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Nikko NP, Tochigi
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Heavy rain can fill Odashirogahara’s lowest ground, briefly creating “Odashiro Lake.” It reappeared in 2018 after a 7-year absence—a temporary lake formed by rainwater pooling on the meadow.
The meadow only looks flat: small rises and dips create different growing conditions, so distinct plant communities turn its autumn grass into a natural patchwork of colors.
A 3.3-km deer-exclusion fence was built around Odashirogahara to protect its plants. The city reports that electric fencing has helped thistle clumps recover after deer browsing reduced them.
Wetland birds including Latham’s snipe and stonechats breed at Odashirogahara. Tochigi Prefecture confirms the nesting connection, making this open meadow more than a scenic place to pass through.
Some of Odashirogahara’s open grassland has an unexpected backstory: larch was planted in parts of the area, while patches burned by wildfire became grassland. The wetland is also in transition toward grassland.
Local legend says red-crowned cranes flew to Odashirogahara as messengers of Shirane-san Daigongen, a sacred figure associated with Mt. Shirane. It’s folklore, not a present-day bird record.
Odashirogahara shares the 260.41-hectare “Oku-Nikko Wetlands” Ramsar listing with Lake Yunoko, the Yukawa River and Senjogahara. The combined wetland was internationally recognized in 2005.
In April 1993, ordinary vehicles were restricted on the access road near Odashirogahara after visitor traffic raised concerns about wetland damage. Low-emission buses were used as an alternative.
One Japanese white birch stands apart in the open meadow, known as the “Lady of Odashirogahara.” This single tree has become the wetland’s signature photographic landmark.
