Recommended for first-time visitors! Uonuma day trip course

Tadami at Oku Dam

Whether you're traveling by car or taking the local bus from JR Tadami , you'll start from the same Oku Dam. Take a deep breath of the Tadami , and your excitement will build for the journey to Oze that's just beginning.

*There are few restrooms ahead, so we recommend you use the restroom here.

Get your body used to going uphill!

Leaving the parking lot, the trail begins on an uphill slope. It's morning, so I wake up my body from its slumber. Once I reach the top of the slope, the dam's embankment comes into view.

Very impressive! The huge Oku Tadami

We arrived at the imposing dam embankment. The view from the height of 157m was magnificent. From here, we could see the lake.

Arriving at Oku boat dock

After leaving the parking lot, it's a 10-15 minute walk to the Oku boat dock. There are several types of boats lined up at the dock. This adds to the excitement of finally setting off for Oze!

Let's go to Oze!

Go down the stairs and board the boat. There are three types of boats that go to Oze on the [Ozeguchi Course]. It's fun to guess which boat you'll be on depending on the day. The very large Fantasia boat operates on the [Circle Course] and [Ginzandaira Course].

Like a fjord. A spectacular view created by the natural Tadami of Oku

The view from the boat is truly spectacular. The magnificent scenery is like a Nordic fjord. A breathtaking view unfolds before your eyes.

The most difficult part of the day?!

After the 40-minute boat ride, we climbed the stairs to board the bus.

*These stairs are said to be the most difficult part of this day trip course. Do your best to climb to the top!

Traveling through uncharted territory! Bus trip

From here, you will travel along National Route 352 towards Fukushima Prefecture. At first, the road is relatively straight, but gradually it will go through the forest and become a truly unexplored route. From the train window, you can see the Tadami River River, which flows from Oze, Mount Hiragatake, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains, and, in season, buckwheat flower fields.

Viewpoint! Primeval beech forest

After passing the Oike Parking Lot, the bus will stop for a while. This is a viewing spot where you can see a primeval beech forest that looks like broccoli spreading out below you. This is your chance to take photos while the bus is stopped.

We have arrived at the Numayama Pass trailhead , the Yamaguchi to Oze!

After about an hour's bus ride, we arrive at the entrance to Oze, the Numayama Pass Yamaguchi. This is where the climb to Oze finally begins. We use the restroom and replenish our fluids and energy. Of course, we do thorough warm-up exercises to avoid injury.

*Adjust your clothing and fasten your shoelaces properly.

We start climbing surrounded by the scent of mariesii

Numayama Pass is home to many coniferous trees called "Abies mariesii." This species is also known as "Aomori Todomatsu," and is an evergreen conifer that can be found at altitudes of 1,600 meters or higher. As you walk through the forest, you will be greeted by a pleasant, faint fragrance. This scent is actually the "Abies mariesii." Soothed by the refreshing forest scent, we set off for Lake Oze.

A short break on the pass

After about 30 minutes of hiking, you will arrive at the observation deck. There are benches here, so it's recommended to take a short break. From here, you will head downhill towards Lake Ozenuma.

Leaving the forest, we finally reach the marshland

After walking downhill for a while and passing through a deer fence, the Oe Marshland finally opens up before you. The open marshland scenery often elicits exclamations of admiration.

Welcoming visitors with marsh plants

When you enter Oe Marsh, you will be greeted by seasonal plants.

*On the boardwalk, you should generally keep to the right. Be careful not to walk side by side.

Arrived at Kobuchizawa Tashiro Junction

As you walk through Oe Marsh, you'll see a bench on your left. This is the bench at the Kobuchizawa-Tashiro Junction. The view is great, so we recommend taking a short break here.

There are plenty of sights to see

As you gradually get closer to Lake Oze, you can see Mt. Hiuchigatake, the highest peak north of Tohoku, and Lake Oze's landmark, the Three Larch Trees.

Arriving at the east shore area of ​​Lake Ozenuma

About 1 hour and 20 minutes after leaving Numayama Pass, you will arrive at the rest area of ​​Lake Ozenuma. Here you will find the Ozenuma Visitor Center, a shop, restrooms, and a mountain hut. Lunch is excellent as you gaze upon Mt. Hiuchigatake from the observation deck.

*There are shops and restaurants, but they may be sold out or closed, so please bring at least some food and drink with you.

Recommended stopover spot! Visitor Center

If you go to Lake Oze, be sure to stop by the Visitor Center. Here, you can not only learn about Oze through exhibits, but also find out what plants are currently in bloom, and check route information and weather conditions within Oze. If you talk to the staff, they will be happy to teach you all sorts of things about Oze.

On the way home

Time flies as you enjoy your time in Oze. We leave the area to make it in time for the bus departing at 3:00 PM from Numayama Pass. Even if you walk the same path as on the way there, or in the opposite direction, you may discover new plants that you didn't notice on the way there. We board the bus at Numayama Pass and head back on a bus and boat trip, enjoying the scenery at your leisure.

There are many other attractive routes in Oze. Please take a look here. → Route Introduction

Now, let's go to Oze!

What did you think? The Uonuma City Tourism Association also provides information on sightseeing, gourmet food, festivals, and other things to do in Uonuma City along with the Oze Uonuma Route. Please also check out our official website!