GUNMA

Chatsubomi Moss Park

A Nature-Filled Getaway in Gunma Prefecture

Visit this Japanese nature park to see a unique moss colony. Located in Nakanojo Town in Gunma Prefecture, Chatsubomi Moss Park offers visitors a breath of fresh air in an area designated as a national natural monument.

Nature & Outdoor Experience Scenery

Access

New Life in an Old Mine

Chatsubomi Moss Park is known for the moss colony that grows in Anajigoku - which literally translates as ‘pit of hell,’ an open mining pit that was once rich in iron ore. The mining operations ceased in 1966, but acidic spring water continued to flow from many parts of the pit, creating an environment suitable for moss to thrive. The acidic waters created the Chatsubomi Moss colony, a landscape like no other, where spring water trickles around islands of lush moss. This otherworldly and photogenic terrain has attracted visitors from afar, not only for its unique appearance, but also for the atmosphere that has made it popular as a power spot. This is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, photographers, and casual enjoyers of the outdoors.

A Four-Season Destination

Chatsubomi Moss Park opens in late April, when the area turns into a riot of color with moss and azaleas in full bloom. The contrast of the green moss and vibrant rhododendrons that peak in early summer is also a wonderful sight to behold. In the autumn, watch as the fall foliage blends with the moss and its unchanging green hues. The winter landscape offers peaceful views of the Chatsubomi Moss islands blanketed in snow.

An Internationally Recognized Natural Site

This particular Chatsubomi Moss colony flourished in the acidic waters to become one of the largest colonies of its kind in Japan, covering an area of around 2,000 square meters. The ecological importance of this site was formally recognized when it was registered as a Ramsar Site in 2015 as theYoshigadaira Wetlands Anajigoku.In 2017, Chatsubomi Moss Park was also designated as a national natural monument by the Japanese Government as the “The Kuni Chatsubomi Moss Ecological Community Iron Ore Repository Site”.

Access to Chatsubomigoke Park

The park is open to visitors from late April to November 30th. Please be aware that opening hours change depending on the season. To access Nakanojo Town, we recommend taking the Special Rapid Takasaki on the Shonan Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Takasaki Station. Alternatively, take the JR Takasaki Line from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station. From there, take the JR Agatsuma Line to Nakanojo Station and drive for around 30 minutes to reach Chatsubomi Moss Park.

Address

Chatsubomi Moss Park 13-3 Iriyama, Nakanojo, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1701

Contact

Tel: +81 279-95-5111

Business hours

Opening Period:
Late April - November 30
Closed for Winter: December to Late April

Visiting Reception Hours:
April - September: 08:45 - 15:30
October & November: 08:45 - 15:00

WEB site

https://nakanojo-kanko.jp/kuni/spots/%e3%83%81%e3%83%a3%e3%83%84%e3%83%9c%e3%83%9f%e3%82%b4%e3%82%b1%e5%85%ac%e5%9c%92/