This Special Night Adventure Train, which has been Operating on Select Summer and Autumn dates since 1987, is the Perfect Way to Access Early-Morning-Magnificently-Misty-and Magical Hiking in Oze, a National Park in Japan's Tohoku region.
Tobu Railway announces that in late summer/early autumn 2024, it is once again, operating its special "Oze Night Train 23:45." The train will run on the following dates:
- Fridays - August 16 & 23, September 6, 13, 20, 27, and October 11 & 18, 2024
- Saturdays - August 17 & 24 and September 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
On these dates, the train is scheduled to depart from Tokyo Asakusa Station at 11:45 pm and arrive at Aizu Kogen Ozeguchi Station at 3:08 am. From there, passengers will board a connecting bus to Numayama Pass, arriving at approximately 6:50 am.
With this schedule, travelers can save on an extra hotel night by sleeping on the train and bus. But, more importantly, they get to experience early morning Oze hiking, which is refreshing, invigorating, and jetlag conquering. With 2,000-meter-high mountains and one of the highest altitude wetlands in Japan, an early morning hike in Oze's magnificent mist is mystical and magical. 
On Saturdays only, for an additional 2000 yen, Tobu's special overnight "Revaty" express train offers a "relaxed two-seat configuration" (vs the usual three-seat setup) on the departure from Asakusa Station. This is much more comfortable for stretching out, relaxing, and even dozing off.
About Oze
"Oze" is a name familiar to Japanese people since childhood, because it is a famous elementary school song. Formerly part of "Nikko National Park," it was designated as "Oze National Park" in 2007 to protect more of its precious nature. It was established as a special natural monument and a Ramsar Convention-listed wetland. If destroyed, the ecosystem and landscape cannot be easily regained. Therefore, the area is now strictly protected and preserved. The Oze high-rise wetland measures 6 km east to west and 2 km north to south. Wooden paths and benches are provided within the site, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll, while admiring the rare natural environment up-close.
At Oze, snow usually remains on the ground until mid-May. Spring arrives as the snow melts, and flowers in the mountains and marshlands bloom in celebration of the short summer season.
There are more than 20 lodges in Oze, where visitors can stop by during their walks or stay overnight.
Another benefit of staying at a hut/lodge – or one of the three designated tent camping sites, is the opportunity to enjoy the view of Oze in both the morning and evening.
For more information on hiking in Oze National Park, check out these articles and websites:
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