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
10 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
-
1Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
2Spa Resort Hawaiians: A Tropical Escape with a Japanese Soul in Iwaki
Fukushima - Sponsored -
3A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA
Tokyo - Sponsored -
4Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
5Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
6Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
7A Hidden Getaway in Yaizu, Shizuoka
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
8An Immersive Look Into Akita’s Food Heritage
Akita - Sponsored -
9An Intellectual Journey Through Fujita Tsuguharu’s Legacy in Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
10Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture
-
1Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
2Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo -
6Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
7Winter in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide
Planning -
8Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
10Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba