Mount Bandai & Urabandai
Volcanic Lakes and Mountain Wilderness
Mount Bandai (1,816 meters) has served as a spiritual landmark in Fukushima for over a millennium, revered as one of Japan's hundred famous mountains. The mountain's profile differs dramatically between its southern face - smooth and conical, earning it the nickname 'Aizu Fuji' - and its rugged northern slopes known as Urabandai (literally 'back of Bandai'). This dramatic contrast results from the mountain's violent volcanic history, particularly the catastrophic eruption of July 15, 1888.
The 1888 eruption ranks among Japan's deadliest volcanic disasters, killing 477 people and reshaping the northern landscape entirely. The explosion destroyed Mount Bandai's northern peaks, reducing the mountain's height by 300 meters and triggering massive landslides that buried villages and dammed rivers. These debris flows created the Urabandai Plateau's distinctive geography: over 300 ponds and lakes of varying sizes and colors scattered across the forested landscape. The largest, Lake Hibara, Lake Onogawa, and Lake Akimoto, became popular resort destinations.
Today, the Bandai-Asahi National Park encompasses both Mount Bandai and the Urabandai region, protecting 186,404 hectares of volcanic mountains, alpine meadows, and lake-dotted plateaus. The area is renowned for spectacular autumn foliage (typically early-to-mid October), diverse hiking trails, and the mysterious Goshikinuma (Five-Colored Ponds) - small lakes exhibiting different hues due to varying mineral content and volcanic deposits. The region balances active volcanism monitoring with year-round tourism, offering skiing in winter and hiking, camping, and water activities in warmer months.
Key Highlights
- Mount Bandai (1,816m) - one of Japan's 100 famous mountains
- 1888 volcanic eruption created Urabandai's 300+ lakes and ponds
- Goshikinuma (Five-Colored Ponds) trail showing multi-hued lakes
- Spectacular autumn foliage mid-October throughout plateau
- Lake Hibara, Onogawa, and Akimoto for water activities
- Bandai-Azuma Skyline scenic mountain drive (April-November)
Access Information
Location
Bandai-Asahi National Park, Kitashiobara, Yama District, Fukushima 969-2700, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • JR Inawashiro Station - bus to Urabandai area
- • Koriyama Station - major transport hub
- • Car rental recommended for exploring scattered sites
Opening Hours
Mountain and plateau areas accessible year-round. Goshikinuma trail: dawn to dusk. Visitor centers typically 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Bandai-Azuma Skyline closed November-April due to snow.
Admission Fee
Mountain hiking free. Goshikinuma trail free. Parking ¥500-700 at trailheads. Bandai-Azuma Skyline toll-free since 2013.
How to Get There
From Tokyo
Take JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station (80 minutes, ¥8,580), transfer to JR Ban'etsu West Line to Inawashiro Station (40 minutes, ¥680), then bus to Urabandai Goshikinuma area (30 minutes, ¥1,100). Car rental at Koriyama recommended for flexibility.
3.5 hours
From Koriyama Station
Express bus directly to Urabandai Kogen (90 minutes, ¥1,500). 3-4 buses daily, seasonal variations. Car rental offers better access to scattered attractions: drive via Route 49 and Route 459 (75 minutes). Winter tire chains required December-March.
90 minutes
From Fukushima Airport
Rent car and drive west via Route 115 and local roads (approximately 100 minutes depending on destination within Urabandai). Limited public transport from airport makes car rental highly recommended for this region.
120 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Mount Bandai Hiking Routes
Popular Yama-no-kami Route: 4 hours round trip to summit (1,816m), moderate difficulty, spectacular crater views. Starts at Happodai trailhead (elevation 1,194m). Cooler Okinajima Route: 5 hours, more challenging, less crowded. Best season July-October. Snow remains until June. Bring layers - summit 10-15°C cooler than base. Check volcanic activity warnings before hiking.
Goshikinuma (Five-Colored Ponds) Trail
Most popular attraction: 3.6km nature trail past various colored ponds (60-90 min loop). Start at Goshikinuma Entrance or Urabandai Visitor Center. Lakes show blue, green, red, yellow hues depending on minerals, algae, and light. Bishamon Pond deepest blue, Aka Pond reddish. Relatively flat, family-friendly. Peak autumn color early-mid October - extremely crowded weekends.
Autumn Foliage Timing
Fukushima's premier fall foliage destination. Peak color typically October 5-20, varying by elevation and weather. Goshikinuma area peaks mid-October. Mount Bandai summit colors arrive late September. Best photography morning light on ponds. Weekends during peak insanely crowded - arrive before 8 AM or visit weekdays. Parking lots fill by 9 AM peak weekends.
Bandai-Azuma Skyline Drive
Spectacular 28.7km toll-free mountain road connecting Takayu Onsen to Tsuchiyu Pass (closed November-April). Reaches 1,622m elevation with volcanic landscapes and mountain panoramas. Multiple viewpoints and short hiking trails. 60-minute drive without stops, allow 2-3 hours with photo stops. Combine with Goshikinuma visit for full-day Urabandai experience. Fog common morning/evening.
