Video introduction of "Skunk cabbage in Oze" taken in 2022 This video, titled "The Skunk Cabbage of Oze Marsh, 2022｜A Skunk Cabbage Colony in the Shimono Ohori River" (2022 尾瀬の水芭蕉 尾瀬ヶ原 下の大堀川ミズバショウ群生地), was uploaded by "Northen Japanese Alps Nature Video." The bright landscape of Oze National Park, introduced in the nine minutes of video, is as beautiful as an impressionist painting. In the video, taken on May 29th, 2022, you can see there is some snow left on the surface of Mt. Shibutsu (至仏山, Shibutsuzan) and the majestic mountain can be seen towering against the blue sky. Fully bloomed skunk cabbages sway in the wind on the vast marshland at the foot of Mt. Shibutsu. The abundance of water in Oze National Park is also home to frogs and other creatures and you can even hear frogs, a sound you won't hear in the cities. Walking along the boardwalk of Oze Marsh (尾瀬ケ原, Ozegahara) while listening to the bubbling of the Shimono Ohori River (下ノ大堀川 Shimono Ohori River) is therapeutic. Oze, a Place Whose Beauty is Sung About in Traditional Japanese Songs Photo：Oze National Park The beauty of Oze is no secret to the people of Japan, and it has even been featured in traditional Japanese songs dating back to the 1940s. But for those of us not familiar with Oze, here's a quick introduction. Oze is a plateau that straddles the four prefectures of Fukushima, Niigata, Gunma, and Tochigi. Oze is a basin surrounded by 2000-meter-tall mountains, such as Mt.Shibutsu (至仏山, Shibtsusan), Hiuchigatake (燧ヶ岳, Hiuchigatake), Mt. Keizuru (景鶴山, Keizuruyama), and Mt. Nakahara (中原山, Nakaharayama). The marshland centering on Oze Marsh, which is said to have been formed around 10,000 years ago, was designated as Oze National Park (尾瀬国立公園 Oze Kokuritsu Koen) in 2007 and as such, the terms "Oze" and "Oze National Park" are synonymous with one another. Oze National Park is a major scenic spot that has been selected as one of the Top 100 Views of Japan. Other than the marshland of Oze Marsh, many ponds and swamps can be seen on the nearby mountainsides. After the snow melts in May, all the plants and trees bloom at once. There are boardwalks and benches as well, so visitors can enjoy a refreshing walk while taking in all of the natural scenery. The Skunk Cabbage of Oze National Park – A Treat for the Eyes Photo：Skunk cabbage Asian Skunk Cabbage is characterized by its large white petals, but these white petal-like things are not actually petals, rather, they are bracts, which are specialized leaves. Skunk Cabbage is called "Mizubasho" in Japanese (水芭蕉, lit. 'Water Banana'). The name comes from the shape of its leaves, which resemble those of the Japanese banana plant, and from the fact that it grows near water. It's a perennial plant of the arum family that grows in mountainous marshlands, and its flowers are at their best from late May to mid-June in Japan. Although bloom dates are dependent on the amount of snowfall each year, the best time to see skunk cabbage in Oze National Park is the same; late May to early June. In the first week of June especially, Oze National Park is crowded with tourists looking to see the clusters of skunk cabbage in bloom. The Nature of Oze National Park & 2 Popular Hiking Courses in the Area There are many hiking courses in Oze National Park, but the two most popular hiking courses are the Ozegahara Course and the Ozenuma Course. These two courses are recommended for first-time visitors to Oze National Park. Incidentally, the hiking course introduced in the video is the Ozegahara Course. Photo：Ozegahara ●Ozegahara Course This course circles Oze Marsh, the largest marshland on Japan's mainland. The boardwalk is well maintained, so even beginners can walk the course with ease. [Main route] Hatomachi Toge (鳩待峠, Hatomachitoge)→ Yamanohana Visitor Center (山ノ花, Yamanohana)→ Kamino - Ohori River (上ノ大堀川, Kamino Ohori Kawa)→ Ushikubi (牛首, Ushikubi)→ Miharashi (見晴, Miharashi)→ Ryugu Hut (龍宮小屋, Ryugu Goya) (Overnight stay). ※If you're visiting on a day trip, turn back at Kamino - Ohori River or Ushikubi. Ryugu Hut→ Miharashi→ Akatashiro Branch (Akadashiro Bunki)→ Yoppi Suspension Bridge (ヨッピ吊橋 Yoppi Tsuribashi)→ Ushikubi→ Yamanohana Visitor Center→ Hatomachi Toge [Video] 1:28 - Walkers on a Well-Maintained Wooden Path Photo：Oze Marsh and Hiuchigatake ●Ozenuma Course This is a hiking course around Lake Ozenuma and it's the course with the least amount of inclines and declines. Although this course can be hiked on a day trip, it's recommended that you stay overnight at a lodge. Lake Ozenuma at sunset with the stars in the night sky makes for an unforgettable experience. The Numayama Pass Observation Deck (沼山峠展望台, Numayama Toge Tenboudai) is located at the end of a conifer forest uphill from the Oze Numayama Pass bus stop. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Ozenuma. On the first day, go to Sanpeishita (三平下) via the east bank of Lake Ozenuma. From Sanpeishita, you can see Hiuchigatake (燧ヶ岳, Hiuchigatake) and Lake Ozenuma, making it a popular vantage point. On the second day, start from the south bank of Lake Ozenuma to Numajiri (沼尻, Numajiri). Numajiri is also a beautiful place with ponds and in spring and summer, you can see pygmy water-lilies and Japanese thistle. After passing through the north bank of Oze Marsh, return to Numayama Pass. [Main route] Numayama Pass→ Ozenuma Villa (Overnight stay) Ozenuma Villa→ Numajiri→ Oze Marsh→ Numayama Pass Hotels, Hot Springs, and Where to Eat Near Oze National Park Photo：The Hatomachi Toge Rest Area The Hatomachi Toge Rest Area is located at Hatomachi Toge, the starting point of Ozegahara in Gunma Prefecture. Many tourists use this spot to prepare before hiking and to eat. The Hanamame Soft Cream ice cream is also popular. For visitors to Oze National Park, we recommend the Sky Terrace (天空テラス, Tenku Terasu) located 2,000 meters above sea level and the free Foot Bath in the Sky (天空の足湯, Tenku no Ashiyu). It takes about 15 minutes by the Nikko Shiranesan Ropeway (日光白根山 Nikko-Shirane San) to reach the summit station. Located on the border with Nikko, Tochigi, you can relax while enjoying a view of Mt. Nikko-Shirane. At Oze Katashina, a roadside station in Tone, Gunma Prefecture, visitors can enjoy direct sales of fresh highland vegetables from Katashina Village (片品村, Katashina Mura), as well as delicious meals prepared using locally grown vegetables at Katashina Diner (かたしな食堂, Katashina Shokudo)" and "Village People's Kitchen (村民キッチン, Sonmin Kicchin)." If you are considering staying near Oze National Park, Oze Hut (尾瀬小屋 Oze Koya) is another great spot we recommend. Despite the name of "hut," it's clean and has excellent facilities, such as the Oze Hut Terrace (尾瀬小屋テラス Oze Koya Terasu), which is open to outside visitors, as well as hot springs. The food is so good that it's hard to believe that it's located in the middle of Oze Marsh. How to Get To Oze National Park From Tokyo From Tokyo there are several ways to get to Oze National Park and there are also several different trailheads to enter the park from. From Tokyo, the easiest entry to the park via public transportation is the Hatomachi Toge trailhead. Tokyo Station to Oze National Park: Hatomachi Toge Trailhead From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomokogen Station (1 hr. 10 mins), from Jomokogen Station, take a Kan'etsu Bus to Numata Station (25 mins), from Numata Station, take a Kan'etsu Bus to Togura Station (1 hr. 15 mins), and from Togura, once more take a Kan'etsu Bus to Hatomachi Toge (35 mins). In total it will take approximately 4 hours to reach the Hatomachi Toge trailhead from Tokyo Station. Keep in mind that this is just one route