Miraculous Lava Art! Recommended Spots at Onioshidashi Park!

Onioshidashi Park is a mysterious tourist spot where rugged lava rocks are scattered all around. It’s a sightseeing destination that spreads out like a scene from a real island of demons. In this guide, we’ll thoroughly introduce Onioshidashi Park, where you can enjoy nature’s artistic creations—from how to get there to detailed information about the restaurants!

What is Onioshidashi Park?

The origin of Onioshidashi Park is related to Mount Asama, which is also selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Mount Asama, located on the border between Gunma and Nagano Prefectures, is a popular sightseeing destination known for its beautiful seasonal landscapes. The area also has hot springs and ski resorts, so there’s plenty to enjoy even if you’re not into mountain climbing.

Onioshidashi Park was formed from the lava flow during the eruption of Mount Asama in 1783. It is said that the locals who witnessed the eruption at the time described it as “like demons were raging and pushing out the rocks,” which is how the park got its name.

Access Information

Since it’s located on a mountainside, getting there by car is convenient. However, buses are also available from the nearest stations. Just be aware that bus services are limited. During winter, there’s a risk of frozen or snow-covered roads, so it’s recommended to either use tire chains or drive with studless winter tires.

If you're driving, it’s about a 40-minute trip from the Usui-Karuizawa I.C. on the Joshinetsu Expressway via Nakakaruizawa and Onioshidashi Highway. From Komoro I.C., it’s about 50 minutes via Nakakaruizawa and Onioshidashi Highway.

If you’re taking the train, it’s about 25 minutes by bus from Manza-Kazawaguchi Station, 30 minutes by bus from Nakakaruizawa Station, and 40 minutes by bus from Karuizawa Station, which is also served by the Shinkansen.

Walking Courses

You can freely explore Onioshidashi Park, but there are also three recommended walking courses.

The shortest course, about 30 minutes, is a 1km loop: Omotesando → Kannon Hall → Urasando → Entrance. This is a great option for those short on time, people who aren't confident in their physical strength, or families with small children.

The next course takes about 40 minutes, following Omotesando → Kannon Hall → Alpine Plant Observation Course → Entrance. On clear days, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Northern Alps, Tanigawa Mountain Range, and Mount Nantai in Nikko. Between mid-May and late October, you might even see the glowing Hikarigoke moss.

The longest course, about 60 minutes, follows Omotesando → Kannon Hall → Oku-no-in Mountain Trail (Homura Kannon) → Entrance. This course extends further past Kannon Hall, looping around for about 1.2km.

Along the way, you’ll pass by the Homura Kannon (Flame Kannon) area and head towards the observation deck. Note that there are no railings at the deck, but you can enjoy the unique scenery of the rocky, flat area. If you have time, visiting Oku-no-in Mountain Trail is highly recommended!

Asamayama Kannon Hall

In Tsumagoi Village (formerly Kambara Village), located at the foot of Mount Asama, the 1783 eruption swallowed 152 homes and claimed many lives. Asamayama Kannon Hall was built to memorialize the victims of this disaster.

Before the eruption, Kambara Village had a temple that was a branch of Kaneiji Temple in Ueno, Tokyo. Therefore, Asamayama Kannon Hall was built as a branch of Kaneiji Temple.

Next to the main hall is an observation deck offering stunning views—a perfect photo spot! If you collect goshuin (temple stamps), don’t forget to bring your goshuincho (stamp book). You can receive a unique stamp featuring the Flame Kannon!

Onimeshi Center

Right after entering the park, you’ll find the Onimeshi Center, a spot where you can enjoy both meals and scenic views. On the first floor, there’s a ramen shop called Onibiyama and a group dining restaurant. The second floor is an observation restaurant, and the top third floor is an observation room. The panoramic glass windows let you enjoy the view of Onioshidashi anytime, regardless of the weather.

There’s also an outdoor observation deck you should definitely check out! You can access it either from the stairs next to the group restaurant entrance or through the observation restaurant on the second floor. You can even bring your food from the restaurant up to the deck, making it an ideal spot in pleasant weather.

Shop & Restaurant Info!

Inside the park, there are several places where you can eat and shop. Since Onioshidashi is located on the border between Gunma and Nagano prefectures, you’ll find local specialties and souvenirs from both regions. You can try oyaki (a Nagano specialty) and yakimanju (a Gunma specialty). Of course, there are plenty of lava-themed souvenirs too! From small accessories made with real lava to cookies designed to look like lava rocks, there’s a wide variety to choose from.

The main restaurants are inside the Onimeshi Center: the observation restaurant and the Onibiyama ramen shop. Their menus mainly offer curry, udon, and soba. How about enjoying a meal while gazing at the incredible scenery of Onioshidashi Park?

At Onibiyama, the signature Onibiyama Ramen is popular, but the Shinshu miso ramen and spicy miso ramen are also well-loved. They also serve kid-friendly ramen, so families with children can relax.

One important thing to note is the winter season. Both the shop and restaurants are closed in winter, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to dine or shop there.

Discount Ticket Info!

There are several ways to get a discount on the entrance fee to Onioshidashi Park. If you’re planning a visit, make use of them!

First, there’s a discount coupon available on the official website. It gives you ¥50 off for up to five people from the regular admission fee. You can simply show the coupon on your phone.

If you’re a JAF member, don’t forget to bring your membership card! You can get ¥100 off for up to five people, and you won’t have to search for coupons online. Times Club members can also get a discount—up to five people can get ¥150 off, so bring your membership card!

People with a disability certificate can also get discounts. For the holder and one companion, admission is ¥350 for junior high school students and older, and ¥250 for elementary school students.

There’s also a combined ticket for Tsumagoi Folk Museum and Onioshidashi Park. For junior high school students and younger, you can save ¥200; for elementary students, ¥150. It’s cheaper than using individual coupons, so if you plan to visit both places, be sure to get the combined ticket at either facility.

Lastly: The Unique Lava Rocks!

Many of the lava rocks in the park have names! You’ll find rocks called Gorilla Rock, Moai Rock, and even Sazae-san Rock. At the park entrance, there’s a photo guide with the names and appearances of these rocks, making it more fun to explore while searching for them.

Onioshidashi Park is easily accessible from the popular tourist area of Karuizawa and offers stunning views. If you want to experience a landscape unlike anything you’ve seen before, this is the spot to visit!

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Miraculous Lava Art! Recommended Spots at Onioshidashi Park!