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Oze NP, Fukushima
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Beside a pond, Chumondake’s marker says the name refers to “this whole area.” Rather than a single dramatic peak, it’s a broad, gently rolling wetland ridge—a mountain name that embraces the landscape.
At 2,060 m, Chumondake’s ridge is remarkably level. Shallow hollows left by snow collect meltwater, forming wetlands and ponds; winter winds also pile snow on the eastern side, where it lingers longer.
These pond-filled wetlands are part of the Aizu-Komagatake area selected by Japan’s Environment Ministry as an “Important Wetland,” recognized for distinctive plant communities including Hakusan-kozakura and shōjō-suge.
Pink clusters of Hakusan-kozakura bloom along the ridge toward Chumondake. In Hinoemata, this alpine primrose has a local nickname: Nanjing-kozakura, or “Nanjing little cherry blossom.”
Renewing the 3,102 m boardwalk from Koma hut toward Chumondake took a five-year project. Snow-free conditions and helicopter access allowed only about 3 months of work each year, with donations helping Hinoemata village carry it out.
