Goshikinuma Ponds (Five-Colored Lakes): Urabandai Hiking Trail in Fukushima
Goshikinuma Ponds (Goshikinuma Koshō-gun), located in the Urabandai area of Fukushima Prefecture, is a beautiful cluster of ponds surrounded by rich nature on the northern side of Mount Bandai.
Along the well-maintained “Goshikinuma Nature Trail (Goshikinuma Shizen Tanshō-ro),” you can enjoy mysterious colors that vary from pond to pond—vivid blues, emerald greens, cobalt tones, and more.
The water’s color shifts constantly depending on the season, weather, and angle of sunlight, which is why the area is often described as “mystical ponds,” captivating travelers again and again.
In this guide, you’ll find how Goshikinuma was formed, the features of major ponds, the best seasons to visit, and practical access information for international travelers.
1. How Goshikinuma Ponds Was Formed
Mystical ponds created by the 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai
Goshikinuma Ponds is believed to have formed after the massive 1888 (Meiji 21) eruption of Mount Bandai, when the mountain’s northern side (Ko-Bandai) collapsed.
Large-scale landslides dammed rivers and created many ponds and small lakes.
Volcanic minerals settling on the bottom and differences in dissolved components in the water are key factors behind each pond’s unique coloration.
Because the colors change with the weather and sunlight, one of Goshikinuma’s biggest attractions is discovering a different view each time you visit.
Where the name “Goshikinuma” comes from and the hiking trail
The name Goshikinuma (“five colors”) comes from the many ponds scattered across the area, showing a wide range of hues such as blue, green, and reddish tones.
The “Goshikinuma Nature Trail” is a hiking route that lets you walk through the area in about 1.5 to 2 hours over a total distance of around 3.6 km.
With relatively gentle ups and downs, it’s popular as an easy route for beginners and families.
You can start from either the Urabandai Visitor Center side (Bishamon-numa Entrance) or the Goshikinuma Entrance bus stop side, but starting from Bishamon-numa is especially popular.
2. Highlights of Goshikinuma Ponds
Signature ponds and their mysterious colors
Goshikinuma Ponds includes more than 30 ponds and small lakes, and several of the most famous ones along the Nature Trail are especially popular.
Each pond has its own distinct colors, drawing visitors from around the world.
- Bishamon-numa Pond (Bishamon-numa): The largest pond in Goshikinuma, known for its vivid emerald-green water.
- In some seasons, rowboats are available, letting you appreciate the colors from the water.
- The view with Mount Bandai in the background is one of the area’s most iconic photo spots.
- Aonuma Pond (Aonuma): A mysterious pond with deep blue tones that look especially striking on sunny days.
- Because the intensity of blue changes with the angle of light, you can enjoy different scenery on each visit.
- Benten-numa Pond (Benten-numa): Known for clear green and blue hues, and one of the larger ponds in the area.
- Trees around the pond reflect on the surface, creating an atmospheric landscape.
- Ruri-numa Pond (Ruri-numa): A pond whose colors can shift dramatically with viewing angle and weather, with bright emerald and blue tones standing out.
- Akanuma Pond (Akanuma): A unique spot where surrounding conditions and water composition create a different kind of coloration compared with other ponds.
Hiking the Goshikinuma Nature Trail
The “Goshikinuma Nature Trail” is a roughly 3.6 km hiking route that runs from near the Urabandai Visitor Center to the Goshikinuma Entrance bus stop.
Viewpoints appear along the way, letting you enjoy the changing colors of the ponds one after another.
The trail is generally well maintained, but some sections can be muddy, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Fresh greenery in spring and autumn foliage in fall are especially beautiful, surrounding visitors in the area’s natural charm.
Nature watching and seasonal scenery
Goshikinuma is home to wild birds and a variety of plants, offering different nature-watching experiences by season.
In early summer, you may see irises and renge azaleas in bloom, while autumn brings spectacular scenes of beech and maple leaves reflected on the water.
Seasonal encounters with plants and wildlife add even more enjoyment to the walk along the Nature Trail.
3. Best Time to Visit Goshikinuma Ponds
Spring: Fresh greenery and wildflowers (May to June)
In spring, the area around Goshikinuma turns bright with fresh greenery and crisp, refreshing air.
From mid-May to June, delicate wildflowers begin to bloom, making it a pleasant season for a walk while enjoying the energy of nature.
It’s also a time when snowmelt can make the pond colors look even more vivid.
Summer: Refresh under cool shade (July to August)
In summer, many shaded sections and cool breezes make hiking comfortable in Urabandai (around 800 m above sea level), which tends to be cooler than lowland areas.
The ponds’ colors sparkle in the summer sun, with blues and greens appearing especially vibrant.
As a sightseeing spot that doubles as a cool summer escape, the trail becomes lively with families during school holidays.
Autumn: Fall foliage and color contrast (mid-October to early November)
In autumn, Goshikinuma is wrapped in beautiful fall colors.
The contrast of red and yellow leaves with the ponds’ blues and greens is striking, making this the most popular season for many visitors.
Mid-October to early November is typically the best time for autumn foliage, ideal for landscape photography.
Early morning, when the area is quiet, is especially recommended for enjoying foliage reflections on the water.
Winter: Snowy serenity (December to March)
In winter, Goshikinuma is covered in snow and takes on a dreamlike atmosphere.
Because heavy snowfall can make parts of the trail difficult, be sure to prepare warm clothing and snow boots.
4. How to Get to Goshikinuma Ponds
Access
- Train & bus: From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station (about 80 minutes), then the JR Ban’etsu West Line to Inawashiro Station (about 40 minutes).
- From Inawashiro Station, taking a local bus to the “Goshikinuma Entrance” stop is common, with an estimated travel time of about 25 minutes.
- Car: About 20 minutes via National Route 459 from the Inawashiro-Bandai-Kōgen Interchange on the Ban’etsu Expressway.
- Parking spaces are available around the Urabandai Visitor Center and near the Goshikinuma Entrance.
Visitor information
Goshikinuma is maintained as a nature trail, and you can enjoy the walk freely.
In winter, snowfall can be heavy, so it’s safer to check weather and trail conditions in advance at places such as the Urabandai Visitor Center.
Facilities
At the Urabandai Visitor Center, you can view exhibits about Goshikinuma’s nature and formation, and also get trail information.
Restrooms are available at both ends of the trail (the Urabandai Visitor Center side and the Goshikinuma Entrance side), but there are none along the route, so please plan accordingly.
5. Useful Tips for Travelers
Goshikinuma hiking tips
A typical plan is a 1.5 to 2-hour hike along the Goshikinuma Nature Trail.
Because it’s a one-way course, plan to return by bus or walk back the same way.
Comfortable shoes and season-appropriate clothing (a light layer in summer, winter gear in cold months) are recommended.
Since you can enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace, it’s best to plan with plenty of time.
Local specialties and souvenirs
Around Goshikinuma, you’ll find Fukushima specialties and Goshikinuma-themed goods for sale.
You can also buy Fukushima classics like Aizu lacquerware and Akabeko, making them great travel souvenirs.
Summary
Goshikinuma Ponds in Fukushima is a mystical cluster of ponds created by the 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai, offering spectacular natural beauty across all four seasons.
From the unique colors of each pond to the rich nature you’ll encounter along the roughly 3.6 km trail, Goshikinuma provides a soothing, memorable experience.
When you visit Fukushima, take time to enjoy the mysterious beauty of Goshikinuma Ponds.
