Oze National Park, a vast high-altitude wetland straddling Gunma, Fukushima, Niigata and Tochigi prefectures, is accessible from Gunma’s Hinoemata trailheads and protected as a national park since 2007. Wooden boardwalks wind through the fragile marsh ecosystem, famous each June for spectacular blooms of white skunk cabbage (mizubasho) carpeting the wetland, followed by alpine wildflowers through summer, with Mt. Shibutsu rising above the plain and offering more demanding hiking for those wanting mountain views.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Katashina, Gunma (Hinoemata access) |
| 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 for more demanding mountain hiking.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Shima Onsen for a post-hike soak.
- Pair with Lake Haruna for a nature-focused Gunma trip.
- Read our Gunma overview .
Getting There
- By bus: seasonal shuttle buses from local stations to the Hinoemata 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 into more rugged terrain.
