Oze is home to many beautiful flowers, including skunk cabbages that bloom in marshes during the thawing season and daylilies that show their vivid yellow petals as the surrounding mountains turn green. The area’s rich floral environment is a result of interaction among its marshes, mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and local animals. These beautiful surroundings, which attracted pioneer Chozo Hirano to live in the region approximately 100 years ago, remain unspoiled even today, and now stand as a symbol of nature conservation in Japan.

In Oze, the seasonally changing landscapes and die environment surrounding them are truly captivating. Oze National Park, which currently is a part of the Nikko Natioanl Park, became Japan’s 29th national park and the first new one in 20 years, after the designation of Hokkaido’s Kushiro wetlands as a national park in 1987. Oze is famous for its wetlands and the scenic mountains surrounding it. It is one of Japan’s representative areas of natural beauty and has serene, picturesque landscapes. The area also has special value as a habitat for a variety of swamp plants and insects native to the northern area.

Spanning the four prefectures of Gunma, Fukushima, Niigata and Tochigi, Oze National Park (37,200 hectare area) consists of three parts: the Oze area, encompassing the vast Ozegahara Marsh, Lake Ozenuma and famous mountains such as Mt. Shibutsu and Mt. Hiuchigatake; the Mt. Aizu-komagatake area, where Hakusan Kozakura (primrose family) blooms in marshes near the summit; and the area containing Mt. Tashiro (famous for its summit marshes) and Mt. Taishaku (where Osaba-gusa (poppy family) grows in clusters). It has five peaks formed by a series of eruptions; three of them look out over Lake Ozenuma and Ozegahara Marsh.


Image Showing: Lake Ozenuma (Oze area) and Ozegahara Marsh (oze area)
Wooden boardwalks have been placed throughout the marsh allowing visitors access to the middle of it among the flowers and greenery. They are about 45 cm (a foot and a half) wide and run through the marsh in parallel. Infrequent stopping places, something like very small docks with a couple of benches, can be found along the boardwalks and make for great photos. If you stage it right, you can look as though you are out in the marsh, or even walking on the water.

Oze Marsh: A visitor center full of interesting information about the plants and animals, and formation of the marsh is located along these boardwalks. There are vending machines, toilets, and a café there, so it’s a great place to stop for a break and gather some information about what you’re experiencing. They have large Oze rubber stamps and ink for everyone’s use, too.

Oze National Park contains Special Protection Zones and Special Zones (See: Oze Map), and its ecosystems and landscapes are subject to strict preservation rules. Oze is also designated as a Special Natural Monument because of its academic value, and requires high-level preservation as an important cultural asset. The area is also listed as a registered marsh under the Ramsar Convention, and its precious migratory-bird habitats are internationally protected.


Image Showing: Mt. Aizu-komagatake area (left), Mt. Tashiro and Mt. Taishaku area (right)

  • Oze is normally opened between mid-May and late October.

    Spring (mid-May to June)

    Skunk cabbages start to bloom when the remaining snow disappears from the marshes. Some say they look like white fairies on the withered marsh terrain. The scene of the skunk cabbages in Ozegahara Marsh against the backdrop of the snow-capped Mt. Shibutsu is arguably among the finest landscapes in Japan. Many other flowers, including yellow marsh marigolds, also bloom in Oze at this time of year.*Some areas may have lingering snow during this season.

    Summer (July to early August)

    In June, the plateaus are covered with hydrangeas. The heat of summer comes to Gunma in July. At this time, wild mountain plants and flowers around Oze, Tanigawadake and elsewhere compete in a battle of blossoms, guaranteeing that the summer mountain season become to be in full swing.

    This is when the areas flowers thrive the most. Beautiful daylilies – a symbol of Oze in summer – are found in clusters in Ozegahara Marsh and the Oe Marsh near Lake Ozenuma. Alpine flowers also start to bloom, including Ozeso (lily family) on Mt. Shibutsu and Hakusan Kozakura (primrose family) on Mt. Aizu-komagatake.

    Late summer to autumn (mid-August to October)

    Following the floral summer season, autumn flowets, such as Ezorindo (gentian family), come into bloom, and the season of kwamomiji (marsh grass turning yellow) also arrives. The leaves on the trees in the surrounding mountains also start to change color, and the first snow may fall around this time. In October, mountain lodges close, heralding the onset of Oze’s long, harsh winter.

    Oze’s beautiful seasonally changing appearance attracts large numbers of visitors, and too many people entering the area at the same time or from the same access point may damage its natural environment. Oze’s ecosystems, which have developed around its marshes, are very fragile and easily damaged by people.