Lake Activities
Lake Hibara (largest) offers camping, swimming beaches, boat rentals, and windsurfing (summer). Lake Onogawa popular for fishing (bass, trout). Lake Akimoto has campgrounds and water sports. Rental facilities at major lakeshores. Swimming season July-August only. Many lakeside campsites and bungalows. Autumn lakeside colors reflection spectacular for photography.
Onsen & Accommodation
Urabandai area has numerous onsen resorts and hotels along lakeshores (¥10,000-25,000/night with meals). Day-use onsen available ¥600-1,000. Hoshinoya Bandai-san luxury resort on Lake Hibara. Budget camping and youth hostels also available. Inawashiro town (south base) has more affordable accommodations. Book well ahead for autumn foliage weekends.
Winter Activities
Nekoma Ski Resort and Inawashiro Resort offer skiing/snowboarding December-March. Powder snow and mountain views. Ice fishing on frozen lakes popular with locals. Snowshoeing trails through Goshikinuma area magical. Snow depths can exceed 2 meters - special winter access required. Many facilities close November-April. Check road conditions - winter driving challenging.
Recommended Itinerary
Day trip from Tokyo possible but rushed (8-hour round trip transport). Ideal: 1-2 night stay allows leisurely exploration. Day 1: Goshikinuma trail and nearby ponds, Urabandai Visitor Center. Day 2: Mount Bandai summit hike OR Bandai-Azuma Skyline drive. Combine with Lake Inawashiro visit south side. Autumn weekends require early starts to beat crowds - aim for weekday visits if possible.
FAQ
How do I get to Mount Bandai and Urabandai from Tokyo?
Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Koriyama Station (80 minutes, ¥8,580), transfer to JR Ban'etsu West Line to Inawashiro Station (40 minutes, ¥680), then bus to Urabandai Goshikinuma area (30 minutes, ¥1,100). Alternatively, rent a car at Koriyama Station for more flexibility exploring scattered attractions. Total journey takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Do I need a car to explore Mount Bandai and Urabandai?
A car is highly recommended though not absolutely essential. Attractions are scattered across the region, and public bus service is limited with only 3-4 daily departures. Rental cars available at Koriyama Station offer freedom to visit multiple sites, viewpoints, and trails. Drive via Route 49 and Route 459 (75 minutes from Koriyama). Winter tire chains required December-March.
What is Goshikinuma and why is it famous?
Goshikinuma means 'Five-Colored Ponds' - a series of volcanic lakes showing different hues (blue, green, red, yellow) due to varying mineral content, volcanic deposits, algae, and light conditions. The 3.6km nature trail (60-90 minutes loop) is Urabandai's most popular attraction. Bishamon Pond displays the deepest blue, while Aka Pond has reddish tones. Best visited during autumn foliage (early-mid October).
When is the best time to see autumn foliage at Urabandai?
Peak autumn colors typically occur October 5-20, varying by elevation and weather. The Goshikinuma area peaks around mid-October. Mount Bandai summit colors arrive in late September. Weekends during peak season are extremely crowded - parking lots fill by 9 AM. Arrive before 8 AM or visit on weekdays for the best experience. Early morning light creates stunning pond reflections.
Can I hike to the summit of Mount Bandai?
Yes, the popular Yama-no-kami Route takes about 4 hours round trip to the 1,816m summit with moderate difficulty. The trail starts at Happodai trailhead (elevation 1,194m) and offers spectacular crater views from the top. Best season is July-October. Snow remains until June. Bring layers - the summit is 10-15°C cooler than the base. Check volcanic activity warnings before hiking.
What caused the lakes and ponds in the Urabandai region?
The catastrophic volcanic eruption of July 15, 1888 destroyed Mount Bandai's northern peaks and triggered massive landslides that buried villages and dammed rivers. These debris flows created over 300 ponds and lakes of varying sizes scattered across the plateau. The three largest - Lake Hibara, Lake Onogawa, and Lake Akimoto - are now popular resort areas. The eruption killed 477 people.
What is the Bandai-Azuma Skyline and when is it open?
The Bandai-Azuma Skyline is a spectacular 28.7km toll-free mountain road reaching 1,622m elevation with volcanic landscapes and mountain panoramas. It connects Takayu Onsen to Tsuchiyu Pass and has been free since 2013. The road is typically closed November-April due to snow. Drive time is 60 minutes without stops; allow 2-3 hours with photo breaks at multiple viewpoints.
Are there any entrance fees for Mount Bandai and Urabandai?
No, mountain hiking is free and the Goshikinuma trail is free. Parking at trailheads costs ¥500-700. The Bandai-Azuma Skyline has been toll-free since 2013. Some facilities like visitor centers and museums may have small admission fees (¥300-500). This makes the region very budget-friendly compared to many Japanese tourist destinations.
What water activities are available at the lakes?
Lake Hibara (the largest) offers camping, swimming beaches, boat rentals, and windsurfing during summer (July-August). Lake Onogawa is popular for fishing (bass and trout). Lake Akimoto has campgrounds and water sports. Rental facilities are available at major lakeshores. Swimming season is short - only July-August when water is warm enough. Autumn lakeside colors create spectacular photography opportunities.
