13 Tourist Spots to Enjoy the Nature of Oze in Gunma Prefecture, a Treasure to Leave for Future Generations

Oze is a national park that spans three prefectures: Fukushima, Gunma, and Niigata. It is made up of highland wetlands, ponds, and surrounding mountains such as Mt. Shibutsu and Mt. Hiuchigatake. The landscape, resembling a basin, is beautiful and has been designated as a special natural monument by the government. Oze offers many tourist spots that can be enjoyed in a day trip. In this article, we will introduce a selection of must-visit tourist spots around Oze.

1. Ozegahara

Ozegahara is the largest highland wetland in Honshu, stretching about 6 km east to west and 1 km north to south. Located at an elevation of 1,400 meters, Ozegahara can be toured in a day by entering from the Gunma Prefecture side, where you can enjoy the unique landscapes of Oze. The ponds scattered across the area reflect Mt. Hiuchigatake and Mt. Shibutsu, creating breathtaking views that will make you want to take photos.
In Ozegahara, you can see many alpine plants, including the glacial remnant Mitsugashira and the long-leafed sundew, which only grows in highland wetlands in Hokkaido and Oze. The variety of plants is so vast that it would be hard to list them all.
The contrast of the snow-melted skunk cabbage, the lush green summer grasslands, the white tufts of cotton grass, and the vivid yellow of daylilies is unforgettable. Once you visit, you'll want to come back again and again—that’s the charm of Ozegahara tourism.

2. Visitor Center: The First Step in Your Tour

The Oze Lake Visitor Center is located by the shore of Oze Lake when entering from Odaimura, the starting point for hiking Mt. Hiuchigatake. Many tourists also visit for a day trip to see the lake.
The center introduces Oze's nature, history, points of interest, and provides essential information, including trail conditions for hiking. It's a great place to stop before you start your hike. Be sure to collect information here and enjoy your safe Oze tour.
Additionally, there's another visitor center at Yamanoha, located about an hour down the mountain road from Hatomachi Pass, near the entrance of Ozegahara. The Yamanoha Visitor Center offers important information and explanations about the surrounding nature, allowing you to take a break while learning about Oze’s beauty, building excitement for your upcoming adventure.

3. Ayame-daira

When it comes to Oze, it is famous as a tourist destination focused on nature conservation. One recommended place in Oze is Ayame-daira. Ayame-daira, which feels like a skyward promenade, was once devastated by the hiking boom, with many hikers trampling the area, leaving it in a pitiful state.
However, through efforts from Gunma Prefecture and others, Ayame-daira was restored, and after half a century of work, it has regained its current beauty. Surrounded by the distant views of Mt. Shibutsu and the mountains encircling Ozegahara, it is also known as a heavenly paradise.

4. Mt. Shibutsu

One of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, Mt. Shibutsu is a treasure trove of alpine plants, many of which are unique to Oze, and it is possible to hike to the summit on a day trip. The hike starts through a deciduous forest trail, allowing you to enjoy the forest bathing.
The forest limit on Mt. Shibutsu is low, so as you ascend, tall trees disappear, and small wetlands and ponds appear along the boardwalks. On clear days, the sky is reflected in the ponds, creating a scene that feels like a divine garden. By the way, there are many other mystical spots in Oze where you can witness such scenes.
You can reach the summit of Mt. Shibutsu in about 3 hours. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ozegahara and gaze at the magnificent Mt. Hiuchigatake, facing Ozegahara. Be sure to check out Mt. Shibutsu when visiting Oze!

5. Ryugu

5. Ryugu
In the almost central area of Ozegahara, there is the Ryugu Crossroad. This location is popular not only among hikers who want to fully enjoy Ozegahara, but also because it provides easy access to Ayame-daira, the Yoppi Suspension Bridge, and Mt. Hiuchigatake, all while offering great views.
Water flowing into a hole in the wetland is sucked in and then resurfaces 50 meters away. In the past, when driftwood was sucked into the hole and never emerged from the outlet, people believed that the hole led to the Ryugu Castle (the Dragon Palace), which is how the area got its name.
Although it remains uncertain whether objects sucked in ever come out, the large pond, where you can peer deep into the water, is quite rare in Oze, and the water that gently bubbles up gives you the feeling of exploring a mystical Ryugu Castle as you peer into the floating islands below.

