Onioshidashi Volcanic Park in Jōshinetsu Highlands National Park.

We were passing en route between Kusatsu and Karuizawa. Our son suggested we stop and I am so glad that we did. We are three generation family, and everyone was able to walk around comfortably in this expensive park, which is quite stunning for the combination of the natural beauty and the surroundings along with the cool architecture and displays. I appreciate the bilingual signs so I could read and learn more about everything in English. It wasn’t too crowded and it wasn’t too hot. It felt like the perfect thing to doon a Sunday afternoon.

Nice volcanic national park, located about 30 minutes drive north of Karuizawa, just across the border into Gunma. Lush greenery all around. Well laid out paths. Short route (~40 minutes) is scenic with views of the crater and a walk through the forest. The longer route (~70 minutes) undulates around the crater with slopes up and down throughout. Friendly staff in the information centre.

The weather wasn’t great during our visit, so we couldn’t see Mount Asama. It was fine as we had a hike planned for the next day. But I’d suggest coming on a clear day if you can. The landscape is stunning with interesting volcanic rock formations from the big eruption of Mount Asama, and you can even spot seasonal plants and flowers growing near the lava. It really reminds you of the power and beauty of nature.

Right at the center of the park, there’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to Kannon, linked to Ueno’s Kaneiji Temple in Tokyo. There are also souvenir shops and a restaurant. Parking is free.

An underrated place to visit, filled with spectacular vistas of the surrounding areas filled with snow capped mountains and numerous lava rock formations
We tried to source for the timetable for the Seibu bus online before our trip but to no avail. We dropped by the Tourist Information centre and the friendly lady explained the timetable for the bus to the park to us. She also explained the availability of a 2-days bus pass which can be bought from the bus driver. This pass costs 2,000 yen and it already easily covered the price of a one day return trip to the volcanic park, if we had paid by cash or SUICA for each trip individually.

The first bus to the park leaves JR Karuizawa Station Bus stop 1 at 10am and the next at 11.55am. We spent about 3 hours strolling in the park taking in the spectacular vistas of the valleys draped in beautiful fall colors with Mount Asama and the surrounding mountains in the background.

We took the return bus at 1.30pm from the park back to Karuizawa. Each trip took about 45minutes.

It was an extremely magical experience and having been to a similar park in Iceland, this volcanic park in Japan easily trumps the one in every aspect. There were limited international tourists given how little information was available online on public transport to the park.

This place worth the visit, easy access, amazing history and views. Mount Asama, an active volcano, had a big eruption in 1783, covered over a town, basically like the Pompei of Japan. Today, there is a shrine out on the hardened magma lava rock fields, easy paved trails to get up close, and spectacular views. Also surprised to see photos of John Lennon when he visited.

Absolutely stunning !! Could have spent all day there

It is a place where you can feel the earth is alive. The air is still. You should reserve at least one hour to walk the longest route slowly. You can see a plume of smoke at the top of Mt. Asama. You will be able to reconfirm that this mountain is an active volcano.

Great experience especially the view and fresh air and the bell tower! You can see really far away. You will need to pay for ticket and parking is free. Toilet before entering into the ticket gate as well as there are buses that comes here.

Do check out luminous moss, bell tower and if you have time do the long route. If not just make it to the bell tower and the kannon, goddess of mercy temple. The fire kannon, is just a painting seems less authentic and not worth the walk.

Recommend coming in spring and summer when mountain flowers blossom.

There are steep road with higher attitude but have a few sitting areas on the way.

Winter on a Monday was very quiet with most shops closed

Great walk in a beautiful volcanic scenery. Different park to choose from, all are easily walkable.

Volcanic rocks
Entrance fee Y700

The weather wasn’t that great but damn, what a place! Strongly recommended.

This was absolutely gorgeous and one of the most unique and beautiful parks we have visited. We went at peak season for autumn colors on October 17th, 2022

Gorgeous place with interesting history. We spent about an hour and a half here and had a wonderful time. Good food and really scenic walks.

It’s amazing place to go for walk and discover the natural plants to grow up in top of stones.

Amazing place ticket 650¥ adult but really worth to see this place in Japan.

The place is closed. I was curious what's inside so I decided to sneak in. ☺🤭
The place is beautiful but I can feel sadness.

One more star is for public transport that allows you to reach the site easily. Volcanic park naturally amazing that can be just improved creating museum and laboratories regarding volcanic activities and it’s influence to the Japan.

Beautiful place, so quiet and stunning views. Good infrastructure. There’s accessibility too, good for disabled persons.

Nice place to have a walk with scenic view of Mount Asama.

Lots of volcanic rocks and trails to walk on. Plan on being there for one to two hours.