    To preserve these precious natural surroundings for children, it is important for each of us to observe die rules while enjoying the area, including not stepping onto the marshes. Visitors are also encouraged to come on weekdays when there are fewer people so they can enjoy Oze at a more leisurely pace.

Oshimizu Address: 906, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.876508000000008,139.30783940000001] TEL: 0278-58-7370
Ref: http://www.jwaf.jp/list/pdf/list_01.pdf
Starting points like Ooshimizu, Hatomachi Pass, and Fujimishita. From the lodge, guests can climb Mt. Shibutsu and Ayamedaira. In winter, guests enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the eight nearby ski areas, such as Iwakura and Katashina. Mountaineering and cross-country skiing are also popular.
Address: 958 Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken),JAPAN 378-0411 [Geo Coordinate: 36.844251999999997,139.240286]		 Tel: 0278-58-7100, 278-58-7443 FAX: 0278-58-7101

e-mail: cho…@cyber.ocn.ne.jp

http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~chozo-e/Lodge-e.htm
Address: 906-3, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.875896999999995,139.30759] 0278-58-7043
Ref: http://oze-guide.com/koya.html
Lake Ozenuma This lakeside villa is a convenient location for Fukushima, Gunma & Yamaguchi Prefecture. 2.5 hours walk from Oshimizu, 4.5 hours walk from Miharu
Address: 898-13, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.919421845667,139.30898825971]		 TEL: 0278-58-7311, 090-3404-1264 (direct sales) FAX: 0278-58-7636

http://www.welcome-to-oze.com/ozenuma.html
1,Hiuchigatake, Ozenuma, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0532 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.926635999999995,139.31681800000001] TEL: 090-7064-4183, 0241-75-2350, 0241-75-2351 FAX: 0241-75-2101, 0241-75-2336

Email: ozen…@vill.hinoemata.fukushima.jp

http://www.oze-hinoemata.net/tomari/k-hyute/koya_hyutute.htm
http://www.ozejin-yamagoya.jp/ozenuma.html
On foot, 1 hour from Numayama Pass, 3 hours from Ooshimizu, and 3 hours from Ozegahara and Daini Chozo Hut.
Address: 1 Ozenumahan, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0532 , Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.947902999999997,139.33473499999999]		 Tel: 0278-58-7100, 278-58-7443 FAX: 0278-58-7101

e-mail: cho…@cyber.ocn.ne.jp

http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~chozo-e/oze-e.htm
Fujimi Toge Pass Located in the heart of Oze. Close to Ozegahara, Ozenuma, Sanjo, Shibutsusan, Hiuchigatake.
Address: 653,Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.838186,139.24639999999999]		 TEL: 090-3098-2400, 0278-58-7441 FAX: 0278-58-7477

http://www3.kannet.ne.jp/~fujimi/koya/
Hatomachi Toge Pass Located in the entrance of the Ozegahara. 1.5 hour walk to Ozegahara, 3.5 hour walk from Miharu.
Address: 761-1, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.839413,139.24859899999998]		 TEL: 0278-58-7311 FAX: 0278-58-7636

Website: http://www.welcome-to-oze.com/hatomachi.html
Yamanohana Located at the entrance of Ozegahara, near Oze-Yamanohana Visitor Center. It is also a convenient location as a base for climbing. 1 hour walk from Hatomachitoge, 6 hours walk from the lodge Ozenuma.
761, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.912606,139.200608]		 TEL: 0278-58-7311, 090-6946-3302 (direct sales) FAX: 0278-58-7636

http://www.welcome-to-oze.com/shibutsu.html
Address: 898-9, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.838622000000001,139.24655899999999] TEL: 0278-58-7411, 090-3345-1783 FAX: 0278-58-7761

http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~ymnhnky/
Address: 898-9, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.916016999999997,139.19804999999999] TEL: 0278-58-4158, 090-6944-2921 FAX: 0278-58-4345

http://www.kokumin-shukusha.or.jp/annai/ken/gunma/210043.html
Ryugu Address: 652,Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.838571999999999,139.24601899999999] TEL: 0278-58-7301 FAX: 0278-58-7302

http://www.oze.gr.jp/~ryugu/
Yoshippori Tashiro 3 hour walk from Hatomachitoge, North of Ozegahara, 4.5 hours walk from Ozenuma. Wetlands and Shibutsusan can be viewed from here.
Address: 761, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.939997,139.242147]		 TEL: 0278-58-7311, 080-5546-4763 (direct sales) FAX: 0278-58-7636

http://www.welcome-to-oze.com/touden.html
Miharashi Physical Address: 1 Hiuchigatake, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0531, Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.98359,139.30498399999999]
Office Address in Winter: 565, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.839307999999996,139.24654899999999]		 Tel/Fax: 090-3405-6460 (Lodge) TEL: 0278-58-7050, FAX: 0278-58-7000 (Lodge Office)

http://www.oze-hinoematagoya.jp/
Physical Address: Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.92717,139.3155] Reservation center: ２丁目８−１６, Yukinoshita, Kamakura city (Kamakura-shi), Kanagawa Prefecture (Kanagawa-ken) 248-0005 Japan[Geo Coordinate: 35.326741300000002,139.5557335]

