Stunning Colors! A Two-Day Early Fall Itinerary to Oze From Tokyo
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Oze National Park is one of the best places to enjoy early fall foliage near Tokyo. We introduce a two-day trip itinerary that includes hiking to Ozegahara Marshland, an overnight stay at an excellent hot spring hotel, local dining, an impressive waterfall, and a flower temple.
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Tokyo, Japan
Early Fall Foliage in Oze National Park
Photo by Pixta
One of the most beautiful places to enjoy nature near Tokyo is Oze National Park, which straddles four prefectures: Gunma, Fukushima, Niigata, and Tochigi. (*1) Famous for the lovely white mizubasho flowers (Asian skunk cabbage) that grace its marshes from late May until mid-June, Oze National Park is an excellent destination for those who wish to capture the beauty of the seasons in photos.
Picture courtesy of Gunma Prefecture
We introduce a two-day trip itinerary to Oze from Tokyo with a focus on the charm of this region in early fall. The itinerary includes a light hiking course, an overnight stay at an excellent hot spring hotel in Oze, an impressive waterfall, local dining recommendations, and a temple famous for its seasonal flowers.
*1 Oze National Park can be visited only from May until the end of October.
Find other great destinations near Oze on Visit Gunma
Day One: Hiking in Oze National Park
Traveling From Tokyo to Hatomachi-toge Pass
The entrance to Oze National Park, Hatomachi-toge Pass, can be reached in about four hours from Tokyo using public transportation. We suggest departing early in the morning so that you can complete the hiking course in Oze before it gets dark.
Take the 6:42 Joetsu Shinkansen from Ueno Station and get off at Takasaki Station where you can take a local Joetsu Line train bound for Numata Station departing at 7:45. You'll be reaching Numata Station at 8:33. From here on, you'll be using the local bus transportation network.
Head for bus platform 1 to take a bus to Oze-Tokura; the bus departs at 8:40. Once you reach Oze-Tokura bus stop (around 9:58), cross the large suspension bridge behind the bus terminal to the other side where you'll find the terminal for buses heading to Hatomachi-toge Pass. Buy a ticket using the vending machine (1,000 yen) and present the ticket to the staff before boarding. The bus for Hatomachi-toge Pass departs at 10:10 and you will reach your destination at 10:45.
There are shops and dining facilities at Hatomachi-toge Pass. We suggest buying water to drink on the way and light refreshments, as there will be no other shops until the Yamananohana rest area, which is 3.3 km away. Also, if you don't have a bear bell with you, it might be a good idea to purchase one here. The bell sound is a simple way to announce your presence and keep animals away.
Hiking to Ozegahara Marsh
The entrance to Oze National Park is located right in front of the rest area at Hatomachi-toge Pass. From here on, you'll be exploring an area with precious wildlife that has been preserved through great environmental protection efforts. Please do not stray away from the boardwalks and do not touch or collect plants on the way.
The 3.3 km trail that leads to Ozegahara Marsh runs through a primeval beech forest. In early fall, the foliage starts changing color. You'll notice an amazing palette of gentle hues ranging from yellow-green to orange and red.
The sound of the river that flows parallel to the trail fills the tranquility of the forest. You'll find yourself marveling at the shape of the trees, some obviously several centuries old, at the colors of the valley in the distance, and at the rare mountain flora encountered on the way.
It takes about one hour to reach the Yamanohana rest area, which lies at the entrance to Ozegahara Marsh. We suggest taking lunch at one of the dining facilities in the precincts. They offer ramen dishes, soba noodles, curry rice, and other types of hearty meals made with local ingredients.
For dessert, don't miss out on their soft-serve ice cream, which comes in unique flavors: hanamame sweet beans or Mizubasho sake, both local specialties of Oze.
Drop by the Oze-Yamanohana Visitor Center to view an exhibition of beautiful photos from Oze throughout the seasons. The facility has pamphlets and detailed information on the rare flora and fauna of Oze National Park.
