When You Wander

While in Tokyo with my boyfriend, Nick, we decided to join a group tour and do something naturey for a day. Prior to leaving Osaka, Nick did some research online and stumbled upon a tour group called Tokyo Gaijins. They had a high customer rating and happened to have a trek scheduled that coincided perfectly with our trip to Tokyo.  He signed us up, which included a round-trip bus ride from Shinjuku to Oze National Park and a tour guide to lead the way.

In all honesty, I wasn’t very impressed with the tour. The bus was packed to the maximum and the seating wasn’t very comfortable for those with long legs. Nick and many other guys on board sat awkwardly for three hours. Additionally, the tour guide was just…okay. Everything seemed disorganized and when it came time to the actual trek, I would call him more of a “line leader” than a guide. Basically, he walked at the front of the group and decided when we would take breaks. He didn’t provide any fun facts or useful information about Oze AND he made us photographers feel rushed to keep up with the group. On the tour’s website, the description said this trek would be great for anyone wishing to go at a leisurely pace. However, I felt our guide rushed us along, thus making picture taking difficult. So difficult in fact, that we opted to break away from the group on the way back so we could do our own thing. And what do you know, we still made it back with plenty of time to spare before the bus departed…

But enough of my ranting, let me talk about Oze.

I’ve never done a trek quite like this before. Oze is Japan’s largest marshland. It’s said that the marsh was created over 10,000 years ago during the Ice Age. Because most of the ground is wet and mushy, nearly the entire walkway through Oze is made up of wooden planks, which require you to take each step with care. (Another reason why I preferred a leisure pace to a rapid one).

When we arrived to Oze, the first hour consisted of a hike down the mountain. Lots of greenery and a few cute streams of water.

After that, the true magnificent scenery began!

Check out the wood planks we had to walk on throughout the entire trek. Definitely kept me aware of each step.

The hardest part about the plank system was figuring out how to pass someone. For example, if the person in front of you was walking slower than your pace and you wanted to pass, you’d have to hop to the left plank, speed walk, then hop back to the right. Sounds easy enough…except if you aren’t able to hop left because other people are walking by.

In the springtime, the skunk cabbages are in bloom. Yep, that’s the name of a flower. They’re a big deal apparently. Many people would stop to photograph them, so we joined in the fun, too.

Nick caught me in the zone. I almost feel like a real landscape photographer. 😉

Now I shall flood you with picturesque images. Enjoy!

This trek was a memorable one. To anyone looking for a day trip from Tokyo, I recommend Oze National Park. Bring your walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and snacks and you’ll be all set.

And thank you, Nick, for taking care of all the arrangements for this trip. This experience would not have been possible if it weren’t for you.