Maebashi Office: ３丁目７３−１, Minamicho, Maebashi city (Maebashi-shi), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 371-0805 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.379855299999996,139.0741524]

 Tel: 090-1456-7500 (Yashiro Goya), 0467-24-8040 (Reservation center), 027-221-4122 (Maebashi Office) FAX: 0467-22-7877 (Reservation center), 027-224-8286 (Winter season)

http://www.84658.jp
On foot, 3 hours from Chozo Hut, Hatomachi Pass, and Miike; and 3.5 hours from Numayama Pass.
Address: 1 Hiuchigatake, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0531, Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.98359,139.30498]		 Tel: 0278-58-7100, 278-58-7443 FAX: 0278-58-7101

e-mail: cho…@cyber.ocn.ne.jp

http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~chozo-e/oze-e.htm
Address: 500-1, Kaminohara, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0522 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 37.018037999999997,139.38251700000001] TEL: 090-8921-8342 (TEL/FAX), 090-6254-2002 (mobile), 0241-75-2225 (sales)
http://www.ozegoya.co.jp
Physical Address: 715-1, Idaira, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0521 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 37.021704,139.386864]
Office Address in Winter Season: Hiuchigatake, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0531, Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.927168799999997,139.3155294]		 TEL: 090-8921-8314 (Lodge) TEL: 0241-75-2038 (Office) FAX: 0241-75-2374 (Office)

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/oze/haranokoya/
Address: 417, Shitanodai, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0531 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 37.020246,139.385381] TEL: 090-1062-1395, 0241-75-2059 FAX: 0241-75-2456

http://www.oze-hinoemata.net/tomari/k-hiutigoya/hiuchi.html
Akatashiro Located in the Sanjo no Taki(waterfall) of Ozegahara (back of the Ozegahara), north in Oze area. Enjoy beautiful spa mountain villa. 3.5 hours walk from Hatomachitoge, 4 hours walk from Ozenuma.
Address: 761, Tokura, Katashina village (Katashina-mura), Tone District (Tone-gun), Gunma Prefecture (Gunma-ken) 378-0411 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.951575,139.25475]		 TEL: 0278-58-7311, 080-6540-7312 (direct sales) FAX: 0278-58-7636

http://www.welcome-to-oze.com/motoyu.html
Physical Address: 686, Idaira, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0521 Japan [Geo Coordinate: 37.021572999999997,139.386314}]
Office Address in Winter Season: Hiuchigatake, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0531, Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.927169,139.315529]		 Tel/Fax: 090-8921-8329 (Lodge) TEL: 0241-75-2222, FAX: 0241-75-2020 (Lodge Office)

http://www.onsengoya.com/
Shibosawa Address: 1 Hiuchigatake, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0531, Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.982630999999998,139.25531100000001]
Office Address in Winter Season: 1, Uenodai, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0524, Japan [Geo Coordinate: 37.017104499999995,139.3846255]		 Tel/Fax: 090-1067-5525 (Local contact) TEL: 0241-75-2105 (Office) FAX: 0241-75-2105 (Office)

http://sibusawa.web.fc2.com/
Miike Surrounded by beech forest and wetlands, located along the national highway No. 352, base of Oze to “Hiuchigatake”.
Address: 1 Hiuchigatake, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0531, Japan [Geo Coordinate: 36.98359,139.30498399999999]		 Tel/Fax: 090-7064-4184 (Local contact) General Information Center: TEL 0241-75-2350, Fax 0241-75-2336 In winter (November – April): TEL 0241-75-2351, Fax 0241-75-2101

