Katashina Village is located in northeastern Gunma Prefecture, with forests covering approximately 92% of its total area. Surrounded by the famous mountains of Mount Hotaka, Mount Nikko-Shirane, and Mount Shibutsu, all listed among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, the village is crossed by the clear waters of the Katashina River.
With beautiful scenery in every season, Katashina offers a wide variety of attractions, from wetlands and mountains to lakes, hot springs, outdoor activities, and traditional festivals.
Ozegahara is one of the largest high-altitude wetlands in Honshu. The vast wetland stretches approximately 2 kilometers from north to south and 6 kilometers from east to west.
The landscape changes with the seasons, from delicate Asian skunk cabbage in spring to brilliant Nikko daylilies in summer and golden-brown autumn grasses in fall.
Around Lake Ozenuma, the reflection of Mount Hiuchi on the surface of the lake creates a particularly beautiful scene, making the area popular with photographers.
Ayamedaira is a high-elevation wetland located on elevated ground south of Ozegahara. It is especially beautiful from July through August, when large colonies of Nikko-kojo yellow flowers bloom across the wetland.
At the Research Sample Garden, visitors can observe a concentrated example of Oze’s natural environment from wooden boardwalks. The area also features distinctive wetland landscapes, including small ponds known as pond pools and floating islands.
The Koshimoto Skunk Cabbage Forest is home to approximately 15,000 skunk cabbage plants. Well-maintained boardwalks make it easy to explore the area and enjoy the scenery.
The sight of delicate white flowers covering the forest floor in spring offers a different atmosphere from the larger wetlands of Oze.
Katashina is surrounded by several famous mountains, each offering a different experience for hikers and mountaineers.
Mount Nikko-Shirane is known as the highest peak in the Kanto region and offers spectacular panoramic views from its summit.
Mount Hotaka is also famous for its extensive fields of Japanese azaleas. In early summer, vivid red flowers cover the mountain slopes.
Mount Shibutsu is known as a treasure house of alpine plants, making it an excellent destination for visitors interested in observing rare mountain flora.
Around Katashina Hotaka Campground, approximately 15,000 Japanese azaleas bloom across the highlands. The flowers are usually at their best from mid to late June.
The area is designated as a Natural Monument of Gunma Prefecture, and the vivid red blossoms create a spectacular contrast with the surrounding green highland landscape.
Lake Marunuma, Lake Suganuma, and Lake Oshirinuma are surrounded by clear waters and beautiful mountain scenery. Their landscapes are attractive throughout the year, with particularly impressive views during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage.
The lakes are also popular destinations along scenic driving routes through the mountains.
Marunuma Dam is a buttress-style dam constructed in the early Showa period. It is the largest surviving dam in Japan of this particular structural type.
In addition to its engineering and historical value, the dam is a popular destination among visitors interested in dams, including those who collect Dam Cards issued at dam sites across Japan.
Several hot spring areas are scattered throughout Katashina Village, providing relaxing places to unwind after hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Each hot spring area has its own characteristics, and bathing in a quiet natural setting surrounded by mountains is a particularly relaxing experience.
Hana-no-Eki Katashina Hanazaku-no-Yu is a popular day-use hot spring facility. It also includes a farmers’ market selling local agricultural products and a restaurant.
It is a convenient place to stop and relax between sightseeing activities.
OZE-HOSHISORA GLAMPING & CAMP RESORT offers a comfortable outdoor stay beneath a spectacular star-filled sky.
The facilities make it possible to enjoy nature without giving up modern comforts, making the resort suitable for families as well as visitors who are new to outdoor camping.
These ranches feature expansive grasslands and offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the open scenery of the highlands.
Hotaka Ranch also hosts events such as the Hotaka Festival, attracting visitors from the surrounding area.
Shirane Fish Garden is a fishing facility that makes use of the area’s clear mountain streams. Visitors can enjoy activities such as rainbow trout fishing.
One of the highlights is the opportunity to have the fish you catch prepared and enjoyed on site.
Roadside Station Oze Katashina serves as an information hub for visitors to the area and offers a wide selection of local agricultural products and regional specialties.
Visitors can also purchase agricultural products and processed foods made using the area’s pure mountain water. It is a convenient stop for picking up local specialties and souvenirs during a trip through Katashina.
The Saruoimatsuri Festival, held at Hanasaku Hotaka Shrine, is a traditional event with a history of more than 300 years.
The festival has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and continues to preserve the region’s traditional beliefs, history, and cultural heritage.
Katashina Village offers a remarkable variety of attractions, from magnificent mountain and wetland landscapes to hot springs, outdoor recreation, local food, and traditional festivals.
Although widely known as one of the gateways to Oze, Katashina is much more than a starting point for exploring the famous wetlands. Its mountains, lakes, highlands, hot springs, and cultural traditions offer something to enjoy in every season.
For travelers seeking an immersive experience in the natural beauty and traditional culture of northern Gunma, Katashina Village is a destination well worth exploring throughout the year.