I have long since known of the beauty of Oze National park, but it wasn't until very recently that I realized how close I actually lived to it. This famous national park actually sits on the border of Gunma and within a few short kilometers of my favorite hikes. With a bit of map gazing I decided to see how close I could get to peering down into that notorious valley, but staying in my own home prefecture. So on a relatively clear day in the beginning of October I ascended Kasagatake, but the weather was not in my favor. Clouds congregated to the northwest and concealed the national park. I was only given brief glimpses of blue skies reflecting in mountain top pools and fall colors, but not of the marshland national park I was seeking.
- 1 min read
Climbing Mt. Kasagatake
Under a blanket of clouds

By C. Rio
Community writer

Clouds clearing (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

On the way up (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Above the clouds at the summit (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

The colors of fall (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

The path (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Reflections (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

The casualty of the hike (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Last bits of light (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)
Join the discussion
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
I was just at Oze for the summer, but wow, I think I'll have to go back for fall colors. Were there lots of momiji???
Radica Sooknarine
10 years ago
Spectacular photos! Definitely worth the shoe sacrifice! :)
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
2
Mt. Fuji Hike 2025: New Safety Rules & Registration Guide
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
3
Honzawa Ranch Observation Deck
Hokkaido -
4
Capcom Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
6
Shirakawa-go Named on World's Top Small Towns List
Planning -
7
Kamenoi Hotel Atami
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
8
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
9
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
10
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Adachi Fireworks
Tokyo -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto