Mount Osutaka Travel Guide

Free Guide: Hike through history and nature on Mount Osutaka, a poignant landmark in Gunma Prefecture, forever linked to the JAL 123 tragedy.

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Hike through history and nature on Mount Osutaka, a poignant landmark in Gunma Prefecture, forever linked to the JAL 123 tragedy.

Mount Osutaka, located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, is a 1,639-meter peak known for its hiking trails and, tragically, as the initial reporting site of the Japan Airlines Flight 123 crash in 1985, the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history. While the actual crash site is on a ridge near Mount Takamagahara, Mount Osutaka remains a place of remembrance and reflection.

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Address: Narahara, Ueno, Tano District, Gunma 370-1617

Getting there

Driving

From Ueno-mura, head west on National Route 299. Look for signs for Osutaka-no-One (御巣鷹の尾根). Turn left onto Route 124 just before a bridge, near a post office. The road to Osutaka-no-One has been improved but remains narrow in places and prone to rockfalls. Check road conditions before departing via Ueno-mura's website. The drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes to a small car park. From there, it's a walk to the crash site. Parking is free.

Public Transport

From Shimonita Station, take a bus towards Ueno-mura. Alight at the Ueno-mura bus stop. From there, it is best to take a local taxi to the entrance of the hiking trail to Mount Osutaka, as the distance is considerable. The taxi ride will cost approximately ¥3,000 - ¥4,000. Alternatively, you can walk from Ueno-mura, following Route 299, then Route 124. The walk is approximately 20km and will take around 4-5 hours.

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Overview

Mount Osutaka (Osutaka-yama) is more than just a mountain; it's a place etched in the memory of Japan due to the tragic events of August 12, 1985. While initial reports mistakenly identified Mount Osutaka as the crash site of Japan Airlines Flight 123, the actual location was a ridge on nearby Mount Takamagahara. The crash claimed 520 lives, making it the deadliest single-aircraft disaster in aviation history.Today, Mount Osutaka offers hiking opportunities with trails leading to scenic viewpoints. However, for many, a visit here is a pilgrimage to remember those lost in the JAL 123 tragedy. The mountain's trails provide a space for reflection on the impact of the disaster. The nearby village of Ueno-mura, where the crash site is located, has a history of mountains named 'Osutaka-yama,' where hawks were caught during the Tokugawa Period.Visitors can also pay their respects at the Irei-no-Sono memorial in Ueno-mura, which commemorates the victims of the crash. Although the mountain is a place of somber remembrance, it also provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Gunma Prefecture.

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