and there are many different trailheads with which to start a hike in Oze National Park. Summary of Oze National Park's Charming Skunk Cabbage Oze National Park is the largest high-altitude marshland on Japan's mainland, and straddles the four prefectures of Fukushima, Niigata, Gunma, and Tochigi. Because of its vast geographical area, you can enjoy the nature of Oze with both hiking and overnight stays. When the short summer comes, various flowers bloom in Oze National Park. From late May to June in particular, when skunk cabbages, the representative flower of Oze National Park, are in bloom, many people visit Oze National Park to see the beautiful scenery. We hope this article can help you enjoy your trip to Oze National Park. Be sure to follow the hiking courses introduced above if you visit! 【Trip Advisor】Oze Marsh

Sightseeing Video Introduction of "Fujindo" Cave, a limestone cave in Tano County, Gunma Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "The Largest Limestone Cave in Kanto!" (関東最大級の鍾乳洞 『不二洞』), shows a fabulous view of the Limestone cave located in Gunma. There are many mysterious limestone caves found throughout Japan. Of all the limestone caves, Fujido Cave, located in Kawawa Nature Park in Ueno-village, Tano District is the largest in the Kanto region, with an astonishing length of 2.2 km. Fujido is designated as a natural monument of Gunma Prefecture. If you explore inside of the Fujido, you're sure to have an extraordinary experience! You can see a number of breathtaking views in the video. Be sure to check it out to see the mysterious Fujido Cave! Fujido Cave Photo：Fujido Cave A limestone cave is a natural cave that is formed over a long period of time by the gradual erosion of limestone rock due to the inflow of underground water. It's said that the Ueno-village area, where Fujido Cave is located, was once covered with a deep virgin forest. Villagers in the area discovered the cave about 1,200 years ago, and since then, the cave has been used as a place for Buddhist training. In the Fujido Cave, the Fujido Yayoi Matsuri (festival) is held every March. Through the festival, people pray for the safety of the Fuji cave, the largest cave in the Kanto region. Highlights of Fujido Cave! Source :YouTube screenshot You can see the exploration of Fujido Cave at 0:38 in the video. At the end of a 120-meter underground tunnel, visitors climb up a 40-meter pit staircase to find a spacious limestone cave. The cave is kept cool throughout the year at a temperature of about 11 degrees Celsius(51.8°F). In the limestone cave, there are a lot of Instagram worthy spots made by nature such as the "Five Colored Clouds" (0:54), "Yama's Staff of Pilgrimage" (1:25), "Dragon King Falls" (1:44), and "Nyoraido" (2:02) and many more. There’s a legend about "Yama’s Staff of Pilgrimage" that says if you make a wish and touch it seven times, your wish will come true. Source :YouTube screenshot Inside of the cave, there are 45 spots named after Buddhist beliefs. At 2:17 in the video, you'll see a sparkling tower made of limestone. This tower, called "Renge-no-To" (Lotus Tower) is the largest stone in the cave. Next, at 2:34 you can see "Hi-no-Hashira" (The Pillar of Flame), and at 2:49 the sacred spot known as "Gohyaku-Rakan." It is said that it takes about 100 years for the limestone to grow 1 cm. Next time you visit Fujido, pay attention to the artistic shape of the cave and try to comprehend the amount of time it took to form. Summary of Fujido Cave, the Largest Cave in the Kanto Region Photo：Fujido Cave A limestone cave is a mysterious phenomenon created by nature. In recent years, the area around the Fujido Cave has become a popular power spot. Inside the cave you can also see the lit-up limestone, as shown in the video. Since the footing in the cave is not very good, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to get around in. If you're looking to travel to some of Japan's best-kept secrets, come to the mysterious Fujido Cave and experience the beauty of mother nature. Check out the video and feel for yourself the deep history and wonder concealed within the Fujido's limestone walls! ◆Fujido Cave◆ 【Address】665 Kawawa, Ueno-village, Tano Gun, Gunma Prefecture 【Access】35 minutes by car from Shimonita Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway 【Hours】9:00 AM - 4:30 PM　※ 9:00 AM 〜 4:00 PM in November, 10:00 AM〜 3:00 PM from December to mid March 【Closures】Open year round 【Average time spent here】About 40 minutes 【Parking】Available 【Telephone】 0274-59-3117 【Entrance fee】Adults 800 yen/Elementary and middle school students 500 yen (※ as of November 2019)

Autumn Leaves at Gunma, Japan’s Agatsuma Gorge: Video Introduction This video will give you a view of autumn leaves like you've never seen before. Located in Gunma, Japan, Agatsuma Gorge (吾妻渓谷, Agatsuma Keikoku) is a wonderful place to enjoy the autumn leaves, and the perfect spot for filming some aerial views via drone! Bearing a resemblance to Mt. Fuji (富士山, Fujisan), the stunning shots of the 1,391-meter-tall Mt. Haruna (榛名山, Harunasan) will take your breath away. Immerse yourself in the superb background music and experience Agatsuma Gorge with a bird’s-eye view! [Video] 1:39 - Mt. Haruna Agatsuma Gorge – The Best Time to View the Autumn Leaves + More Photo：Autumn leaves in Agatsuma Gorge, Gunma Agatsuma Gorge carries the Agatsuma River (吾妻川, Agatsumagawa) between the towns of Higashiagatsuma (東吾妻町, Higashiagatsuma-cho) in Agatsuma County (吾妻郡, Agatsumagun), and Naganohara (原町, Naganohara-cho) in Gunma. The jewel in its crown is Agatsuma Gorge (吾妻峡, Agatsumakyo). A designated National Place of Scenic Beauty, the gorge is said to be on a par with Oita Prefecture's Yabakei Gorge (耶馬渓, Yabakei), and has even earned the moniker "Kanto's Yabakei." Its beauty is such that it even gets a mention in Jomo Karuta (a Gunma version of a card game where players compete to be the quickest to snatch a card that matches the chant "Yabakei shinogu Agatsumakyo" (lit. "Agatsuma Gorge, better than Yabakei Gorge")). Located on the gorge’s right bank is a 1.8-kilometer sightseeing trail, which makes for a 40-minute hike one way. The best time to view the autumn scenery pf the beautiful Agatsuma Gorge is said to be between the end of October and the middle of November, offering the opportunity to enjoy the vivid colors of the maples, cherry blossoms, and sawtooth oaks. The views of the autumn leaves from Koyodai Bridge (紅葉台橋, Koyodaibashi) and Shikatobi Bridge (鹿飛橋, Shikatobibashi) are particularly stunning, and have become popular Instagram spots amongst travelers to the area. [Video] 0:50 - Stunning Fall Scenery Rhododendrons and Spring Greenery – Must-See View and Things to Do in Agatsuma Gorge Photo：Agatsuma Gorge, Gunma Prefecture Aside from its autumn leaves, Agatsuma Gorge is also worth a visit in the spring. Heralding the arrival of the season of new life, rhododendrons bloom in a frenzy of purplish-red petals, and are soon followed by spiketail, Japanese roses, and all sorts of different flowers. Located at the final stop on the Agatsuma Gorge Hiking Course, Shohorai, a viewing platform, is a superb photo spot with a view of the gorgeous Yanba Dam (八ッ場ダム, Yanba Dam). At the rest area Roadside Station Agatsumakyo (あがつま峡), visitors can enjoy the "Tengu no Yu" hot spring after working up a sweat on the Agatsuma hiking trail. We definitely recommend making a trip like this out to Gunma in the spring. Things to Do Around Agatsuma Gorge: Asobi no Kichi NOA Established in 2020, Asobi no Kichi NOA (lit. Play Base NOA) is located a short distance from Yanba Dam. Against the beautiful setting of the