It is rare to find a large patch of chatsubomi growing naturally in Japan but one place has such things happening. Chatsubomi is known as Marigoke (ball-shaped moss).
Chatsubomi Moss Park in Nakanojo is the only place in Honshu( the largest island of Japan) with this occurance. Located in the Kuni area of Nakanojo-machi with its highly acidic mineral springs, the moss grows with a bright green colour. With its strong acidic water, a natural area for onsens especially around Gunma, Kusatsu, the water reaches levels of PH2.17. This will naturally kill any living animals that would have the misfortune of falling in. Therefore, the locals have given it another name, Anajigoku (the hearths of hell).
The surrounding areas of Gunma, Kusatsu is rich in Iron and was used for mining with an open pit mine from after World War 2 till 1966. The mine was by apanese steel maker, NKK (Nihon Kokan Kabushiki-gaisha, JFE Holdings nowadays) since 1943, after mining there for 22 years. NKK decided to return the land back to its natural state and started the tree planting in 1967.
The area is now covered by these bright green moss, giving it an illusion of green velvet carpet throughout the area.
It takes about an 1 hour by car from Shima Onsen to the entrance of Kuni district.
【Chatsubomi Moss Park Information】
Opening hours 9: 00 ~ 15: 30 (closed 16:00)
Opening period in mid-April to November (open time to the official website to confirm)
TEL.0279-95-5111
〒377-1701 Gunma-machi, Ichikawa-shi, Kanagawa-shi big word 13-3
Admission fee:
Adult 300 yen, free of charge for elementary school students/ parking lot
Chatsubomi Moss Park official website
Photo and source: guide.travel.co.jp
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