Goshikinuma Trail System

About

One of the distinctively colored ponds in the Goshikinuma trail system, formed by the 1888 Mount Bandai eruption. Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Goshikinuma ("Five Colored Ponds") is a cluster of volcanic lakes situated at the foot of Mount Bandai in the Bandai-Asahi National Park. These lakes formed when Mount Bandai erupted on July 15, 1888, in a catastrophic event that destroyed dozens of villages and killed approximately 500 people while creating hundreds of lakes and tarns. 🔗

The eruption completely rearranged the landscape, with approximately 1.5 cubic kilometers of the summit collapsing and flowing northwards. The deposition of debris created the distinctive topography of Urabandai, a land dotted with innumerable small hills and valleys. As water accumulated in the low-lying areas, many small lakes and marshes, including the Goshikinuma, took form. 🔗 🔗

While the name suggests five ponds, the trail actually connects over 40 ponds and lakes. The eight main lakes are Bishamonnuma, Akanuma, Midoronuma, Tatsunuma, Aonuma, Bentennuma, Yanaginuma, and Rurinuma, each displaying unique hues ranging from emerald green to cobalt blue to rusty red. 🔗 These colors mysteriously fluctuate throughout the year with weather, season, viewing angle, and time of day, making each visit a unique experience. 🔗

Color Formation Science

The eruption forced acidic substances into the groundwater that flowed into the ponds, and these acids chemically changed into aluminum silicate crystals and mixed into the water. The crystals reflect specific wavelengths of light creating the mysterious colors seen in the ponds. 🔗

Visiting Information

Access from Aizuwakamatsu:

By Train + Bus:

• Take JR Ban-etsu West Line to Inawashiro Station (approximately 25 minutes)
• From Inawashiro Station, take Bandai Toto Bus (one bus every 1-2 hours, 7-8 buses daily)
  • To eastern trailhead: Goshikinuma Iriguchi bus stop (30 minutes, ¥790)
  • To western trailhead: Urabandai Kogen Eki bus stop (35 minutes, ¥910)
• 3-minute walk from Goshikinuma Iriguchi bus stop to Urabandai Visitor Center trailhead 🔗 🔗 🔗

By Car (Recommended):

• Drive via Route 459 through scenic mountain roads (approximately 1 hour)
• Free parking available at both trailheads (Urabandai Visitor Center: approximately 78 spaces, 5 large vehicle spaces, 3 accessible spaces) 🔗

Operating Hours:

• Trail accessible 24/7
• Urabandai Visitor Center operates 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 🔗

Admission:

• Free - both trail access and parking are free of charge 🔗

Best Time to Visit:

• Autumn (mid-October to early November): Peak foliage season with spectacular color contrast 🔗
• Spring (May-June - Shin-ryoku season): Fresh green leaves create vibrant scenery 🔗
• Time of day: Early morning before tour buses arrive mid-morning (best for photography and avoiding crowds) 🔗

Current Status:

• Trail renovated and reopened April 18, 2025 - fully operational with improved facilities 🔗
• Check https://urabandai-vc.jp/ for current trekking conditions

The Trail Experience

The Goshikinuma Nature Trail is a 3.6-4 km relatively flat path connecting the eastern trailhead at Urabandai Visitor Center with the western end at Lake Hibara/Urabandai Kogen Station. 🔗 While there is little elevation change overall, the path crosses gentle slopes, wooden bridges, and narrow stone stairs through forested areas rich with small waterfalls and marshes. 🔗

Trail Characteristics:

• Distance: 3.6-4 km one-way
• Surface: Well-maintained with wooden planked sections
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (suitable for families, children, elderly, and beginner hikers)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair friendly with maximum gradient of 5%, planked in places 🔗 🔗
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours for through-hike (allow 2 hours for leisurely exploration with photography stops) 🔗

Star Ponds Along the Trail (West to East)

1. Bishamonnuma (Bishamon Pond) - Largest Pond The biggest lake among the trail ponds with vivid emerald green color. Offers majestic views of Mt. Bandai from multiple observation decks. Only pond where rowboat rentals are available (small fee). Best for experiencing the colored waters up close from the water. 🔗 🔗 🔗

2. Akanuma (Red Pond) Characterized by vivid emerald green with reddish-orange hues along shoreline due to high iron content. 🔗

3. Midoronuma (Deep Mud Pond) One of the most unusually colored ponds with neon green water and deep rusty red spots throughout. 🔗

4. Bentennuma (Benten Pond) - Most Impressive Second largest pond with stunning cobalt blue/aquamarine color. Located slightly past trail midpoint with elevated wooden observation deck. Offers distant views of Mount Yanabe, Mount Nishi-Daiten, and Mount Nishi-Azumayama. Benches available for rest and contemplation. 🔗 🔗

5. Aonuma (Blue Pond) - #1 Most Beautiful View Awarded "number 1 most beautiful view of Fukushima". Displays extraordinary emerald green to yellow to turquoise hues that beautifully shimmer. The bluest of all ponds with mesmerizing bright blue color created by allophane (aluminum and silica compound) that reflects light uniquely. Such beautiful color "it cannot be thought of as something created by nature". 🔗 🔗 🔗

6. Rurinuma (Lapis Lazuli Pond) Named for deep, rich blue waters that are probably the clearest of any Goshikinuma ponds. 🔗

