• Tone River from Train (Numata-bound)
  • Numata Station: From here, 2 hrs. by bus to Ooshimizu
  • An Inauspicious Start: We Get Rear-Ended (no brake/skid marks!!)
  • I was sitting in the back seat of the bus!
  • The trail into Oze begins here at Ooshimizu
  • The first part is a forestry road....
  • Before long, snow lines the road...
  • The actual trail begins here, at Sanpei Bridge (Katashina River).
  • Snow-fed mountain stream
  • View toward Nikko from below Sanpei Pass
  • Sign at Sanpei Pass: from here, the snow is 1-2 meters (3-6 ft.) deep.
  • First View of Ozenuma Lake after crossing Sanpei Pass.
  • Spring thaw of Ozenuma Lake.
  • #1 Chouzou Lodge: our goal for Day 1 (7 km).
  • Snow-bound Ozenuma Visitor Center
  • #1 Chouzou Lodge: our lodging for the first night.
  • Front Desk, Chouzou Lodge
  • Hallway, Chouzou Lodge: Sliding doors, no locks (no need!).
  • My Room.... All Mine!!
  • Sunset Dining Room at Chouzou Lodge.
  • Sunset over Ozenuma Lake and Mt. Hiuchi.
  • A simple dinner.... plus as much rice and miso soup as you want.
  • Snow gear from the old days.
  • A warm place to socialize by the old wood-burning stove....
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