Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Ozegahara is a high-altitude marshland that stretches across the Oze region, including Katashina Village in Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, and boasts one of Japan's most beautiful natural landscapes. The landscape, interwoven with marshes and ponds formed during the post-glacial period, is rare, and the entire area of Oze was designated as Oze National Park in 2007. Boardwalks (wooden promenades) crisscross the vast grasslands, and the area's charm lies in the different expressions it displays with each season. The area is particularly famous for its skunk cabbage in spring, day lilies in summer, and autumn foliage, attracting many hikers and nature lovers.
Highlights
- Stroll along the boardwalk in Ozegahara: The boardwalk over the marshland is safe and easy to walk on, allowing you to enjoy the vast grassland and distant mountain ranges (including Mt. Shibutsu) up close.
- Skunk cabbage (spring): The sight of the marshland covered in white flowers from late May to early June is breathtaking.
- Day lily (summer): Yellow flowers bloom around July, showing off a different kind of splendor.
- Climbing Mt. Shibutsu: Oze's most famous peak. You can enjoy alpine plants and views different from those in Ozegahara (climbing experience and equipment required).
- Lake Ozenuma and Miharashi Area: There are many spots where you can enjoy the diverse scenery of the surrounding ponds and marshes.
- Mountain hut experience: There are several mountain huts (lodging/rest areas) in Oze, and early morning and evening views and stargazing are popular.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
The nearest major train station is Numata Station on the JR Joetsu Line. The following is a popular route to Ozegahara (usually via Hatomachi Pass).
- From Tokyo: Take the JR line to Numata Station (about 2-2.5 hours), then take a Kan-etsu Kotsu or other local bus to Togura (Oze entrance). From there, take a shuttle bus or shared taxi to Hatomachi Pass (seasonal service). The entire journey takes about 3-4 hours.
- Hatomachi Pass Route (Katashina Village side): Descend the mountain path from Hatomachi Pass to Yamanohana (approximately 30-40 minutes downhill). Using Yamanohana as a base, you can explore the boardwalks of Ozegahara.
- Oshimizu Route: This is a different trailhead, but it is a long distance and requires proper equipment and a long schedule.
Note: Roads and bus routes to Hatomachi Pass are often closed in winter or operate seasonally, so please check the operating dates and times in advance. Also, parking lots around the Oze entrance can be crowded, so it is recommended to use public transportation.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip (short course): Hatomachi Pass → Yamanohana round trip + a walk through part of Ozehara takes about 3-4 hours.
- A leisurely stroll (visiting the highlights in a day): If you want to walk along the main routes throughout Ozehara, it will take about 5 to 8 hours.
- Enjoy the trip at your leisure by staying in a mountain hut: We recommend a two-day, one-night stay (if you want to see the scenery the next morning and hike the surrounding mountains).
- If you plan to climb Mt. Shibutsu, the round trip will take approximately 6-10 hours depending on the route. Please check your physical strength and the weather.
Nearby spots
- Ozenuma: An area where you can enjoy a different pond and marsh landscape from Ozegahara.
- Mt. Shibutsu: Oze's most famous mountain. Enjoy the alpine plants and the view.
- Hatomachi Pass/Yamanohana area: Starting point and rest area for walking around Ozehara.
- Hot springs and accommodation in Katashina Village: Convenient for bathing and staying overnight after hiking (in addition to mountain huts, there are also guesthouses and hot springs).
- Nearby highland tourist spots such as Marunuma Plateau and Tambara Plateau: You can enjoy seasonal flowers and observation lifts.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Golden Week, summer weekends, and the autumn foliage season can be extremely busy. Parking spaces are often in short supply and buses are often crowded, so it is recommended to leave early or use public transportation.
- Manners: Stay on the boardwalk, do not touch the plants or animals, and always take your trash with you. Oze is a protected area, so strict adherence to the rules is required.
- Donations: Voluntary donations to help protect Oze may be requested. Information will be provided at the reception desk, so please consider donating.
- Weather and clothing: The weather can change suddenly, and it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, even in summer. Rain gear, cold weather gear, and non-slip shoes are essential.
- Seasonal precautions: In spring, there will be snow and mud, in summer there will be insects (mosquitoes) and high temperatures, and in autumn it will get colder early, so please take measures to protect yourself from the cold. In winter, many roads are closed and it is dangerous due to snow and ice, so only experienced people should avoid it.
- Mountain huts and accommodation: Many mountain huts are fully booked during peak periods, so if you plan to stay overnight, make a reservation in advance. Food and facilities may be limited.
- Safety measures: There are areas where there is no mobile phone signal. We recommend that you prepare a map, compass, and a sufficient itinerary in case of an emergency. We also recommend that you submit a mountain climbing notification and share your itinerary with your companions.
Ozegahara is a place with well-preserved nature, and has different charms in each season. When visiting, please be sure to take care to protect the environment and be safe, and enjoy the nature at your own pace.
