Oze Forest Road – Katashina to Oshimizu Highland Track
Oze's wild backside. No boardwalks here.
Most visitors to Oze arrive by bus to walk the famous wetland boardwalks — the overlander goes around the back, through Katashina-mura’s network of logging and forestry roads that push up into the highlands above the Tone River watershed. The Katashina to Oshimizu track climbs steadily through stands of Japanese beech and Mongolian oak, passing the Tokura trailhead parking area before descending into deep drainage gullies that test your approach and departure angles. The road surface alternates between packed gravel and exposed root-strewn dirt that tears at tire sidewalls after prolonged rain. You’ll cross two unnamed tributary streams with no bridges — read the water before you commit.
This is a genuine high-clearance route; a bone-stock kei truck can make it in ideal conditions but you’re gambling. A proper 4WD with at least 200mm of clearance is the honest minimum, recovery gear mandatory. Gunma Prefecture manages the surrounding forest; the road itself is a Katashina village forestry track and can be gated without notice during logging operations or fire risk periods. Best season is mid-June through October — avoid entirely during the May–June snowmelt when the drainage crossings run high. Nearest fuel is back in Katashina village. No cell service once you’re above 1,400 meters.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 19 mi / 30.6 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5500 ft |
| Best season | Mid-June to October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance, 200mm+ ground clearance |
| Nearest town | Katashina, Gunma |
| Land manager | Katashina Village / Gunma Prefecture Forestry Division |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | Gunma Prefecture official site Katashina Village official site |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jimny or Hilux Surf handle this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock Jimny, Hilux Surf, or Land Cruiser Prado with factory high clearance will get through, but tight clearance rigs will take hits on exposed rock sections near the upper traverse. Lifted, lockers optional but helpful on the wet clay stretches. Minimum 200mm ground clearance is a hard floor — don't push it below that.
When does this road open and close each year?
Mid-June to October is the reliable window. Snow closes the upper sections well into May, and the forest road can shut early if autumn typhoon damage goes unrepaired. Check with Katashina Village office before heading out — closures are common and not always posted online in English.
Do I need a permit to drive this forest road?
No formal permit is required for the forest road itself, but the route borders Oze National Park — do not deviate off the road into park boundaries or you're in protected-zone violation territory. Gunma Prefecture Forestry Division manages access; gate closures are enforced seasonally without warning.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The upper approach toward Oshimizu Highland is the crux — narrow shelf road, significant drop-off exposure on one side, and wet clay surface after any rain that turns greasy fast. Ruts can be deep mid-season from forestry traffic. There's no room to pass oncoming vehicles in several stretches, so downhill traffic yields.
Is there any place to refuel or get water along the 30km route?
Zero. No fuel, no services, no convenience stores between Katashina and Oshimizu Highland. Fill your tank in Katashina before you leave and carry your own water — the stream crossings are not treated sources. Cell service is nonexistent the entire route, so a paper map or offline GPS is mandatory, not optional.
Trail track
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