Natural Parks Law (Law No. 161 of 1957).

This Law provides for the conservation of scenic areas and their ecosystems, the promotion of the utilization of those scenic areas and for the health, recreation, and environmental education of the people.
The Minister of Environment shall designate National Parks and Quasi-National Parks while the Prefectural Governments can designate Prefectural Natural Parks.
The Law empowers the Minister of Environment to decide upon Park Plans and Park Works for National and Quasi National Parks. Park Plans form the basis of protection, maintenance, and management of natural parks as well as the basis of facilities maintenance. Park plans are classified into protection plans aimed at restricting such activities as injure scenic beauty or ecosystems of natural parks and utilization plans intended for effective and appropriate use of natural parks for outdoor recreational activities. In accordance with Park Plans, Special Zones, Special Protection Zones and Marine Park Areas may be designated within National and Quasi-National Parks. In addition, Regulated Utilization Areas are established for areas where the natural environment is at risk of being destroyed.
The Law further provides for: Designated Approval Institutions; Scenic Landscape Preservation Agreement; establishment of a Park Management Organization; offences and penalties; etc.