October-November Seasonal Highlights

Peak Foliage: Mid-October to early November offers the most striking color contrast between autumn leaves and colored waters. Due to wide range of elevations, colors can usually be seen somewhere in the region during the entire month of October. 🔗

Photography Conditions:

• Best Light: Early morning provides softer light and reflection opportunities before crowds arrive 🔗
• Color Variation: Pond colors change with season, weather, time of day, and viewing angle - making return visits worthwhile 🔗
• Weather Impact: Colors appear different in various weather conditions - overcast days can intensify pond colors while sunny days create more reflection 🔗
• Autumn Contrast: Foliage season provides maximum visual impact with colored leaves reflecting in colored waters

Practical Visiting Tips

Trail Strategy

Route Direction: Recommended: Start from eastern end (Urabandai Visitor Center/Goshikinuma Iriguchi) heading west toward Lake Hibara/Urabandai Kogen Station. If arriving by bus, the Visitor Center end is better to begin, allowing you to collect information and rent equipment first. 🔗

One-Way Option: Park at one trailhead, hike one-way, return by bus (check limited bus schedule in advance). 🔗

Best Photo Spots (in hiking order, east to west):

1. Rurinuma: Clear deep blue - best for pristine water shots
2. Aonuma: #1 most beautiful view - emerald/turquoise shimmer (priority stop)
3. Bentennuma: Elevated observation deck - best for mountain backdrop photos
4. Midoronuma: Unique neon green/rusty red contrast
5. Bishamonnuma: Largest pond with Mt. Bandai views - best for scale and grandeur

Safety & Wildlife

Bear Country Precautions:

• Bear Awareness: Wildlife including bears present - listed as one of trail challenges 🔗
• Bear Bells: Available for rent at Urabandai Visitor Center 🔗
• Better Prevention: Make noise as you walk - talk, clap, or make high-pitched sounds at regular intervals (more effective than bells) 🔗
• Timing: Bears most active early morning and evening - mid-morning to mid-afternoon safest 🔗
• Check Status: Check for recent bear sightings at Visitor Center before starting 🔗

Trail Conditions:

• Footwear: Proper trekking shoes recommended - ground becomes muddy and slippery when it rains 🔗
• Footing: Caution needed due to scattered rocks and mud from rain 🔗
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly with 5% max gradient and planked sections 🔗

Urabandai Visitor Center Resources

Facilities:

• Information desk with English-speaking staff offering route suggestions 🔗
• Bear bell and hiking boot rentals 🔗
• Clean restroom facilities 🔗
• Educational exhibits about area geography, wildlife, and volcanic history (including videos) 🔗
• Current trekking conditions and bear activity updates 🔗

Weather & Seasonal Preparation

October-November Specifics:

• Layered Clothing: Mountain temperatures can be 5-10°C cooler than Tokyo - bring warm layers 🔗
• Rain Gear: Essential - trail becomes very muddy when wet 🔗
• Sun Protection: Even in autumn, UV exposure significant at higher elevation
• Foliage Timing: Contact Visitor Center (https://urabandai-vc.jp/) for current foliage status before visit

Money-Saving Tips

• Free Access: No admission fees for trail or parking 🔗
• Optional Costs: Only rowboat rental at Bishamonnuma (small fee) is paid activity 🔗
• Equipment: Rent bear bells and boots at Visitor Center if needed rather than purchasing 🔗

Cultural Etiquette

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash - no bins on trail
• Stay on Trail: Protect fragile volcanic ecosystem by remaining on designated paths
• Quiet Respect: While making noise for bears, avoid excessive loudness that disturbs other hikers
• Photography: No restrictions, but be mindful of other visitors when setting up shots at popular viewpoints

Nearby Attractions

Within Urabandai Area:

• Lake Hibara: Largest lake in area with water activities and scenic drives (western trailhead location) 🔗
• Mount Bandai Summit: More challenging hike (4-5 hours) for experienced hikers 🔗
• Urabandai Plateau: "Lake District of Japan" with over 300 lakes and ponds to explore 🔗

En Route from Aizuwakamatsu:

• Scenic mountain roads through volcanic landscape
• Roadside stations with local products and rest facilities

Important Notes

Critical Visit Considerations:

• Bus Schedule: Only 7-8 buses daily from Inawashiro Station - plan connections carefully 🔗
• Bear Activity: October-November is active feeding season before hibernation - take bear precautions seriously 🔗
• Weather Dependent: Pond colors less vibrant on overcast rainy days (though this can create different photographic opportunities) 🔗
• Crowd Management: Tour buses arrive mid-to-late morning - early start essential for peaceful experience 🔗

Physical Fitness Requirements:

• Easy-Moderate: Suitable for families, children, elderly, and beginner hikers 🔗
• Minimal Elevation: Little elevation change overall, though some gentle slopes and stairs 🔗
• Distance: 3.6-4 km (2.2-2.5 miles) - achievable for most fitness levels 🔗

Current Status Update (2025): Trail recently renovated and reopened April 18, 2025 with improved facilities and maintenance. Check https://urabandai-vc.jp/ for latest conditions, bear sightings, and trail status. 🔗

Location: View Urabandai Visitor Center Trailhead on Google Maps

Source: attractions/aizuwakamatsu/goshikinuma-trail-system.md