After your break, take at least one or two hours to explore the Ozegahara Marsh, which is located 1,400 m above sea level. In early fall, the grass fields turn yellowish-brown creating a stunning contrast with the white of the birch trees and the blue of the sky.
As you face the Ozegahara Marsh, the peak to your left is Mt. Shibutsu (2,228 m). We suggest taking the trail through the marsh heading to the right toward the Ushikubi-bunki forking and Shimo-no-ohori River. This area offers spectacular views of the marshland in the fall.
Please keep in mind that it gets dark very early on the mountain; the shops at Yamanohana start closing as early as 14:00. You'll need at least one hour and 15 minutes for the way back to Hatomachi-toge Pass from Yamanohana (the way back is mainly ascending) and you'll want to reach the bus heading back to Oze-Tokura, which departs at 15:25. So please be careful how far you go exploring the marshland.
Return to Oze-Tokura
Tickets for the bus heading back to Oze-Tokura can be purchased at the Hatomachi-toge Pass.
Once you're back at the Oze-Tokura bus stop, call your hotel to pick you up. The pick-up service is available upon request for guests who booked their room beforehand.
Oze-Iwakura Resort Hotel: A Relaxing Stay with Excellent Hot Springs
Oze-Iwakura Resort Hotel is located right at the foot of Oze-Iwakura Ski Resort, the largest ski resort in Gunma, offering 16 ski courses of all levels of difficulty. This facility has been awarded the Gunma Excellence certification for its high-quality services.
The hotel has both western-style rooms with comfortable beds and Japanese rooms with elegant tatami flooring and futon bedding.
Picture courtesy of Oze-Iwakura Resort Hotel
After a day of hiking in Oze National Park, enjoy the blessing of the hot spring bath within the hotel. The water is gentle to the skin and will help you unwind.
Picture courtesy of Oze-Iwakura Resort Hotel
Dinner and breakfast at Oze-Iwakura Resort Hotel are a chance to feast on exquisite Japanese dishes made with locally grown ingredients. Dinner consists of a kaiseki course with seasonal dishes. Rainbow trout caught in mountain rivers of Gunma and flavorful Joshu beef are two local delicacies that are always on the menu.
The breakfast line-up is just as impressive; don't miss out on the locally made tomato juice, whose rich taste and sweetness will surely amaze you!
Oze-Iwakura Resort Hotel is a popular choice for the skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes in winter. During the other seasons, however, guests can enjoy the beauty of the mountain scenery and the tranquility of the area. Those spending several days in the area can enjoy water activities such as standup paddleboarding and kayaking at Lake Sugenuma in addition to hiking in Oze National Park.
Day Two: Waterfalls, Delicious Local Food, and a Flower Temple
The destinations we recommend visiting on your second day in Gunma are located in Numata City and the village of Kawaba. These places may be a little off the beaten path but it would be a waste not to visit them during a trip to Oze.
We suggest using the services of a local taxi (Japanese) for the day (*payment by credit card is accepted). Arrange for the taxi to pick you up at the hotel in the morning.
Fukiware Falls, a Marvel of Nature
Picture courtesy of Gunma Prefecture
Fukiware Falls will leave you astonished due to its unusual shape. This waterfall formed in a ravine along the Katashina River. The soft part of the bedrock was eroded by the stream, resulting in a 30-meter wide waterfall with a winding, leveled shape.
The boardwalk located on the side allows visitors to view the waterfall close up. The vortex is two meters away, right before your eyes. You'll literally feel the splash of the waterfall filling the air. The bridge located a few meters upstream offers a wonderful view of the peaks lining the river.
Picture courtesy of Gunma Prefecture
The scenery around Fukiware Falls is at its most beautiful in the fall when the mountains in the background are covered in dazzling foliage colors. The vivid blue color of the stream and the red foliage create a breathtaking contrast!
Please note, however, that in this area the leaves turn red around late October - early November, which is a little later than in Oze where the fall foliage season starts in early October. Consider visiting Fukiware Falls again around the beginning of November in order to relish the stunning colors of the fall foliage at its peak.