http://www.ozejin-yamagoya.jp/lodge.html
Mt. Aizu-komagatake Address: 1, Komagatake, Mount Aizu-Komagatake, Hinoemata-mura (Hinoemata Village)], Minamiaizu District (Minamiaizu-gun), Fukushima Prefecture (Fukushima-ken) 967-0500, Japan [Geo Coordinate: 37.047522000000001,139.35373300000001] TEL: 080-2024-5375
Email: i…@komanokoya.com
http://komanokoya.com/
Lake Ozenuma Ozenuma Camping Site 090-7064-4183
Miharashi Miharashi Camping Site 090-1062-1395
Yamanohana Yamanohana Camping Site 0278-58-7311
Oze-daiichi(No.1) Parking
Oze-daini (No.2) Parking
Snow Park Oze Tokura Parking
Hatomachi Toge Parking
Oshimizu Parking
Fujimi Shita Parking
Miike Parking
Nanairi Parking
Takizawa Parking
Umasaka Toge Parking
Sarukura Parking
      • [Train and bus] Get off at Jomokogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line or Numata Station on die JR Joetsu Line. Take the Kan-etsu Kotsu bus for Tokura or Oshimizu and get off at Tokura (the bus center for the Hatomachi Toge Pass), transfer to the bus for the Hato-machi Toge Pass and get off at the last stop.[Car]

        Exit the Kan-etsu Highway at Numata IC and take National Roads 120 and 401 to Tokura. From there, take Prefectural Road 260 and the subsequent roads to the Hatomachi Toge Pass. On days when traffic is regulated, park at Oze-daiichi (No.l), Oze-daini (No.2) or Snow Park Oze Tokura parking lots and take a bus or taxi to the Pass.

      • [Train and bus] Get off at Jomokogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line or Numata Station on the JR Joetsu Line. From tiiere, take die Kan-etsu Kotsu bus for Oshimizu and get off at the last stop.[Car]

        Exit the Kan-etsu Highway at Numata IC and take National Roads 120 and 401 to Oshimizu.

      • [Train and bus] Follow the same route as for the Hatomachi Toge Pass to Tokura. From there, rake the bus for Fujimi Shita and get off at the last stop.[Car]

        Follow the same route as for the Hatomachi Toge Pass to Tokura. From there, take the village road passing along the side of Snow Park Oze Tokura to Fujimi Shita.

          • From Aizukogen-ozeguchi Station on the Yagan Tetsudo Railway, take the Aizu Bus for the Numayama Toge Pass and ger off at Miike.
          • From Urasa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line, take the Minami Echigo Kanko Bus for Okutadami Dam and get off at the last stop. From diere, take the Okutadami Kankosen pleasure boat get off at Ozeguchi, take the Aizu Bus for the Numayama Toge Pass (reservation necessary) and get off at Miike (to go to Shibosawa Onsen, get off at Kozodaira).

          *To go to Lake Ozenuma, take the shuttle bus from Miike to the Numayama Toge Pass.

          • Exit the Tohoku Highway at Nishinasuno-shiobara IC and take National Roads 400, 121 and 352 to Miike.
          • From Koide IC on the Kan-etsu Highway, take National Road 352 to Miike.
            Note:

            • To go to Lake Ozenuma, take the shuttle bus from Miike to the Numayama Toge Pass.
            • To climb Mt. Aizu-komagatake, use the Takizawa gate or rhe Kirinte access poinr in Hinoemata Village.
            • To climb Mt. Tashiro or Mt. Taishaku, use the Sarukura access point in Minamiaizu Town or the Umasaka Toge Pass access point in Hinoemata Village.
            • Traffic to the Hatomachi Toge Pass and Numayama Toge Pass may be regulated. Please see the Oze Preservation Foundation website for details.

Oze Certified Guides and Organizations

Here is list of Oze Certified Guides and Organizations in Gunma, Fukushima, Niigata and Tochigi Prefecture

Contact Information:

Oze Preservation Foundation 17th Floor, Gunma Prefectural Government Office, 1-1-1 Otemachi, Maebashi City (Maebashi-shi), Gunma prefecture (Gunma-ken) 371-8570 [Geo Coordinate: 36.391250999999997, 139.06084799999999] Tel.027-220-4431(Oniy Japanese) / Fax. 027-220-4421

Website: http://www.oze-fnd.or.jp/english/frmain_e.html

Precautionary Note:

The climate is relatively cold with cool summers and snowy winters (total snowfall: 4 m). In the marshes, many marsh plants, such as skunk cabbages and daylilies, bloom between spring and autumn. Oze also provides habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including large mammals, birds and insects. The number of rare animal and plant species in the region is abundant, making it an academically important area.

To strictly preserve this precious and fragile environment, Oze’s marshes have been designated as Special Protection Zones of Oze National Park as well as a Special Natural Monument. Oze is a high-altitude alpine area, and accidents can occur. Visitors should study the area and make necessary preparations in advance.

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