A beauty carved out by Mother Nature
Onioshidashi Park which is located within Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park is a natural facility which was completed inundated by lava due to the huge eruption of Mt. Asama in 1783. The park was given its name from the impression that a demon pushed out the lava from the crater. From the lookout points in the park, you can get a full view of places such as the 2568m-high Mt. Asama, the Northern Alps, the Tanigawa Mountain Range and Mt. Nantai of Nikko. With the contrast with the jet-black lava rock, this is a unique spectacle that cannot be seen anywhere else.
Nature trails to see colorful flowers on the huge pitch-black land
There are 4 nature trails within the park. From the middle of May to the end of October, many visitors come to see highland flora such as rhododendron and dicentra, and luminescent moss which reflects sunlight. If you have the time, you should try the Omotesando or Urasando trails along with the Okunoin Sando with a view of the Kannon of Fire and the observation course where you can view the Northern Alps. In the center of the park, you can encounter a branch temple of Kan'ei-ji Temple in Tokyo, Mt. Asama Kannon-do Hall, which was constructed in honor of the many people who had died in the great eruption of Mt. Asama.
Asama Volcano Museum
The Asama Volcano Museum which is next to Onioshidashi Park underwent renovation in 1993. Two character robots provide clear explanations on matters such as the origins of Asama. Other attractions where you can get simulated experiences include a realistic recreation of the distribution of volcanoes in Japan and around the world, an underground look of Asama from research vessels, and the organization of the Japanese islands during the age of the dinosaurs. The current appearance of Mt. Asama can be observed via a camera at the crater so that you can enjoyably understand the workings of a volcano.