Kawaba Denen Plaza: An Excellent Place for Lunch and Souvenir Shopping
Kawaba Denen Plaza is a tourist and leisure facility located in the tranquil Kawaba village at the foot of Mt. Hotaka. It includes several dining and shopping facilities, playgrounds, studios for pottery workshops and other activities, and even a hotel!
If you wish to enjoy locally made Japanese cuisine for lunch, we suggest the soba restaurant Kokuzo. Their Irodori Soba Gozen set is a collection of some of the best seasonal flavors of Gunma, including Joshu beef, smoked duck, and mushrooms. The set consists of delicious homemade soba noodles, six small side dishes, and even a small portion of the famous Yuki Hotaka rice grown locally.
At the other dining facilities within Kawaba Denen Plaza, you can enjoy ramen and udon noodle dishes, pizza, pasta specialties, and other cuisines.
For light refreshments and coffee, stop by Cafe de campagne. Their smoothies and ice cream made with locally grown blueberries are a must-try! Those in search of a snack can drop by the Denen Plaza Bakery, which offers a wide range of freshly baked bread.
The Farmers' Market at Kawaba Denen Plaza is the best place to find souvenirs from your Gunma trip. In addition to fresh fruit and vegetables available at producer price, you'll find here jams and sweet snacks made with locally grown fruit, dairy products made at Kawaba Denen Plaza, beverages, pickles, and many other food items.
For a select range of souvenirs, stop by KAWABA Premier, a shop handling specialties made at Kawaba Denen Plaza. The lineup includes exquisite patisserie, the refined yogurt and cheese products of Kawaba Denen Plaza, and Kawaba beer, which is also brewed on site.
Kichijoji Temple: Walk Through a Splendid Garden with Seasonal Flowers
Kichijoji Temple can be reached in a few minutes by car from Kawaba Denen Plaza. This Zen temple of the Rinzai sect was established in 1339. The history of Kawaba village is closely connected to this temple, which became a pilgrimage site soon after its establishment.
Kichijoji is famous as a flower temple. Its splendid garden is filled with flowers and trees that bloom throughout the seasons. In spring, visitors can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms, peonies, irises, and other gorgeous blooms. Summer is the season of hydrangeas, lilies, and bellflowers, while autumn brings Japanese anemone, red foliage, and rare flowers like toad's lilies or aconites.
The garden is accessible to wheelchair users. We suggest taking the time to enjoy a leisurely walk and take in the colors of the garden. The sounds of the crystal clear stream will stay with you even long after you've left.
In the main hall, there is an area where visitors can enjoy a bowl of matcha tea and a confection while viewing the garden or the beautiful pond behind the building. A few minutes spent here will fill your heart with a feeling of gratitude toward nature and life.
While exploring the garden, take a closer look at the entrance gate. Built in 1815, it is a rare example of a two-storied temple gate.
Climb up to the second floor for a wonderful view of the garden from above. The second floor of the gate is home to sixteen statues of Buddhist saints. If you look closely, you'll notice that each has a different expression.
The Homotsuden, a treasure hall exhibiting historical items, Buddhist art, and statues related to Kichijoji, is another highlight of this temple.
Return to Tokyo from Numata Station
Once you reach Numata Station, it should be easy to return to Tokyo via Takasaki Station.
A Two-Day Trip to the Heart of Gunma
Oze National Park is one of the most beautiful areas in eastern Japan, offering a stunning array of natural scenery--from mountains to marshlands. Travel here in early fall (around the beginning of October) and you'll see some of the earliest red foliage of the year.
Combine your hiking trip with a tour of destinations that are a little off the beaten path in Numata and Kawaba, and you'll have an unforgettable trip to a region that surely deserves more attention from international visitors.
You can find other wonderful locations nearby by using Visit Gunma, a website that specializes in Gunma travel information. This site has a convenient Trip Planner function that makes planning your itinerary extremely easy and fun.
Plan your trip with Visit Gunma
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Written by Ramona Taranu
Sponsored by Gunma Prefecture
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Tokyo, Japan
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