Oze Marshland National Park is one of Japan’s great wilderness areas, a vast high-altitude wetland straddling Fukushima, Gunma, Niigata and Tochigi prefectures, protected as a national park since 2007. Wooden boardwalks wind through the marsh, letting hikers explore without disturbing the fragile peat-bog ecosystem, famous each May and June for spectacular blooms of white skunk cabbage (mizubasho) followed by alpine wildflowers through summer, with Mt. Shibutsu rising above the plain.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Southern Fukushima border (Hinoemata) |
| Hours | Trail season roughly late May–October |
| Admission | Free; parking fees apply at trailheads |
| Time needed | 3–6+ hours depending on route |
| Best time | Late May–June (skunk cabbage); July–August (wildflowers) |
What to See
- Vast wooden boardwalks through protected marshland.
- Spectacular skunk cabbage (mizubasho) blooms in late spring.
- Alpine wildflowers carpeting the marsh through summer.
- Mt. Shibutsu rising above the wetland plain.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Lake Inawashiro sightseeing on the return route.
- Pair with Tsuchiyu Onsen for a post-hike soak.
- Read our Fukushima overview .
Getting There
- By bus: seasonal shuttle buses from Aizu-Kogen-Ozeguchi Station to the trailhead.
- By car: private cars restricted near the marsh in peak season; use designated parking with shuttle transfer.
Tips
Private vehicle access is restricted during the peak May–October hiking season — check current shuttle bus arrangements before travelling. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as trails extend well beyond the boardwalk sections.
