Chozogoya Rest Area is a historic resting place on the shores of Lake Ozenuma, with a history closely connected to the development and conservation of Oze.
Its origins date back to 1890, when Chozō Hirano, one of the early pioneers of Oze, built a mountain hut at Numajiri. In 1915, the hut was moved to its present location on the eastern shore of Lake Ozenuma. At the time, it was the only mountain hut in Oze and became a popular base for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
That tradition continues today, with the facility providing visitors with a convenient place to relax and take a break. From Numayama Pass, the gateway to Oze from the Fukushima side, it is approximately a one-hour walk. From Oshimizu on the Gunma side, the journey takes around three hours on foot, making it a useful stopping point during an Oze hiking trip.
The free rest area behind Chozogoya is a convenient place to stop during a hike or trek around Oze. A small shop is located inside, selling drinks and light snacks as well as original souvenirs such as T-shirts, bandanas, photo books, and postcards.
One of the most popular treats is hanamame gelato, made with large flower beans grown in Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture. It offers a refreshing way to relax and recharge after walking through the mountains.
Coffee and other light refreshments are also available, making it possible to enjoy a leisurely break while taking in the surrounding natural scenery.
Toilets are operated on a contribution basis as part of Oze’s environmental conservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to contribute toward maintaining clean and sustainable facilities in this protected natural environment.
Chozogoya is more than simply an accommodation facility. It is a special place where visitors can experience both the natural environment and the history of Oze.
The main building was constructed in 1934 and features a substantial log construction. The wooden floors, pillars, and other details have developed a warm character over many decades, creating an atmosphere that reflects the lodge’s long history.
Inside are facilities including a lounge, dining room, and bath. The lodge also provides an opportunity for hikers to meet and exchange stories with other visitors.
At night, the area offers views of a star-filled sky with little light pollution. In the morning, mist may spread across Lake Ozenuma, creating an atmospheric and almost dreamlike landscape. The quiet surroundings offer an experience far removed from the noise of city life.
Chozogoya stands directly beside Lake Ozenuma, offering views across the peaceful lake toward the imposing form of Mount Hiuchigatake, the highest mountain in the Tohoku region.
The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, making the lakeside an excellent place to appreciate the natural beauty of Oze throughout the hiking season.
Within walking distance is Oegawa Marshland, famous as a “wetland of flowers.” From late May through autumn, a wide variety of alpine plants bloom across the marsh, including Asian skunk cabbage and Nikko kisuge daylilies.
The large colonies of Nikko kisuge in summer are particularly spectacular. When the flowers are in full bloom, the wetland can appear to be covered by a vast yellow carpet, creating one of Oze’s most iconic landscapes.
Chozogoya is conveniently located for exploring Lake Ozenuma and climbing Mount Hiuchigatake.
The trail around Lake Ozenuma has relatively little elevation change and can be enjoyed by a wide range of hikers, including beginners and families with older children. The complete circuit takes approximately three hours.
Well-maintained wooden boardwalks make it possible to walk through the area while protecting the fragile vegetation. Along the way, hikers can enjoy seasonal flowers, forest scenery, and peaceful views of the lake.
For more experienced hikers, Mount Hiuchigatake offers a considerably more demanding adventure. The round trip generally takes around six to seven hours and requires suitable hiking equipment and sufficient physical preparation.
From the summit, hikers can enjoy a spectacular panorama across Oze. On clear days, distant mountains can also be seen, making the challenging climb a rewarding experience.
Daini Chozogoya, located in the Miharashi area near the center of Ozegahara, is another mountain lodge associated with Chozogoya. It was established in 1956.
Surrounded by a quiet natural forest of beech trees, the lodge offers beautiful views of the expansive Ozegahara wetlands and Mount Shibutsu.
Accommodation is also available here, making it a useful base for exploring Ozegahara. Although it has a different setting from Chozogoya beside Lake Ozenuma, both lodges provide opportunities to experience different aspects of Oze’s natural environment.
The history of Chozogoya is closely intertwined with the history of nature conservation in Oze.
In the early 1930s, plans were proposed to construct a dam in Ozegahara. The Hirano family, who had long been associated with Oze, opposed the development in an effort to protect the area’s natural environment.
The movement became an important part of the early history of nature conservation in Japan. The beautiful landscapes enjoyed by visitors today have been preserved through the efforts of many people who worked to protect Oze over generations.
When visiting Chozogoya and the surrounding area, taking time to learn about this history can add another dimension to the experience, allowing visitors to appreciate not only the scenery but also the efforts that have helped preserve it.
Chozogoya Rest Area and its surroundings bring together the nature, history, and culture of Oze in one remarkable setting.
Walking quietly through the mountains while listening to the wind and birdsong offers a welcome escape from the pace of everyday life.
From the melting snow of spring and the colorful alpine flowers of summer to the golden grasses of autumn, Oze takes on a different character with every season. Located at the heart of this remarkable landscape, Chozogoya provides an ideal place to pause, rest, and appreciate the natural world.
For visitors exploring Oze, a stay or break at Chozogoya can become one of the memorable highlights of a journey through this extraordinary mountain wilderness.