Oze National Park

Oze National Park

Oze is home to a plethora of beautiful flowers. These include the Asian skunk cabbage that blossoms in the marshes as the snow melts, and the bright yellow of the Nikko Kisuge, which is reflected in the marshes just when the surrounding mountains become green. The nature of Oze is symbolized by its beautiful flowers, and together with the mountains, lakes, marshes, rivers, forests, and wildlife that lives in this region, create a stunning sight. Chozo Hirano opened up the area around 100 years ago, and because of the protection of its magnificent nature up until now, Oze has become a symbol of nature conservation in Japan. The beautiful nature of Oze presents a different face throughout the seasons, and all continue to charm us. 

Key points of the sightseeing spot/ recommended points for tours:  In order to both preserve the precious nature of Oze, and to be able to come face-to-face with its splendor, we recommend that you visit on weekdays, and take your time to encounter the nature of Oze. Oze has the Ozenuma Visitor Center and the Oze-Yamanohana Visitor Center as locations from which you can both appreciate Oze's nature, and learn about the environment. At the visitor center, you can learn from displays that explain in an easy-to-understand the formation of the nature in Oze, points to see, and the most up-to-date information about the natural environment. This lets you more fully enjoy the appeal of the nature of Oze.

Visits are even more enjoyable when you know more; therefore we recommend visits with a guide who can tell you more about the nature and charm of Oze. We urge visitors to make use of the certified guides who have a wealth of knowledge about Oze's nature, culture, and history, and who can ensure your visit is safe.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttp://www.pref.fukushima.lg.jp/w4/oze/en/
Contact

The Oze Preservation Foundation

(+81) 27-220-4431

Best Season
  • Summer
  • Autumn
Opening Hours

Note that from early Nov. to late Mar., roads will be closed due to heavy snows.

Related infoFor more information about hiking in Oze National Park (including information about parking lots, mountain lodges, hiking trails and more) please check out the links below.

<a href="http://www.pref.fukushima.lg.jp/w4/oze/en/">- Fukushima Prefecture's Oze National Park Access Website</a>

<a href="https://www.oze-fnd.or.jp/en/rg/">- Oze Preservation Foundation Site</a>
Access Details
AccessHiuchigatake, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Pref. 967-0531
View directions
Getting there

Oze National Park is a huge park with many trailheads.

Reaching the Numayama-toge Pass Trailhead for Ozegahara Marsh or Mt. Hiuchigatake via Ozenuma:

  • You can reach this trailhead by bus from Aizukogen-Ozeguchi Station (Aizu Railway Line) via a 2 hour bus ride (Aizu Bus Co.)
  • The trailhead location and address is shown above.

To the Komagatake-tozanguchi Trailhead:

  • This trailhead can be reached directly from Hinoemata Onsen Town.

Nearby

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The World Glassware Hall
Nature & Scenery

Shibuki-gori (Naturally-forming ice sculptures)

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The World Glassware Hall
History & Culture

Mt. Bandai 3D World

Experience a simulation of the 1888 Mt. Bandai Eruption in 3D! Mt. Bandai 3D World is a theater developed by Sony, situated right across the road from the Mt. Bandai Eruption Memorial Museum. The circular walls inside the building are covered with a large, panoramic 3D screen - measuring 4.5 m in height, and 42 m around. The powerful acoustics transport visitors to the Urabandai area of 1888, and allow them to feel as if they were there during the great eruption of the same year. The theater's 3D graphics simulate this event, portraying the fleeing of animals that sense the eruption in advance, and the disarray of huge boulders and intense volcanic mud splashes being flung in the air due to the eruption.There is also a simulation of a "walk in the sky" around Mt. Bandai, where visitors can experience a panoramic bird's-eye view of Mt. Bandai's across the four seasons. Take in alpine plants such as skunk cabbages and Nikko-kisoge flowers as you pass over the Oguninuma Wetlands. Shows usually start twice an hour (the first on the hour, and the second at 30 minutes past.)

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Lake Inawashiro Sightseeing Boat

As the fourth-largest lake in all of Japan, Lake Inawashiro is well-known for its gorgeous blue waters, wildlife sightings and stunning views thanks to its position south of the Bandai mountain range. This sightseeing boat gives visitors a chance to get out on to the lake, where they can enjoy the atmosphere and soak in the sights.Guests can step out on to small sightseeing decks at the front and rear, although it's worth bringing a heavy jacket as the wind chill is quite bracing in winter on the front deck.On the interior, announcements over the tannoy explain more about the history of the area in Japanese, English and Mandarin. The journey takes about 35 minutes.The swan boat leaves every hour between 10am and 4pm, while the turtle boat leaves every half an hour on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only. In winter, the turtle boat remains docked and functions as a cafe and waiting area (from December 15th). The winter schedule for the swan boat is also reduced, with departures at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Urabandai Highlands
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Urabandai Highlands

The Urabandai highlands of northern Fukushima Prefecture, are situated at an altitude of 800 meters and surrounded by Mt. Bandai, Mt. Adatara, and Mt. Azuma. The highlands were created by Mt. Bandai erupting in 1888. Urabandai is part of Bandai Asahi National Park and offers a variety of seasonal attractions. Cool weather in summer and deep snow in winter make Urabandai a perfect place for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment. About 300 lakes and ponds, including the Goshiki-numa Ponds and Lake Hibara, are scattered across Urabandai. The harmonious beauty of nature created by the abundant woodlands and lakes will certainly touch the hearts of all visitors.

Goshiki-numa Ponds
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Goshiki-numa Ponds

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