6. Yoppi Suspension Bridge

On the outskirts of Ozegahara, there is a river with the unusual name "Yoppi River." Spanning this river is the Yoppi Suspension Bridge, a bridge not often seen in Oze. Just 30 minutes away from the center of Ozegahara, this area offers a relatively quiet hiking experience, which is why it attracts many tourists.
While it is still within Ozegahara, a river with a strong current flows here, surrounded by not-tall but lush trees, with mountains enclosing the area. The scenery, with its wetlands, ponds, and daylilies, is distinctly different from the rest of Ozegahara. If you want to experience a different side of Oze, extend your walk to the Yoppi Suspension Bridge.

7. Excellent Access and Mihara

Mihara, a popular spot in Ozegahara, is known for being the area where the most mountain lodges are concentrated. Staying here not only allows you to enjoy the climb to Mt. Shibutsu and the beauty of Ozegahara but also gives you access to Oze Lake and Mt. Hiuchigatake hike, greatly expanding your options for Oze tourism.
For those with good stamina, it’s possible to climb Mt. Shibutsu on the first day, stay at Mihara, and then climb Mt. Hiuchigatake and tour Oze Lake the next day. By leaving heavy gear at the lodge, you can also visit scenic viewpoints around the surrounding mountains. For those wanting to take their time with photos, it's an ideal location, especially for those with tripods.
Though it’s not possible to climb, the elusive Mt. Keizu, a secret desire for many Oze hikers, can be viewed up close from the Mihara area. In the evening, when the crowds thin out, it’s a recommended spot to reflect on your inspiring encounters with nature.

8. Two Relative Highlights: Hirename Falls and Sanjo Falls

There are several routes to access the "Hirename Falls" and "Sanjo Falls" in Oze, but visiting just the waterfalls will take some time. Additionally, the trails can be rough and physically demanding, so it's recommended to stay in a mountain lodge to lighten your load before heading out.
Hirename Falls is a magnificent waterfall that flows gracefully over a large, smooth rock, making it hard to believe it’s one single stone. From a small viewing platform, you can only see the waterfall in a very specific, beautiful perspective.

Sanjo Falls, which is one of the 100 famous waterfalls in Japan, requires a descent along mountain paths and crossing thick fallen trees to finally reach it. Standing at the viewing platform, you’ll witness an overwhelming cascade, a rare sight.
Sanjo Falls is one of the famous waterfalls in Oze, but Hirename Falls is also quite impressive. For the most dramatic view of Oze's waterfalls, it's best to visit in the season after the snow melts, when the water volume is highest.

9. Onsen Lodge

One of the wonderful aspects of Japan is that you can enjoy hot springs almost everywhere, and surprisingly, Oze also has hot springs, with some located in mountain lodges. One such place is the "Onsen Lodge" located at the foot of Mt. Hiuchigatake. It is a bit distant from the bustling Ozegahara, so you can enjoy peaceful mountain walks around the lodge.
The vegetation here resembles untouched natural Oze, more like a grassy field than a wetland. The Onsen Lodge is near Mt. Hiuchigatake and Sanjo Falls, making it an ideal place to soothe tired legs after a hike in Oze. You can replenish your energy with meals full of mountain delights, such as wild plants and fish.
For dinner, you can enjoy homemade roast beef, and savoring this delicious meal while gazing at the sunset over Ozegahara through the window is a luxury unique to Oze. Staying in one of Oze’s mountain lodges lets you experience sunsets and the misty early morning views of Ozegahara, which you can’t experience on a day trip.

