls, a cascading beauty revered for its four-tiered structure, and rivers such as the Tama and Kanna, which flow gracefully through the park. The lush vegetation is a hallmark of the area, featuring a mix of broadleaf deciduous forests and coniferous woods. In spring, the park is adorned with blooming cherry blossoms, while autumn brings vibrant hues of red and gold as the leaves change, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.

The wildlife of Chichibu Tama Kai is equally diverse and enchanting. The park is home to key mammal species like the Japanese serow, Japanese macaque, and sika deer. Bird enthusiasts can spot the copper pheasant, Japanese robin, and even the rare golden eagle soaring above the mountains. The streams and rivers within the park are teeming with aquatic life, including the elusive Japanese giant salamander, a species of global ecological significance.

Visitors to Chichibu Tama Kai National Park often highlight its extensive hiking trails as a major draw. Trails like the Okutama Mukashi Michi provide immersive experiences through verdant forests and along scenic ridgelines. Mount Mitake offers a blend of nature and spirituality, featuring the historic Musashi-Mitake Shrine at its summit. Outdoor activities such as rock climbing, camping, and fishing are also popular, with the park’s pristine rivers being a haven for anglers.

The park faces conservation challenges, including managing the impact of tourism and urban development from nearby metropolitan areas. However, efforts to preserve its biodiversity have seen successes through habitat restoration projects and public education programs. Collaboration between local communities and park management has been pivotal in protecting this natural gem.

Park Map

Chichibu Tama Kai National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, located near Tokyo, is a stunning 482-square-mile sanctuary that features majestic mountains, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls. This park is celebrated for its diverse wildlife and offers visitors opportunities to explore rich hiking trails, experience breathtaking natural scenery, and enjoy cultural highlights, including traditional shrines and historical landmarks. Below is an introduction to some of the popular species found in the park.

Popular Species of Chichibu Tama Kai National Park

Japanese Serow (Capricornis crispus)
This agile, goat-antelope hybrid is native to Japan and thrives in the park’s mountainous terrain. Known for its shaggy coat and keen sense of balance, the Japanese serow is often spotted grazing on leaves and shrubs.

Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata)
Also called the snow monkey, this primate is highly adaptable and social. In Chichibu Tama Kai, these macaques can often be seen foraging in the forests or near riverbanks.

Japanese Giant Salamander (Andrias japonicus)
A fascinating amphibian, this species is one of the largest salamanders in the world. It inhabits clean mountain streams and is known for its nocturnal habits and remarkable longevity.

Copper Pheasant (Syrmaticus soemmerringii)
This elusive bird species, endemic to Japan, prefers the dense forest undergrowth. Its striking plumage blends beautifully with its natural surroundings.

Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
A graceful and iconic species of Japanese forests, the sika deer can be identified by its spotted coat and elegant movements. They often roam in groups through the park’s woodland areas.

Japanese Weasel (Mustela itatsi)
This small carnivore is recognized by its yellowish-brown fur and energetic behavior. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling small mammal populations.

Amur Hedgehog (Erinaceus amurensis)
This spiny mammal is commonly found in the park’s forested areas, foraging for insects and small prey during the night.

Japanese Pond Turtle (Mauremys japonica)
A freshwater turtle native to Japan, it can often be spotted basking near streams or ponds within the park. It’s easily recognized by its dark, domed shell.

Japanese Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus)
A subspecies of the Asiatic black bear, this elusive creature roams the park’s remote mountain regions, feeding on fruits, nuts, and small animals.

Japanese Brown Frog (Rana japonica)
This amphibian, with its distinctive coloration, is a common sight in the park’s wetlands and forests. It is known for breeding during the early spring months.

Birds

The majestic mountains, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls of Chichibu Tama Kai are home to a variety of avian species. Here is a few of the popular species:

Varied Tit (Sittiparus varius)
A colorful and curious songbird, the varied tit is often seen flitting through the park’s wooded areas. Its melodious calls are a common feature of the forest ambiance.

Japanese Bush Warbler (Horornis diphone)
Known for its beautiful and intricate song, this small bird often hides in the dense foliage but is easily heard throughout the park.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
A striking bird with a bold black-and-white pattern, it uses its sharp beak to drill into trees in search of insects, leaving a rhythmic tapping echo in the woods.

Blue-and-White Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana)
A stunning migratory species with vibrant blue feathers, this bird adds a splash of color to the park’s forest canopy.

Japanese Green Pigeon (Treron sieboldii)
Often found near fruiting trees, this pigeon’s green plumage allows it to blend seamlessly with the foliage.

Japanese Robin (Larvivora akahige)
A small bird with a fiery orange breast, the Japanese robin is shy but melodious, frequently heard in the park’s quieter corners.

Gray Bunting (Emberiza variabilis)
This bird prefers the park’s dense undergrowth and is known for its subtle gray plumage and sharp chirps.

Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis)
A majestic predator, this large raptor can occasionally be seen soaring above the park’s mountainous regions in search of prey.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
A migratory species, barn swallows are often seen darting through open areas of the park, catching insects in mid-air with acrobatic precision.

Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis)
This elegant bird is frequently spotted in the park’s open spaces and along trails, distinguished by its soft cooing and intricate feather patterns.