HIKING IN FUKUSHIMA
With such an abundance of stunning nature, it is natural
that Fukushima Prefecture attracts hikers from all over Japan. From
the stunning marshlands of the Nikko National Park to the mountains
of the Azuma, Adatara and Ou ranges, Fukushima offers a variety of trails
of differing lengths and difficulty for hikers of all levels of fitness
and ability.
The Oze Wetlands
Situated within the Nikko National Park, which spans Fukushima, Gunma and Niigata Prefectures, the Oze Wetlands are one of the country's most treasured conservation areas. With a myriad of routes passing through forests, marshlands and mountains, Oze is suitable for hikers of all abilities. Famous for its wild flowers, Oze takes on a different appearance with each season - a carpet of white mizubasho in spring, the brilliant yellows of the day lilies in summer, and in autumn, the vivid reds, yellows and oranges of the wetland's grasses stretch as far as the eye can see.
Hikers can choose from Oze's variety of trails to plan a course ranging from two hours to several days in length. The trails around the marshlands are mostly flat and boardwalked, making for an easy stroll. For those looking for more of a challenge, there are several mountains in the immediate area, including Mount Hiuchigadake which towers at 2,356m. More suitable for fit and experienced climbers, a morning start is recommended as a return journey can take up to four hours. The Sanjo ga Taki Waterfall, located north of Oze Marsh, is also worth a visit. The descent is steep, and therefore, slow going.
However, the spectacular scene at the bottom makes it worthwhile, and almost makes one forget about the near-vertical climb back up to the main trail.
Because the weather at Oze is very changeable, wet weather gear is a must when hiking in the area. Also due to the delicate eco-system in the area, the use of soaps, shampoos and detergents is strictly prohibited.
Ura Bandai
The Ura Bandai region also offers plenty for the hiker. The looming figure of Mount Bandai towers over a network of hiking trails that weave their way through the Bandai Highlands. Of the many courses available, the Goshikinuma (Five Coloured Lakes) trail is one of the most stunning. An easy 3.6 kilometre (approximately one hour) flat walk through a dense forest of maples and pines, the trail winds around a collection of swamps which, due to mineral deposits in the water, range in colour from emerald green to rusty red.
Oguni Marsh is another highlight of the area. Located west of Mount Bandai at the foot of Mounts Oguni and Nekomagadake, the marsh, like Oze, is noted for its wild flowers. The five kilometre (approximately 2 hour) trail onto the marsh is a gentle climb through a forest of beech, Japanese oak and maple trees, followed by boardwalk descending through fields of day lilies, gentians or blackberry lilies, depending on the season, onto the swamp below.
For a half day trek, hikers can take a loop trail instead of returning through the forest. This slightly more demanding alternative, a six kilometre trail from the swamp, passes over Mount Oguni before descending to Kita Shiobara Vi11age's La Vie Spa. Hikers taking this alternative are able to leave their cars at La Vie Spa and take a shuttle bus to the beginning of the course.
Jododaira Plateau
Located slightly east of Ura Bandai is the Azuma mountain range, which also features a wealth of hiking tracks. The region's landmark is Mount Azuma-kofuji, which blew its top in 1893, leaving a gaping crater at its summit and showering the region with volcanic rubble. From Jododaira Plateau, the mountain takes just ten minutes to scale, with an additional thirty minutes needed to circle the crater rim.
Just a stone's throw away from Azuma-kofuji is Mount lssaikyo, which is well worth scaling. Approximately a forty minute climb, the peak offers a splendid view of Goshikinuma, a vivid cobalt blue lake (not to be confused with the Goshikinuma in Ura Bandai), the Kamanuma crater lake and the Ubagahara plains. As the trail is covered in volcanic rubble, hiking shoes with good ankle supports are advised, as footing can be unsteady when descending. On the way back to Jododaira, a detour around the Kamanuma crater lake is also recommended. The boardwalk trail is an easy stroll taking just under an hour to complete.
