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Goshikinuma Lakes
Nature
Fukushima, Tohoku

Goshikinuma Lakes

A cluster of volcanic lakes and ponds formed by the 1888 eruption of Mt. Bandai, each displaying a different colour — cobalt, emerald, turquoise, red-brown and white — due to varying mineral compositions. A 3.6 km trail passes through the most scenic ones.

Duration

2–3 hours (trail)

Admission

Free

Hours

Always open; trail may close after heavy rain or in winter (Dec–Mar)

Best Season

May–November; October–November (autumn)

Access

Bus from Inawashiro Station (30 min)

Location

Why Visit

  • 1

    The 1888 eruption was one of the largest in Japanese history — the landscape was formed in a single day

  • 2

    Bishamon-numa lake has a rowboat rental — paddle into the centre of a turquoise volcanic crater

  • 3

    The 3.6 km Goshikinuma Nature Trail is a flat comfortable walk through mature beech forest

  • 4

    Autumn foliage above the coloured lakes creates a scene of extraordinary colour density

Local Tips

The 3.6km Goshikinuma Nature Trail connects five crater lakes of completely different colours — caused by different mineral compositions. The colours are most vivid on cloudy days with less surface glare. Start from the Urabandai bus stop end and walk toward Bishamon-numa (the largest lake) — easier in this direction.

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