10. Mt. Hiuchigatake

Mt. Hiuchigatake, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, towers opposite Mt. Shibutsu is popular for its stunning views from the summit. From the peak, which stands at 2,356 meters, you can see the boardwalks of Ozegahara standing out against the wetland. Oze Lake, set against the backdrop of the Nikko mountains, appears as a floating lake in the sky.
On clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji. The 360° view from the summit, looking down on the mountains, is a reward for the hard effort of climbing. Although the climb is challenging, Mt. Hiuchigatake, as a symbol of Oze, is worth attempting at least once.

11. Oze Lake

Oze Lake lies at the border between Gunma Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture, with popular access points from Odaimura in Gunma and Numayama Pass in Fukushima. Along with Ozegahara, Oze Lake is one of the most famous scenic spots in Oze. However, even from the nearest trailheads, it takes about an hour of walking to reach the lake from the roadblock point.
The area around Oze Lake is equipped with boardwalks, and you can walk around the lake in about 2.5 hours. You might be surprised that it takes 2.5 hours, but while walking the boardwalks with some ups and downs, you’ll enjoy the beautiful reflection of Mt. Hiuchigatake in the lake and the alpine plants blooming around the wetland, making it hard to feel tired.
There are rest areas near the lake’s shore where you can take a break, have a light snack, or simply relax while feeling the breeze that flows across the lake. It’s guaranteed to make you a fan of Oze!

12. Chozogoya

Chozogoya is said to be the most famous mountain lodge in Oze. It is the oldest lodge in Oze, built by Chozou-san, which is how it got its name. Built in 1934, the wooden Chozogoya not only has a charming appearance but also features long, sturdy wooden corridors that create an atmosphere unlike any typical mountain lodge.
Located right next to Oze Lake, it’s convenient for exploring Oze Lake, as well as heading toward Mt. Hiuchigatake and Ozegahara. The delicious water of Oze and freshly ground coffee beans at Chozogoya help hikers relax and recover.
The café in the annex uses old materials, and enjoying coffee, pizza, and wine under the light of lamps while looking out at the view of Oze Lake feels so cozy that you might even think you’re in a small hotel deep in the forest.
It’s only about an hour’s walk from the Numayama Pass trailhead, making it a great spot for sightseeing as well. If you plan to visit, just be sure to wear comfortable and safe footwear before heading out.

13. Oe Wetland

The Oe Wetland is one of the easiest places to reach in Oze. While it is smaller compared to Ozegahara, its beauty is in no way inferior.
When people think of Oe Wetland, they often imagine the view with the Three-Lined Larch trees, but the surrounding yellow carpet of daylilies (Nikkōkiso), the white tufts of cotton grass (Watasuge), as well as alpine plants like Iris japonica, Mount Hakusan orchids, and fireweed, make this spot a true treasure trove for flower lovers, offering one of Oze’s most beautiful landscapes.
The Oe Wetland is located near Numayama Pass and around the center of Oze Lake, only about a 30-minute walk from the trailhead. Even if you're not experienced with hiking or climbing, it’s worth taking a short walk with proper footwear to get a glimpse of Oze’s natural beauty.

◎ Summary of Tourist Spots to Enjoy Oze's Nature

Oze is home to glacial relic alpine plants and numerous rare and unique species that are found only in this region. Conservation efforts to protect these plants and animals are very active, making Oze a prime example of nature conservation.
To protect the environment, Oze has many regulations, such as car entry restrictions, hiking regulations, cleaning your shoes before entering, and the prohibition of soap in mountain lodges. These rules are directly connected to preserving the beauty of Oze today. When visiting, it’s important to follow these guidelines so that the beauty of Oze can be enjoyed for future generations.
Make sure to walk and hike Oze with your own feet. Understanding the beauty of nature naturally inspires a desire to protect it.

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13 Tourist Spots to Enjoy the Nature of Oze in Gunma Prefecture, a Treasure to Leave for Future Generations