The Oze Wetlands
Situated within the Nikko National Park, which spans Fukushima, Gunma and Niigata Prefectures, the Oze Wetlands are one of the country's most treasured conservation areas. With a myriad of routes passing through forests, marshlands and mountains, Oze is suitable for hikers of all abilities. Famous for its wild flowers, Oze takes on a different appearance with each season - a carpet of white mizubasho in spring, the brilliant yellows of the day lilies in summer, and in autumn, the vivid reds, yellows and oranges of the wetland's grasses stretch as far as the eye can see.
Hikers can choose from Oze's variety of trails to plan a course ranging from two hours to several days in length. The trails around the marshlands are mostly flat and boardwalked, making for an easy stroll. For those looking for more of a challenge, there are several mountains in the immediate area, including Mount Hiuchigadake which towers at 2,356m. More suitable for fit and experienced climbers, a morning start is recommended as a return journey can take up to four hours. The Sanjo ga Taki Waterfall, located north of Oze Marsh, is also worth a visit. The descent is steep, and therefore, slow going.
However, the spectacular scene at the bottom makes it worthwhile, and almost makes one forget about the near-vertical climb back up to the main trail.
Because the weather at Oze is very changeable, wet weather gear is a must when hiking in the area. Also due to the delicate eco-system in the area, the use of soaps, shampoos and detergents is strictly prohibited.
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| Oze - white blooms in spring | Oze - Day lilies in summer |
Ura Bandai
The Ura Bandai region also offers plenty for the hiker. The looming figure of Mount Bandai towers over a network of hiking trails that weave their way through the Bandai Highlands. Of the many courses available, the Goshikinuma (Five Coloured Lakes) trail is one of the most stunning. An easy 3.6 kilometre (approximately one hour) flat walk through a dense forest of maples and pines, the trail winds around a collection of swamps which, due to mineral deposits in the water, range in colour from emerald green to rusty red.
Oguni Marsh is another highlight of the area. Located west of Mount Bandai at the foot of Mounts Oguni and Nekomagadake, the marsh, like Oze, is noted for its wild flowers. The five kilometre (approximately 2 hour) trail onto the marsh is a gentle climb through a forest of beech, Japanese oak and maple trees, followed by boardwalk descending through fields of day lilies, gentians or blackberry lilies, depending on the season, onto the swamp below.
For a half day trek, hikers can take a loop trail instead of returning through the forest. This slightly more demanding alternative, a six kilometre trail from the swamp, passes over Mount Oguni before descending to Kita Shiobara Vi11age's La Vie Spa. Hikers taking this alternative are able to leave their cars at La Vie Spa and take a shuttle bus to the beginning of the course.
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| Oguni Marsh | Goshikinuma in autumn |
Jododaira Plateau
Located slightly east of Ura Bandai is the Azuma mountain range, which also features a wealth of hiking tracks. The region's landmark is Mount Azuma-kofuji, which blew its top in 1893, leaving a gaping crater at its summit and showering the region with volcanic rubble. From Jododaira Plateau, the mountain takes just ten minutes to scale, with an additional thirty minutes needed to circle the crater rim.
Just a stone's throw away from Azuma-kofuji is Mount lssaikyo, which is well worth scaling. Approximately a forty minute climb, the peak offers a splendid view of Goshikinuma, a vivid cobalt blue lake (not to be confused with the Goshikinuma in Ura Bandai), the Kamanuma crater lake and the Ubagahara plains. As the trail is covered in volcanic rubble, hiking shoes with good ankle supports are advised, as footing can be unsteady when descending. On the way back to Jododaira, a detour around the Kamanuma crater lake is also recommended. The boardwalk trail is an easy stroll taking just under an hour to complete.
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| Goshikinuma as seen from Mount Issaikyo |
| Copyright(C) International Relations Group. Fukushima Prefectural Government. Japan |
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