Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture, “Chatsubo Moss Park” is a place where open-pit mining of iron ore was conducted until 1966, and highly acidic mineral water gushes out. The park is home to one of Japan’s largest colonies of “Chatsubomi Moss,” a species of moss that prefers this environment. It is surprising to learn that these mosses produce iron ore over tens of thousands of years through the action of bacteria (biomineralization).
The mining site is called “Anajigoku” and was registered under the Ramsar Convention in 2015 as the “Anajigoku” of the Yoshigadaira wetland group. 2017 saw the designation of the “Iron Ore Production Site of the Rokugai Chatsubomigoke Biotic Community” as a national natural monument.
The site, which is 6200 m2 at an elevation of 1200 m, is spectacular in all four seasons, but the deep, clear green of the chatsubomi moss in both the autumn leaves and the clear stream is a spectacular sight that cannot be seen anywhere else. Autumn comes early, with the leaves beginning to change color at the end of September and turning brilliantly red in October.
Access to Chatsubomi Moss Park is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from the Shibukawa-Ikaho IC of the Kanetsu Expressway or the Usui Karuizawa IC of the Joshinetsu Expressway. Cars are not allowed in the park.
Pay the entrance fee at the reception desk in front of the park, then take the special shuttle bus to 1.3 km away, and walk about 300 m to the entrance of Ana Jigoku. A wooden path is maintained, but it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes.
For those who want to do more hiking, there is a 12-km hiking course to Yoshigadaira, which stretches to the north of Nikko Shiranesan. It is a good place to enjoy light hiking while feeling the autumn air.
© Source travel watch
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