dam and the Agatsuma River, this popular spot can be enjoyed with friends or family, offering a campsite, barbeque space, hot spring and a café. Perfectly positioned approximately one minute by foot from JR Kawarayu Onsen Station (JR川原湯温泉駅, JR Kawarayu Onsen Eki), the outdoor campsite and barbeque space have everything you might need to use available for rent, meaning you can show up empty handed and still have a great time. Inside the facility is Sasayu (笹湯, Sasayu), a hot spring which is available for both those staying at the facility and those visiting on a day trip. You can also tuck into food made with local produce at the café. It's a place where you can enjoy the great outdoors, great food, and relaxing hot springs. If you have the chance, head over to Asobi no Kichi NOA and get your fill of mother nature! By Bus or by Car? How to Get to Agatsuma Gorge Photo：Agatsuma Gorge, Gunma Prefecture Below is information on how to get to Agatsuma Gorge: [Access via Train] 10 minutes by bus from JR Iwashima Station (JR岩島駅, JR Iwashima Eki). Alternatively, should you choose to go by foot you should arrive at the entrance to the sightseeing trail in 60 minutes. [Access via Car] 60 minutes from the Shibukawa Ikaho Interchange on the Kanetsu Expressway (関越自動車道渋川伊香保IC, Kanestsu Jidoshado Shibukawa Ikaho IC) via Route 353 and Route 145. (※Be advised that some parts of the old Route 145 are closed to traffic) [Parking] 120 free parking spots are available. Junisawa Parking Lot (十二沢パーキング, Junisawa Paakingu) has 28 spaces, Keikoku Parking Lot (渓谷パーキング, Keikoku Paakingu) has 12, Roadside Station Agatsumakyo has 80, and Yokotani Parking Lot (横谷駐車場, Yokotani Chushajo) has 52. The parking lots can get rather busy during the holidays and when the autumn leaves are in season, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time and drive safe. The Agatsuma Valley Shuttle Bus operates from Roadside Station "Agatsuma Gorge" and other locations when the autumn leaves are at their best. [Agatsuma Gorge Shuttle Bus - Fares] ● Single Trip Adults: 200 yen / Children 100 yen (flat fare) ● One Day Pass Adults: 500 yen / Children 200 yen Agatsuma Gorge Sightseeing Roundup Agatsuma Gorge was created from lava ejected by an ancient volcano, which was later eroded away by the river's water. Against that splendid backdrop, maple, sawtooth oaks, Japanese red pines and all manner of trees blanket both banks of the river, adding a vibrant splash of color which changes with the seasons. Visit for yourself and experience the sightseeing trails and hiking courses surrounded by bountiful nature! 【TripAdvisor】Agatsuma Gorge https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1123091-d1423975-Reviews-Agatsuma_Canyon-Higashiagatsuma_machi_Agatsuma_gun_Gunma_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Autumn Leaves in the Floor of Houtokuji Temple: Video Introduction This video, titled "Houtokuji Temple "Peaceful days, and Supreme Happiness" A Tour of the Main Hall Precincts" (宝徳寺「日々平穏、これに勝る幸せなし」本堂境内案内), was uploaded by "Houtokuji Temple Official Channel" (宝徳寺Houtokuji公式チャンネル). In the video, you can enjoy the precincts of the temple, beautiful maple trees in different seasons, an aerial view of the Japanese dry rock garden, and the lovely and smiling Jizo statues. Be sure to check it out. Peonies, Green Foliage, and Illuminated Autumn Leaves - The Seasonal Beauty of Houtokuji Temple Photo：Wind chimes at Houtokuji Temple Houtokuji Temple is a temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism located in Kiryu, Gunma, in Japan's Kanto region, where there is plenty of natural scenic beauty. It was founded during Japan's Muromachi period by Lord Kiryu-Sano Masatsuna, a feudal lord of Kiryu. More than 500 peonies are planted on the temple grounds, and visitors can enjoy lovely scenery in spring. You