Kitashiobara Village, Yamagata County, Fukushima Prefecture. There is a path called "Seseragi Promenade" leading to the high moor at an elevation of 1,090m from the Urabandai Yukozawa entrance.
What spreads there is Oguni-numa Wetland.
In 1957, it was designated as a national natural monument, and it is one of the representative high moors of Tohoku.
And from mid-June to early July each year, a special scenery rises here.
The entire wetland is filled with the yellow of the daylilies.
The reason it is called 'the best in Japan'
When it comes to daylilies, the well-known areas for their clusters are Oze and Kirigamine.
However, when looking at the number of plants per area, Oguni-numa Wetland surpasses Oze and is said to be the best in Japan.
In other words, there is no other place in Japan where daylilies bloom so densely within a limited area of wetland.
When standing on the boardwalk of the wetland during the best viewing season, as far as the eye can see, a 'sea of yellow' spreads from your feet to the horizon. Not just one flower, but yellow spreads like waves. Every time the wind blows, the entire cluster sways slowly.
An elevation of 1,090m in the sky
Oguni-numa Wetland is located within the Oguni-numa Caldera, which spreads to the northwest of Mount Bandai. The mountains surrounding Oguni-numa create a terrain that forms the edge of the caldera.
From the foot of the mountain, one cannot imagine, 'There is such a scenery beyond that mountain.' However, as you walk the trail from the parking lot and reach Oguni-numa, the world changes. The sky is closer. The wind is different. You can smell the wetland.
At an elevation of 1,090m, it has a different climate from the lower world. Even in June, while the foot of the mountain is humid and hot due to the rainy season, above Oguni-numa, the air is refreshing and early summer-like. The moment the sweat cools down, visitors uniformly say, 'It’s cool here.'
Not just daylilies
What can be seen at Oguni-numa Wetland is not just daylilies. As a treasure trove of wetland plants, various flowers bloom in each season.
- Watasuge ── White spikes like cotton candy. Early to mid-June
- Renge Tsutsuji ── Vivid orange color. Mid-June
- Sawaran ── Small purple-red orchids. Early July
- Hiohgi Ayame ── Blue-purple wild irises. Late June
Before the peak of Nikkō Kisuge, you can see the contrast of Watasuge's white, during the peak Renge Tsutsuji's orange and Kisuge's yellow, and after the peak Sawaran's purple ── The colors of the wetland dramatically change over the weeks of June.
Walking after knowing, Ukokunuma
When we guide customers at Ukokunuma, we first tell them, "This is a place where Nikkō Kisuge blooms more densely than Oze." Initially, some may look skeptical, but the moment they stand on the wooden path of the wetland, they say, "It's true."
The wooden path can get crowded, so early morning is especially recommended. During the time when the morning mist clears, the remaining dew among the clusters sparkles in the morning sun.
Many customers say, "I'm glad I came this far," in this truly remarkable place.
If you visit Ukokunuma
Best viewing period
Typically mid-June to early July. It varies each year, so please check the latest blooming information at the Urabandai Visitor Center or similar.
Access
From Urabandai, drive to the Ukodazawa trailhead. From there, it takes about an hour and a half on foot along the trail to the entrance of the wetland. During the best viewing period, a dedicated shuttle bus (with restrictions on private cars) operates, so please check the latest information from the Kitashiobara Village Tourism Association.
Equipment
We will climb the natural mountain trail. Since the distance is considerable, please prepare comfortable shoes, drinks, rain gear, and warm clothing (the marshland is at a high altitude and gets cold in the morning and evening).
Places you might want to visit together
- Goshikinuma Nature Trail ── A classic route that you can visit in the afternoon after descending to the foot.
- Lake Hibara ── The largest lake in Urabandai created by the eruption in 1888. The village of Hibara sleeps beneath the lake.
- Nakase-numa ── A unique landscape where a mountain flows within the marsh.
A journey to encounter stories, would you like to join us?
At Tabinoito, guide Catherine, who has lived in Urabandai and Aizu for half a century, shares stories of the land that are not found in guidebooks, providing tours limited to one group per day.
We will create a half-day course in June featuring Ukon-numa Marsh + Goshikinuma + Lake Hibara, targeting the best time for Nikko Kisuge with an early morning departure plan. Leave all long-distance driving and arrangements to us.
"I want to see the best scenery in Japan" or "I want to walk slowly in nature with my spouse" ── Whatever your requests, feel free to ask. Just consulting is also okay; we will not pressure you with persistent sales tactics.
👉 Get a free consultation via LINE:
https://page.line.me/tabinoito
👉 View travel plans for senior couples:
https://tabinoito.com/senior/
👉 View travel plans for filial piety:
https://tabinoito.com/oyakouko/
Related articles:
A hill floating in the marsh ── The memory of the 1888 eruption told by Nakase-numa and "Nagareyama"
Reference materials
- Urabandai Tourism Association (Kitashiohara Village)
- Bandai Asahi National Park (Ministry of the Environment)
- Urabandai Visitor Center Local Exhibits and Interviews
- On-site coverage (Visit and interviews by Tabinoito guide, Catherine)
About the author of this article
Catherine ── A guide who has lived in Fukushima's Urabandai and Aizu for half a century. Founder of the private tour company "Tabinoito". Deeply knowledgeable about local nature, history, and cultural beliefs. Offering personalized tours for one group per day, sharing stories of the land that are not found in guidebooks while guiding you through Urabandai and Aizu.
