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Chatsubomigoke Park Gunma – Hidden Moss Valley of Emerald Green Streams

Chatsubomigoke Park Gunma – Hidden Moss Valley of Emerald Green Streams
Chatsubomigoke Park is a secluded valley in Nakanojo where rare acidic moss carpets streams in vivid emerald green, like a scene from a fantasy film. Our guide covers the main colonies and trails, seasonal highlights, what to wear, and how to pair your visit with nearby Shima and Kusatsu hot spring towns.

Highlights

Chatsubomi (Chatsubomigoke) Moss Park Overview

Chatsubomi Moss Park is covered in moss nurtured by acidic hot-spring water, creating an emerald-green “moss carpet” in a secluded setting.

Why It’s So Rare

Chatsubomi moss that grows in acidic areas is rare and can only be seen in a limited number of places in Japan.

Best Route and Highlights

Highlights include the First Chatsubomi Moss Colony / the former mining site “Ana Jigoku” / and the final lookout (a panoramic view of the moss colony and forest).

How Long to Visit

The trails are well maintained, and even at a relaxed pace you can walk the full route in about 1 hour.

Best Season

Spring to autumn is easiest to visit, and fresh greenery (Apr–Jun) and autumn foliage (Oct–Nov) make the moss’s green color stand out.

How to Get to Chatsubomi Moss Park

Public transport from around Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station is limited, so a taxi is a practical option. By car, it’s about 3 hours from Tokyo via Shibukawa-Ikaho IC; free parking for about 50 cars.

Hours and Admission

Reception hours: Apr–Sep 8:45–15:30 / Oct–Nov 8:45–15:00 (varies by season). Closed for winter from Dec to late Apr. Admission: ¥600 (elementary school and younger free).

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Chatsubomi-goke Park?

Chatsubomi-goke Park (Chatsubomi-goke Kōen) is a nature spot in Nakanojō Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, known for its distinctive moss scenery.

The wetlands, where highly acidic mineral spring water flows, are covered with “Chatsubomi-goke” moss, creating an emerald-green landscape.

It is known as a moss adapted to strongly acidic waterside areas, and you can enjoy scenery found only here.

It is designated as a National Natural Monument as the “Rokugō Chatsubomi-goke Biotic Community Iron Ore Formation Site.”

Another attraction is that from spring to autumn, you can enjoy different scenery in each season, including fresh greenery and autumn leaves.


Highlights of Chatsubomi-goke Park

1. A Dreamlike Moss Carpet! Mysterious Scenery

Chatsubomi-goke is known as a moss that grows in strongly acidic waterside environments.

Inside the park, there is an area where moss spreads along a river carrying mineral spring water, and you can observe it from boardwalks.

① A Moss Colony Landscape Found Only Here

The contrast between the flowing stream and the green moss is beautiful, and it is also popular as a photogenic spot.

② A World Like a Ghibli Movie

The scenery created by a vast carpet of green moss, flowing mineral spring water, and the surrounding forest feels like a scene from a story.

2. Recommended Walking Courses in the Park

Walking paths are maintained inside the park.

From the management office to the Chatsubomi-goke colony area (Ana Jigoku), it is about 1 km, and a shuttle bus may operate depending on the season.

The Ana Jigoku walking area has boardwalks, and you can make a full loop in about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

① Chatsubomi-goke Colony at Ana Jigoku

This is the park’s main spot, where you can enjoy the moss scenery up close.

The contrast between the stream and moss is beautiful, making it perfect for a walk.

② The Relationship Between Chatsubomi-goke and Iron Ore

This area is known as a place where limonite mining was once carried out.

The overlap of iron-related phenomena from mineral springs and the moss’s growing environment contributes to this unique landscape.

③ Viewpoint

From near the end of the walking trail, you can look out over the moss colonies and surrounding forest.


3. Best Seasons and Seasonal Scenery at Chatsubomi-goke Park

The park mainly opens during snow-free seasons, and it may be closed in winter.

① Spring to Early Summer

  • Fresh greenery season, when the moss looks especially vivid
  • Cool and easy to walk, making it a good time for a stroll

② Summer

  • The trees become deeper green, and you can enjoy the contrast with the moss
  • On sunny days, choosing shaded paths makes walking more comfortable

③ Autumn

  • There are times when you can enjoy both autumn leaves and the green moss together
  • The best viewing period changes depending on the weather and the year


4. Recommended Nearby Attractions Around the Park

✅ Shima Onsen (a hot spring area known for its famous waters)

✅ Kusatsu Onsen (a hot spring town famous for Yubatake)

✅ Nakanojō Gardens (a garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers)


Useful Information for Travelers

Access (How to Get to Chatsubomi-goke Park from Tokyo)

By Train + Taxi

  • Tokyo Station → Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (by train)
  • Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station → Kusatsu Onsen area (by bus)
  • Kusatsu Onsen area → Chatsubomi-goke Park (by car)

Direct access by public transportation may be difficult depending on the schedule and season, so using a car or taxi is the safer option.

By Car

  • You can access the park from the Kan-Etsu Expressway “Shibukawa-Ikaho IC” direction
  • Free parking available (capacity varies by season)

Opening Hours and Admission Fee

  • Open season: Mainly spring to autumn (closed in winter)
  • Opening hours: Around 9:00 onward (varies by season)
  • Admission fee: Around 600 yen for adults / Free for elementary school children and younger

Shuttle bus operation and fares vary by season.

On the way back, you can also walk the trail back and enjoy a forest walk.

Manners and Tips for Visiting

  • Please do not step off the boardwalk or touch the Chatsubomi-goke moss
  • Because this is a mountain area, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • Some places may be wet and slippery, so watch your step

Wi-Fi / Mobile Signal

  • There are areas with weak reception, so downloading a map in advance is recommended

Multilingual Support

  • Signage inside the park is mainly in Japanese


Summary

Chatsubomi-goke Park is a Gunma nature spot where you can enjoy moss scenery growing in a strongly acidic mineral spring environment.

The fresh greenery and autumn foliage seasons are especially comfortable for walking and sightseeing.

It is also recommended to combine your trip with nearby hot spring areas such as Kusatsu Onsen and Shima Onsen.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. Chatsubomigoke Park is a place where you can observe the rare Chatsubomigoke moss that grows in acidic spring water. After rain, the moss color looks deeper, so a small towel is handy to protect your phone from moisture. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. The open season is roughly late April to the end of November, and it closes in winter. Right after the snow melts, the ground can be muddy, so waterproof shoes help you reach photo spots without stress. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. Admission is about ¥600 for adults (free for elementary school students and younger). It can get crowded near the reception area, so having coins ready makes entry quicker. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. The park uses a system where you park at a designated lot and enter by shuttle bus. If you work backward from your return shuttle time, you can take your time observing the moss without feeling rushed. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. A visit is typically around 60–90 minutes. People often stop while looking at moss, so if the path gets backed up, stepping aside for photos is considerate and also helps you shoot calmly. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. Moss can look paler when it dries, so it’s especially beautiful after rain or on cloudy days. On sunny days the contrast between shade and sun can be strong, so lowering exposure slightly helps keep the green from washing out. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. Even on boardwalks the surroundings can be damp and slippery, so grippy shoes are reassuring. Bug spray and a light layer help with both cool stream air and insects, even in summer. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. There are hot spring areas nearby, such as Hanashiki Onsen. Warming up in an onsen after observing moss can boost satisfaction, and it also gives you a good break before driving back. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.

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