Mount Asama is an active volcano on the Gunma-Nagano border. It is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, and its eruptions have created some beautiful sights. One of those spots is Onioshidashi Park.
At Onioshidashi Park, there is a huge range of rocks made from hardened lava and over 100 species of alpine plants. Between spring and autumn, you can catch a glimpse of the goblin gold, a rare type of moss.
About Onioshidashi Park
Onioshidashi Park is located on the northern area of the foot of Mount Asama. The jagged rocks are a result of an eruption in 1783.
About the name “Onioshidashi”
The name “Onioshidashi” translates to “pushing the demon out”. There was a legend saying that a demon lived on Mount Asama, and that the eruption in 1783 was so intense that it resembled a demon spewing out the lava and rocks from the volcano.
A Sea of Rocks
Onioshidashi Park’s rocks
The sea of rocks at Onioshidashi Park measures 5 kilometers long with an area of 6.8㎢. The rocks are dark and jagged, and some are even as tall (or even taller) than humans.
The park during winter
Onioshidashi Park has a different feel to it every season. In the winter, the black rocks are covered in snow and create a beautiful contrasting effect.
Asamayama Kannondo Temple
Asamayama Kannondo Temple
As you’re walking through the park, you will see a bright red temple. This is the Asamayama Kannondo Temple, and is a branch temple of Kaneiji Temple in Tokyo.
It was built in 1958 as a tribute to those who passed away in the 1783 eruption. Today, people pray here to ward off evil and bad luck.
View from the temple
The temple is built on a place with an amazing view. From the Asamayama Kannondo, you can get a great view of the park and of Mount Asama and Mount Kusatsu-Shirane.
100 Rare Alpine Plant Species
There are about 100 rare alpine plant species on the Onioshidashi Park grounds. You can walk through the Alpine Plant Observation Course to see a series of alpine plants, such as the iwakagami, blue mountain heath and alpine azalea.
Goblin Gold
Goblin gold
The goblin gold moss can be found in the dark areas in between the rocks. They shine in a beautiful emerald color. This moss is an endangered species, and Onioshidashi Park is one of the rare places where you can find it.
Light-up Event (summer)
As a part of a special summer event, Onioshidashi Park extends their closing hours. After sunset, Asamayama Kannondo and the walking areas get lit up, and create an atmosphere much different from the daytime. Stargazing events are held once in a while too, and you can see some beautiful stars from Mount Asama.
Access
Nearest station: Onioshidashi-en 鬼押出し園 (bus stop)
From Tokyo Station
【Tokyo Sta.】Hokuriku Shinkansen / for Kanazawa
→【Karuizawa Sta.】Seibu Kanko Bus / for Onioshidashi-en
→【Onioshidashi-en Bus Stop】
From Maebashi Station
【Maebashi Sta.】JR Ryomo Line / for Takasaki
→【Takasaki Sta.】Hokuriku Shinkansen / for Kanazawa
→【Karuizawa Sta.】Seibu Kanko Bus / for Onioshidashi-en
→【Onioshidashi-en Bus Stop】
Great views wherever you look
Onioshidashi Park greets you with a magnificent view wherever you look. It is a great place to go to for a breath of fresh air away from a big city and to fully enjoy nature. Visit in the fall for a beautfiul view of the Asama Plateau and its fall foliage!
Information
1053 Kanbara, Tsumagoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
0279-86-4141
8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Irregular holidays
Adults: ¥650 Elementary school students: ¥450
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