US national parks are located far from cities, requiring long hours of driving through vast wilderness and open landscapes. To me, that journey itself is part of the process of emptying my mind. Visiting these remote parks is not just about enjoying the scenery. It is also about placing myself in a state of mental stillness and resetting my mind. In that sense, the experience feels like a form of meditation. The sheer scale of these landscapes is something that simply cannot be found in Japan.
Ranking
#2 : Monument Valley / Utah, Arizona
Looking at the reddish-brown butte, which is the original landscape of the United States standing in the vast wilderness. Feeling the energy emitted by the earth.
#3 : Bryce Canyon / Utah
The unreal space formed by the accumulation of spire-shaped rock formations. Feel ing as if looking at contemporary art, intoxicated with that space.
#4 : White Sands / New Mexico
The world of “white”. Putting myself in an unreal space where only “white” spreads, the word “escapism” comes to mind.
#5 : Grand Canyon / Arizona
It is a representative place in the US National Park, amazed at the sight of the vast canyon never seen before, feeling vomiting.
#6 : Capitol Reef / Utah
Go north on Route 12 with various landscapes. Going further into a remote place, Coming across monolith never seen before, and be impressed.
#7 : Arches / Utah
The land of rock art. Walking along the rocky trail, arriving at “Delicate Arch”. Be hot with the emotions.
#8 : Canyon de Chelly / Arizona
Overlooking the divine Spider Rock on the Indian Reservation, I feel the special space where different time is flowing.
#9 : Death Valley / California, Nevada
Salt Lake, Dry Lake, dunes, strange rocks, castles. Travel around with various faces, experiencing the scorching heat land at the lowest place in the Western Hemisphere, feeling dizzy.
#10 : Glen Canyon/ Utah, Arizona
Seeing the contrast between the “blue” of the water in the lake / canyon, the “brown” of the rock surface of the rocky mountain, and the “blue” of the sky, feeling my heart washed.
#11 : Carlsbad Caverns/ New Mexico
Surprised by the cave holes that appear in the wilderness, walking the trail to the underground while listening to the cries of bats, getting lost in the world of science fiction and imagine the appearance of underground people.
#12 : Yellowstone / Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
The sights of the hot springs of Porcelain Basin seem to be looking at contemporary art, cannot leave this mysterious landscape.
#13 : Petrified Forest (Arizona)
While walking through the wilderness, feeling the howling winds and seeing the fossilized trees, I sense the magnificent history this land has passed through.
#14 : Zion / Arizona
While driving along the highways in the park, fascinated by the scenery of the rocky mountains on both sides and discover the hidden charm of this popular national park.
Special Article
Ellis Island Immigration Museum / New Jersey
An island beside the Statue of Liberty, where I walk through exhibits on American immigration and stop in front of a display on discrimination against Japanese people during World War II.
Originally published on Apr 30 2019
Last updated on Jul 9 2026