can see lush green maples reflecting off the mirror-like floor. The collaboration of colorful fresh green foliage and peonies is one of the highlights of the temple. In addition, a Wind Chime Festival (風鈴まつり) is held at the temple during summer, where visitors write their wishes on strips of paper attached to wind chimes and walk through a tunnel of approximately 3,000 wind chimes to pray for happiness. The main attraction of the temple is the reflection of the autumn leaves on the floor. While there are several spots in Kyoto where you can see maple leaves like this, it's a rare opportunity in Japan's Kanto region. In autumn, around mid-November each year, more than 100 maple trees on the temple grounds are lit up, creating a beautifully divine atmosphere. The temple offers a wide variety of colorful expressions. Unique Shuin Stamps at Houtokuji Temple In addition to standard shuin stamps, Houtokuji offers a unique variety of shuin stamp that changes monthly. This unique shuin stamp has a different design each month, and is popular for its seasonal illustrations and designs. If you're a collector, be sure to check these out. In addition, there are also shuin stamps of the amabie, a deity that prays for the end of the novel coronavirus. In addition, original shuin stamp booklets are available for limited periods, and designs with cute Jizo and dragons are also available. Other Highlights of Houtokuji Temple Photo：The dry landscape garden at Houtokuji Temple The main hall of Houtokuji Temple is called Souryu-den, and three bodhisattvas, including a statue of the Gautama Buddha, are enshrined in it. On either side of the main hall are ink wash paintings of dragons, the Four Heavenly Kings of Buddhism, sea dragons, and cloud dragons, flanking the main image. It's a must-see for dragon lovers! There are also tenugui hand towels with twin dragons. There is also a Japanese dry rock garden at Houtokuji Temple. The video shows an aerial view of the garden. [Video] 1:20 - Japanese Dry Rock Garden The path of calm Jizo statues within the precincts of Houtokuji Temple is lined with various types of Jizo statues, all of which will bring a smile to your face. [Video] 5:17 - Jizo Statues Access & Area Information [Access by Train] ・Nearest station: Aioi Station or Akagi Station By taxi: 15 minutes By bus: Take the bus bound for Fukiage and get off at Houtokuji Temple (宝徳寺入口, Houtokuji Iriguchi). 20-25 minutes ※The Tobu Limited Express Ryomou from Asakusa Station to Akagi Station takes less than 2 hours, so it's possible to make a day trip from Tokyo. [Access by Car] ・Approximately 30 minutes from the Ota-Kiryu IC or Isesaki IC There are two parking lots at Houtokuji Temple. Summary of Houtokuji Temple - A Temple Where Autumn Leaves Are Reflected on the Floor Photo：Autumn colors at Houtokuji Temple Located in Kiryu, Gunma, Houtokuji Temple is a historic temple where visitors can enjoy the changing scenery of Japan's four seasons. One of the reasons for its popularity is that early morning zazen (zen meditation) sessions are held free of charge on the first Sunday of every month. Participating could be an opportunity to get away from daily life and do some self-reflection in a quiet environment. There is also a large bell in the bell tower, and a New Year's Eve bell ringing ceremony is held on New Year's Eve. The area around Houtokuji Temple is also worth visiting for the spectacular views from Akagi Shrine and Mt. Akagi. When you go sightseeing in Gunma, consider stopping by Houtokuji Temple to see the verdant green maple leaves in spring and the colorful autumn leaves in fall. It's a great place to take Instagram photos as well! 【TripAdvisor】Houtokuji Temple https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021165-d6614474-Reviews-Hotoku_ji_Temple-Kiryu_Gunma_Prefecture_Kanto.html