Mt. Shibutsu is an amazing mountain located in Oze National Park. It features a beautiful mix of lush forests, stunning views, and the boardwalk trails that Oze is known for. As you ascend above the forest the terrain features large boulders and rocky peaks which contrast nicely amongst the evergreen shrubs. Mt. Shibutsu can either be completed as an out-and-back hike, or a loop trail which starts by heading deeper into the forest and towards the marshland. However, the loop hike can only be completed in one direction due to a one-way trail that heads up from the marshland.

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Oze National Park is a vast wetland of marshes, old natural forests, and beautiful mountains. Oze features 3 mountains that are included in the Hyakumeizan: Mt. Shibutsu, Mt. Hiuchi, and Mt. Aizu-Komagatake. Both Shibutsu and Hiuchi can hiked as part of an overnight trip by sleeping at one of the mountain huts. 

Access

Car

The drive from Tokyo to Hatimachi Pass will take about 3 hours. There is a car park located next to the trailhead at Hatomachi Pass, however, to manage traffic congestion it's not accessible during the summer to autumn hiking period. Instead, you'll need to park at the Oze Parking Lot in Tokura and catch a small shuttle bus. The first bus leaves at 5am and takes 20 mins to reach the trailhead. Tickets can be purchased at the car park's vending machine and cost ¥1000.

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Public Transport

There is a highway bus from Shinjuku to the Oze Parking Lot in Tokura, which costs around ¥4000. Another option is to continue on to the Oshimizu parking lot, which is often used for hiking Mt. Hiuchi.