How to Enjoy the Green Season at Oze National Park

Oze National Park is one of Japan's most nature-rich national parks, spanning the three prefectures of Fukushima, Gunma, and Niigata. Especially during the green season (from spring to autumn), it is a time to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of places like Oze Marsh, Mount Hiuchigatake, and Mount Shibutsusan. This time, I will introduce in detail the spots to visit and ways to enjoy Oze National Park during the green season.

Overview of Oze National Park

Natural diversity

• Oze National Park is a place where diverse natural landscapes spread out, including Oze Marsh, the largest high-altitude wetland in Japan, as well as Ozenuma, Mount Hiuchigatake, and Mount Shibutsu. The beautiful scenery of the four seasons captivates visitors.

History and conservation

• Oze has been loved and protected by many people throughout its long history. In 1960, it was designated as a national park, and efforts to preserve its rich natural environment continue.

The Charm of Ozegahara

A treasure trove of marshes

• Oze Marsh is the largest high-altitude wetland in Japan, boasting a vast area. Flowers such as skunk cabbage and daylilies bloom in every season, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful scenery.

Boardwalk hiking

• The wooden path that continues through Oze Marsh is a route that even beginners can walk with confidence. You can leisurely stroll through the wetland while feeling the breath of nature.

Must-see spots

• Yamanohana: It is the entrance to Oze Marsh, where there is a visitor center and a rest area. The route into the wetland begins from here.
• Gyūshū Bifurcation: It is an excellent point in the central area of Oze Marsh where you can overlook the scenery of the wetland.

Spectacular views of Mt. Hiuchigatake and Mt. Shibutsu

The charm of Mt. Hiuchigatake

• Mount Hiuchigatake is a mountain with an elevation of 2,356 meters and is an iconic presence in Oze National Park. The magnificent view of Mount Hiuchigatake from Oze Marsh is breathtaking and is also a popular spot for photography.

Spectacular views of Mt. Shibutsu

• Mount Shibutsu is a mountain with an elevation of 2,228 meters, and it is a beautiful place with a view from Oze Marsh. The scenery from Mount Shibutsu is also magnificent, and from the summit, you can overlook the entire Oze Marsh.

Scenery from Ozegahara

• The combination of Mount Hiuchigatake and Mount Shibutsu visible from Oze Marsh is one of the representative landscapes of Oze. Along with the rivers flowing through the wetlands and the flowers, you can enjoy the magnificent sight of the mountains.

How to enjoy the green season

hiking

• There are many hiking courses in Oze Marsh and the surrounding mountains that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced hikers. The variety is rich, including courses where you can enjoy the wetland flowers while walking on wooden paths.

photo shoot

• The beautiful scenery of Oze is an excellent subject for photography enthusiasts. The landscape woven by wetlands, lakes, flowers, and the surrounding mountains changes its expression with the seasons. In particular, capturing the sunrise and sunset is not to be missed.

Bird watching

• Oze is also a place where various wild birds inhabit. Observing wild birds with binoculars in a quiet environment is also a pleasure. Especially in the early morning and evening, many birds are active during this time.

What to do after the activity

Refresh in the hot springs

• "After visiting Oze, it's also recommended to relax your fatigue at a nearby hot spring. Let's reset the fatigue of a day spent in nature while soaking in the hot spring."

Delicious local food

• There are many dining places around Oze where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine. Please savor the unique flavors of the region, such as wild vegetable dishes and fresh fish dishes.

Rest Spot

• "After hiking or climbing, it’s nice to take a break at a cozy café. Around the Oze area, there are various cafés and rest areas where you can relax while feeling the nature."

Green season precautions

Clothing and equipment

• The climate in Oze can be changeable, and it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so layered clothing is recommended. Additionally, when walking in the wetlands, it is advisable to wear comfortable trekking shoes or waterproof footwear.

Food and water

• Due to the limited number of kiosks in the park, be sure to prepare enough food and water in advance. It is convenient to bring light snacks or treats that can replenish your energy during the hike.

Nature Conservation

• Oze is a nature reserve, and it is important to cherish the plants and animals. Let's enjoy it while following the rules, such as staying on designated paths and taking our trash home.

summary

The green season of Oze National Park is a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty of nature and a variety of activities. There are many ways to enjoy it, such as hiking, photography, and bird watching in Oze Marsh, Mount Hiuchigatake, and Mount Shibutsu. Let's fully appreciate the nature of Oze while keeping proper preparations and manners in mind.