Where can I stay near Mount Bandai and Urabandai?
The Urabandai area has numerous onsen resorts and hotels along lakeshores (¥10,000-25,000/night with meals). Hoshinoya Bandai-san is a luxury resort on Lake Hibara. Budget options include camping and youth hostels. Inawashiro town at the southern base offers more affordable accommodations. Day-use onsen available for ¥600-1,000. Book well ahead for autumn foliage weekends.
Is Mount Bandai an active volcano?
Mount Bandai is considered an active volcano, though it hasn't erupted since 1888. The Japan Meteorological Agency monitors volcanic activity continuously. Currently, volcanic alert level is low, and the mountain is safe for hiking. However, always check current volcanic activity status before planning your hike. Volcanic gases may occasionally be detected near the crater area.
How long should I spend visiting Mount Bandai and Urabandai?
A day trip from Tokyo is possible but rushed with 8 hours of travel. Ideal is 1-2 nights allowing leisurely exploration. Day 1: Goshikinuma trail and nearby ponds, visitor center. Day 2: Mount Bandai summit hike OR Bandai-Azuma Skyline drive. Add Lake Inawashiro to the south for variety. Autumn foliage weekends require early starts (before 8 AM) to beat crowds - weekday visits are preferable.
What winter activities are available?
Nekoma Ski Resort and Inawashiro Resort offer skiing and snowboarding December-March with powder snow and mountain views. Ice fishing on frozen lakes is popular locally. Snowshoeing trails through the Goshikinuma area provide magical winter scenery. Snow depths can exceed 2 meters requiring special equipment. Many facilities close November-April. Winter driving is very challenging - check road conditions carefully.
Are there onsen (hot springs) in the area?
Yes, numerous onsen resorts dot the Urabandai and Lake Hibara areas. Most hotels offer day-use onsen bathing (¥600-1,000). The sulfurous waters come from volcanic activity and are believed to have therapeutic properties. Popular onsen towns include Urabandai Kogen and the lakeside areas. Combining hiking or sightseeing with onsen bathing is a quintessential experience.
What is the Urabandai Visitor Center?
The Urabandai Visitor Center near the Goshikinuma trailhead provides information about the area's geology, the 1888 eruption, flora and fauna, and hiking routes. Staff can advise on current trail conditions and weather. The center has exhibits explaining volcanic lake formation and local ecology. It's an excellent first stop to understand the region's natural history. Free admission.
How crowded does Goshikinuma get during autumn foliage season?
Extremely crowded on weekends during peak color (typically October 10-20). Parking lots fill by 9 AM, and the trail becomes packed with tour groups. Traffic jams on access roads are common. For a peaceful experience, arrive before 8 AM or visit on weekdays. Consider early or late season (early October or late October) when colors are still good but crowds thinner.
Can I camp in the Mount Bandai and Urabandai area?
Yes, campgrounds are available around Lake Hibara and other locations. Facilities range from basic to developed sites with amenities. Camping fees are typically ¥500-1,500 per person. Reservations recommended for summer and autumn weekends. Highland camping offers cool nights and excellent stargazing. Bring all necessary equipment and supplies. Nearest towns with shops are 30+ minutes away.
What does 'Urabandai' mean?
Urabandai literally means 'back of Bandai' referring to the northern side of Mount Bandai. The mountain's south face (Omote-Bandai) is smooth and conical, earning it the nickname 'Aizu Fuji.' The north face (Urabandai) is rugged and dramatic due to the 1888 eruption that destroyed the northern peaks. The contrast between the two sides is striking.
Are the hiking trails well-maintained?
Yes, major trails including the Goshikinuma nature trail and Mount Bandai summit routes are well-maintained with clear signage. The Goshikinuma loop is relatively flat and family-friendly with boardwalks over wet areas. Summit trails are more challenging but well-marked. However, trail conditions can deteriorate after heavy rain. Check with visitor centers for current status. Proper hiking shoes always recommended.
What wildlife can I see in the area?
The region hosts diverse wildlife including Japanese macaques (monkeys), serow (mountain goat-antelope), various bird species, and small mammals. Bears inhabit the area - make noise while hiking and follow bear safety guidelines. Fish populate the lakes. Autumn brings migrating birds. Wildlife viewing is opportunistic - early morning and evening offer best chances. Respect wildlife by observing from distance.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Aizu Higashiyama Onsen
A 1,300-year-old hot spring town in the mountains near Aizu-Wakamatsu, known for healing waters, traditional ryokan, and connections to the tragic White Tiger Brigade samurai story.
Goshikinuma Ponds
A collection of volcanic ponds displaying mystical colors ranging from emerald green to cobalt blue, created by Mt. Bandai's 1888 eruption in the beautiful highland of Urabandai.
Ouchi-juku Post Town
A remarkably preserved Edo-period post town with 40+ thatched-roof houses lining a car-free main street, offering a rare glimpse of feudal-era Japan frozen in time.
Tsuruga Castle
A reconstructed castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu famous for its distinctive red roof tiles and heroic last stand during the Boshin War, symbolizing samurai loyalty and the end of the feudal era.