Chatsubomigoke Park Gunma: 1 km Emerald Moss Valley

Ibaraki Tochigi Gunma Saitama Chiba Tokyo Kanagawa

Chatsubomigoke Park in Naka-no-jo, Gunma is a 1 km moss valley where green Chatsubomi-goke moss carpets clear streams—Japan's largest of its kind.

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.

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Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma is one of Japan's three great onsen, centered on the steaming Yubatake hot-water field with the traditional Yumomi water-paddle show.

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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)

Ikaho Onsen Gunma: 365 Stone Steps & Brown Iron Baths

Ikaho Onsen in Shibukawa, Gunma is famed for the 365 stone steps lined with shops and the kogane no yu—iron-rich brown waters. Bath halls 9:00–18:00; ¥600.

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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

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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

Q. What is Chatsubomigoke Park? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Chatsubomigoke Park is a natural park where you can see a large colony of chatsubomigoke moss growing in strongly acidic mineral springs. It is known as one of the largest habitats of its kind in East Asia, and the vivid green stands out even more when seen with the spring renge tsutsuji azaleas or autumn leaves. The area around Anajigoku is especially impressive.

Q. Why is Chatsubomigoke Park famous? keyboard_arrow_down

A. It is famous for its rare moss landscape formed in strongly acidic volcanic waters, something unusual even on a global scale. Along with the surrounding natural heritage, the area is registered under the Ramsar Convention. In 2017, it was also designated a National Natural Monument as the iron-producing site of the Kuni Chatsubomigoke biotic community.

Q. When is Chatsubomigoke Park open, and what are the reception hours and admission fee? keyboard_arrow_down

A. The park is open from April 24 to the end of November, and visiting hours are 8:45-16:00. Reception is open until 15:30 from April to September and until 15:00 from October to November. Admission is 600 yen for adults, and free for elementary school children and younger. Entering earlier in the day is usually better than arriving late in the afternoon.

Q. How do I get to Chatsubomigoke Park from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station? keyboard_arrow_down

A. From Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, the basic way to reach Chatsubomigoke Park is by taxi, which takes about 40 minutes. The park is deep in the mountains and public transport options are limited, so if you are combining it with the Kusatsu Onsen area, visiting the park first can make it easier to avoid misjudging the return time.

Q. How long does it take to visit Chatsubomigoke Park? keyboard_arrow_down

A. A walk through the park takes about 1 hour, but allowing around 90 minutes is more comfortable if you include waiting time for the shuttle bus. You can get around in less time if you are only stopping to enjoy the scenery, but if you want to spend more time around Anajigoku, weekdays tend to be quieter and easier for walking.

Q. When is the best season to see Chatsubomigoke Park? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Early summer is best if you want the vivid green moss itself to be the main focus, while the renge tsutsuji season and autumn foliage are popular if you want stronger color contrast. Slightly cloudy days can also work well because the moss color often looks richer, and the texture may show up better from morning to late morning than at midday.

Q. What should I wear and bring to Chatsubomigoke Park? keyboard_arrow_down

A. It is best to wear comfortable shoes with good grip and bring a light jacket in case the weather changes quickly. Since there are damp spots and slopes, shoes that do not show dirt easily are often more practical than white shoes. Raising your phone brightness beforehand can also make it easier to check the scenery while you walk.

Q. Are there any nearby places worth visiting with Chatsubomigoke Park? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Many visitors combine the park with Hanashiki Onsen, Shiriyaki Onsen, or the Yoshigadaira wetland area. Because the park is a place where people tend to focus on nature observation, adding a hot spring stop on the way back often makes the day feel more satisfying. It is also reassuring to get drinks before heading onto the mountain roads.

Useful Japanese Phrases

Meaning

Where is Chatsubomigoke Park? — Use when asking for directions near Nakanojō Town or at Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. Showing the park name written in Japanese on your phone will help locals understand immediately.

Meaning

One adult ticket, please. — Use at the admission counter of Chatsubomigoke Park. Hold up fingers to indicate the number of tickets if you are buying for a group.

Meaning

Is there a shuttle bus? — Ask at the park management office about the seasonal shuttle bus that runs between the office and the moss colony areas. Point toward the trail to clarify what you mean.

Meaning

How long does it take to walk the full boardwalk loop? — Ask staff at the entrance before starting the trail. The walking route through the moss area can feel quite different depending on your pace, so checking first helps you plan your visit.

Meaning

May I take photos here? — Ask staff or check signs along the boardwalk near the moss colonies. A small bow when asking makes the request more polite.

Meaning

Which way is Ana Jigoku (the former mining site)? — Use on the trail to ask other visitors or staff for directions to the Ana Jigoku highlight point. Saying "sumimasen" first to get attention is recommended.

Meaning

Is the observation deck up ahead? — Ask fellow hikers or staff along the boardwalk when looking for the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the moss colonies and forest.

Meaning

Should I take off my shoes? — Useful when entering nearby ryokan or onsen facilities at Shima Onsen or Kusatsu Onsen after visiting the park. In Japan, shoes are removed before stepping onto tatami or indoor areas.

Meaning

Could you tell me how to get to Shima Onsen? — Ask at the park office or parking area when planning to visit the nearby hot spring town after your walk. Pointing at a map while asking helps staff understand your question.

Meaning

Is the parking lot free? — Ask when arriving at Chatsubomigoke Park by car. Tipping is not customary in Japan, so no extra payment is expected for parking staff assistance.

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