
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.
2–3 hours (trail)
Free
Always open; trail may close after heavy rain or in winter (Dec–Mar)
May–November; October–November (autumn)
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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