Oze, National park and plateau in Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Oze is a raised bog in northern Japan that extends across three prefectures and covers about 600 hectares. The highest points reach 2,356 m (7,730 ft), while the core area sits at roughly 1,400 m (4,593 ft) and becomes accessible through boardwalks.
A botanist began the first scientific exploration in 1889 and brought attention to the need for protection. The government designated the area as a Special Natural Monument in 1934 after citizen protests stopped a dam construction project.
The name comes from the Ainu word for foxtail grass that once grew in the wetlands. The wooden paths follow routes that fishermen and gatherers used for centuries to travel between villages.
The main visiting season runs from May to October when trails remain snow-free and mountain lodges operate. Hikers should start early in the morning since afternoon fog can limit visibility and summer thunderstorms occur frequently.
The wooden boardwalks total roughly 65 km (40 mi) in length and get repaired each spring by volunteer crews. The bog stores more water than a lake of the same size and acts like a natural sponge for the surrounding highlands.
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