Guide
Komadome Shitsugen is a high-altitude bog located at an altitude of 1,100m, spanning the villages of Showa in Onuma District and Minamiaizu Town in Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture. Designated as a National Natural Monument, its high academic value has also earned it a spot in the "Fukushima Green 100 Views." The area consists of three main wetlands: Oyachi, Shirakaba-yachi, and Mizunashi-yachi, characterized by a vast, sweeping landscape surrounded by majestic beech forests. Although the environment is harsh—with snow depths reaching 3 to 4 meters in winter—this results in an incredibly rich and diverse display of plant life and colors throughout the warmer seasons.
This wetland was officially designated as a National Natural Monument on December 28, 1970, due to its unique plant communities. The area is academically significant for its transitional vegetation, moving from low-altitude to high-altitude bog ecosystems. The unique ecosystem, formed over countless years within the specialized environment of the 1,100m-altitude beech forest, remains a protected and precious natural treasure.
The scenery of Komadome Shitsugen changes dramatically depending on when you visit. Key botanical highlights include Skunk Cabbage (Mizubasho) and Marsh Marigold in the spring; Eriophorum (Cotton Grass) and Nikko-kisuge (Daylily) in the summer; and the stunning autumn colors of the beech forest and grasses. In autumn, the 360-degree panorama of colorful foliage from beech trees, maples, and sumac creates an unforgettable spectacle. You can also observe the unique fruiting stages of plants like Aleutian avens and mountain ash.
The changing flora is the greatest draw of this location:
You can enjoy botanical observation while walking along well-maintained boardwalks. Near the Oyachi area, the "Bunakko Trail" allows visitors to experience the natural landscape up close. For a deeper understanding, certified guides are available (Advance reservation required; fee starts from 5,000 JPY per group).
Several scenic spots are located near Komadome Shitsugen. Komadome Pass (Komadome Toge), located about 2km south, offers a great vantage point to understand the local geography. Other nearby points of interest include the Miyokoshi Wetland and the Hosoi Family Museum, which showcases local history.