This sprawling park at the foot of Mt. Asama (an active volcano) lets you walk on winding trails through a field of igneous rock. I have visited Onioshidashi Park twice, once in October 2018 and again in January 2020; the beauty of the strangely-shaped rocks and the majesty of the still-smoking Mt. Asama in the distance keeps pulling me back!
About Onioshidashi Park
The park’s name can be literally translated as “demon-pushing-out-rocks park,” and they seem to have taken the “demon” thing to heart! There are small demon statues among the rocks; you can even buy them at the souvenir shops past the ticket counter.
Just past the ticket counter is a bridge leading over the road and to the park. The bridge is a great place to take pictures of Mt. Asama, weather permitting, and there are some interesting signs along the way. One challenges you to find a certain number of interestingly-shaped rocks in the park (more on that later), while another teaches you about a rock that’s visible on the top of the mountain. See the caption below the picture for an explanation!
Once you cross the bridge and go through the red gate on your left, you’ll be in the park proper. The volcanic rocks are jagged and rough, sticking up at strange angles. In the warmer months, many of the rocks have moss growing on them, while in winter they may be hidden under snow. Make sure to watch your step and stay on the path! I almost fell off a couple times, I was too distracted by the eye-catching formations!
Speaking of paths, there are many to explore. All of the paths are paved and relatively flat, but only the 表参道 (omotesandō) and 裏参道 (urasandō), the trails leading to the Asama Kannon-do Temple and back to the entrance, are maintained in winter. You can still go on the others, but they will be covered in snow. Hunter and I walked the long 奥の院参道 (okunoinsandō) and 高山植物観察 (kōzanshokubutsu kansatsu) trail two weeks ago and there was about an inch or two of snow on parts of the trails.
If walking through snow isn’t your thing, visit the park from May to June to see the many hydrangea plants scattered throughout the rocks in bloom! It’s supposed to be very beautiful!
Asama Kannon-do Temple
Many of the walking trails pass by the Asama Kannon-do Temple, a large temple dedicated to the thousands of people who died during an eruption in 1783 and from the resulting famine in the following years. The rocks in Onioshidashi Park are all from this eruption.
It is a beautiful monument; the colors of the temple stand out sharply against the bleakness of its surroundings. The pictures below are from the first time I visited the park.
Interesting Rocks
This was both fun and a source of frustration. By the ticket counter, there are small, black and white pamphlets — these show 12 interestingly-shaped rocks in the park. Hunter and I only found 2/12, even with a map; we had more fun making our own shapes out of the rocks!
One rock that I almost failed to notice looked like someone had stitched it! A closer look revealed 1 yen coins that people had shoved into every nook and cranny. Some looked like they could fall at any moment, while others looked quite comfortable. Curious, I looked for coins in the other rocks we passed in the park and didn’t find any. Why just this rock I wonder?
More Information
Parking
- There are tons of parking spaces located around Onioshidashi Park, 750 to be exact!
- Please note that the park is located on a toll road — I believe I paid ￥350 to use it. You can get around this by using back roads, but they are very VERY narrow and likely to have lots of snow on them in winter. Drive carefully!
Hours and Admission
- Hours are from 8-5 year round, but you might want to check before you visit just in case.
- Admission is ￥650 for adults (junior high school and over) and ￥350 for elementary students. Kindergartners get in free!
That wolf one really does look like a wolf!