Such is its biological importance that the whole area has been designated a Special Natural Monument. High mountains, rivers, lakes and marshes, waterfalls, and wetland are all part of this rich and varied landscape. Characterized by high rainfall, Oze is home to a variety of plants and animals. At the center is Ozegahara, a broad flat area that is surrounded by primeval forest. The ecosystem could easily be damaged by the foot steps of the multitude of visitors who come to enjoy the gorgeous seasonal variations of Oze, and a high degree of environmental awareness is required from visitors in order to protect the area.
Hikers can only enter the wetland area on foot.
The trails to wetland start from the mountain passes several kilometers away from Ozegahara. At the bogs themselves, hikers walk on wooden walkways that are set up over the ground. Private cars have access only as far as the points where the trails start, but restrictions apply during the busiest times of the year. In the marshes themselves, tour boat services were ended in 1972 because of the pollution that they were causing. Unauthorized reproduction of the photos in this page is prohibited.