Mount Shibutsu
Mountain Alpine peak in Oze with seasonal meadow flowers
Within Oze National Park, Mount Shibutsu draws summer hikers for alpine meadows, seasonal flowers and marked trails served by rustic mountain huts.
Mount Shibutsu is a 2,228 m peak in Gunma Prefecture and lies within Oze National Park. The mountain rises sharply above the Oze plateau and is recognized for its alpine vegetation and seasonal flower displays.
Hikers typically approach across the Ozegahara marshland and then climb the mountain’s grassy slopes; summer is the main climbing season when trails are free of heavy snow. The summit provides panoramic views over the Oze marshes and neighboring peaks.
The mountain is part of the northern Japanese highlands and is managed as part of Oze National Park, which emphasizes protection of fragile alpine ecosystems.
Mount Shibutsu sits on the Oze plateau boundary in Gunma Prefecture, within a highland marsh and mountain landscape visited from nearby towns and park entrances.
- Alpine flora: The mountain lies within Oze National Park and is valued for alpine flora that are most visible in late spring and summer.
What to See #
- Summit and alpine slopes: Summit reaches about 2,228 m and forms a steep, grassy peak above the Oze marshes, with the summit area noted for alpine plant communities.
- Oze approach: Trails from the Oze plateau approach the mountain across high marshland and ridgelines and are the standard route for hikers in summer.
How to Get to Mount Shibutsu #
From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen or Echigo-Yuzawa then local trains/buses toward Numata or Oze. From nearby towns, buses run to Oze’s trailheads in high season; final approaches are on foot via maintained trails and boardwalks.
Tips for Visiting Mount Shibutsu #
- Book hut space in peak season for safety and shelter; alpine huts can fill early on weekends.
- Tackle the trail early to avoid afternoon cloud and strong alpine sun.
- Watch for alpine plant protections-stick to trails in the marshy high meadows to avoid trampling rare species.
Best Time to Visit Mount Shibutsu #
Summer is famous for the high-mountain flora, while autumn offers clearer views and fewer crowds; winter access is challenging and requires mountaineering experience.
Weather & Climate near Mount Shibutsu #
Mount Shibutsu's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 20°C. Heavy rainfall (2059 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (236 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (263 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (349 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (298 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
