Bandai-Azuma Skyline

Bandai-Azuma Skyline

There is a special bus running from Fukushima Station to the Jododaira plateau while the mountain is open. Please visit the Jododaira Sky Access page for more details.

Jododaira and the Bandai-Azuma Skyline mountain road are open from April 21, 2026.

This sightseeing road that runs from Fukushima City's Takayu Onsen to the Tsuchiyu Pass, commanding panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The spectacular views that stretch out at an average altitude of 1,350 meters attract visitors time and time again, and Bandai-Azuma Skyline has been selected as one of the 100 Best Roads in Japan.

In spring, tourists can enjoy flower viewing while at the same time taking in the otherworldly winter scenery of the "Snow Corridor".

In summer, the Nemoto Shakunage (Rhododendron brachycarpum), a species of alpine rose, and other alpine plants display their colorful flowers and fresh, brilliant green leaves. During autumn, the drive warms as roads become enclosed by fiery seasonal leaves.

There are also many hot springs in the vicinity of the Skyline where visitors can enjoy a bath and relax stiff muscles while out on a daytrip.

The roadway passes next to the crater of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji. Visitors can easily park their car at the nearby guest center and enjoy a short hike up to the crater’s rim.

The Bandai-Azuma Skyline Roadway has been selected as one of the top 100 roads in Japan, and unlike many others, this one is free to use. There are rest stops along the way for the hungry traveler; the most popular is Jododaira, as it’s home to a rest house and an observatory.

Be sure to plan ahead though, from mid-November to early April the roadway is closed due to heavy winter snowfall.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://www.f-kankou.jp/en/discover/nature/347/
Contact

Fukushima City Tourism & Convention Association

(+81) 24-563-5554

Best Season
  • Summer
  • Autumn
ParkingAvailable
Related infoSeason: Open from early April through to mid-November. The road is closed from mid-November every year.
Access Details
AccessFukushima City, Fukushima Pref.
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 30 min from Fukushima-Nishi I.C. exit off Tohoku Expressway (Enter via Takayu Toll Gate)

Useful Links

Jododaira Visitor Center

Bandai-Azuma Skyline Cycling Route

Destination Spotlight: Azuma-Kofuji’s Short & Scenic Hiking Route

Destination Spotlight: Snowy Drive Along Bandai-Azuma Skyline

Mt. Azuma-Kofuji

Related trips

  1. Driving

    Autumn Colors of Fukushima

    Spend a couple of beautiful days admiring the colors of autumn in Fukushima from the comfort of your car. You will love zooming around the prefecture and seeing all that autumn has to offer. With some of the best autumn vistas in the prefecture right outside your window, be sure to have your camera at the ready. Rent a car at Fukushima Station, and make your way down the picturesque Bandai-Azuma Skyline where you’ll see trees and mountainous views on either side. The colors of autumn will surround you like a cozy blanket and you will definitely want to take it slow to enjoy these brilliant leaves. Drive the mountain road down to the Bandai-Azuma Lake Line and admire the reflections of the autumnal trees on the surface of the beautiful waters. Take in the panorama of colors and nature in this tranquil setting before moving on to the next amazing site. Visit the fascinating Goshiki-numa Ponds that change color throughout the day; admire the various shades of these volcano-created ponds. Finish your crimson leaf tour of Fukushima at To-no-hetsuri Crags where you can drink up the gorgeous vista of trees against the stony edifice before heading back to Shin-Shirakawa Station and ending your trip. For more places, check our Google Maps list of worthwhile autumn foliage trips in Fukushima.  

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    1. Adventure

      Diamond Route (4 Days, 3 Nights)

      Have you ever wanted to take a cross-prefecture tour of Japan, from Tokyo to the impeccable countryside of Fukushima? Well, now is your chance to travel from the international hub of Tokyo and see what else Japan and—especially—Fukushima have to offer. Enjoy this cross-country tour of Japan over the span of a few days, so that you can enjoy things at your pace. Start your trip from Tokyo Station and ride a short distance to Asakusa. See one of the busiest shrine-and-temple locations in Tokyo. You’ll love the bustling atmosphere and the street stalls with their many trinkets and souvenirs. Once you’ve finished in Asakusa, head out of the city and make your way for Tochigi Prefecture’s Nikko. Nikko is perhaps most famous for the three monkey statues that people equate with “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil”. You’ll see these wonderful statues and more while you stop over in Nikko. From there, travel north to Higashiyama Onsen and enjoy the sights form the train along the way. Higashiyama Onsen is Fukushima’s home to some truly great hot springs and Japanese-style inns. Soak up the hot waters and relax your tired muscles. At Tsuruga-jo Castle, you can walk the pristine gardens and enjoy the castle grounds. Be sure to make note of the red-roof tiles of the castle as well, this is the only castle in Japan that boasts having these deep-red tiles. Inside the castle keep, discover the history of the Aizu samurai through the many exhibits and displayed artifacts. Make your way to Nanokamachi-dori Street and admire the local architecture, which is quite different than that from the rest of the area. Search out local hidden gems along the narrow streets and find the perfect souvenir to take home. Enjoy your time in Tokyo, Tochigi, and Fukushima like never before with this route.  

      Diamond Route (4 Days, 3 Nights)
      1. Culture

        Two Days, One Night in Fukushima Prefecture

        Looking to visit the best of Fukushima Prefecture in only a short time? This itinerary aims to cover some of the prefecture's most popular spots in the space of a two day, one night stay, including lunch options and potential activities. The transport hub of Koriyama, served by both shinkansen (bullet train) services from Tokyo and local trains, is an excellent place to start your trip. The journey from Tokyo Station to Koriyama Station takes as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes on the shinkansen. On this trip, you'll visit, among others: The ethereal thatched-roof village of Ouchi-juku Tsurugajo Castle, samurai fortress of the Aizu clan The double-helix architecture at Sazaedo Temple Goshikinuma Ponds, one of northern Japan's most beautiful natural areas The astonishing colours along the Bandai-Azuma Skyline sightseeing road The Fukushima 'Fruit Line' with dozens of orchards This itinerary can also be combined with a beautiful cherry blossom spot like Hanamiyama or the thousand-year-old cherry tree Miharu Takizakura, if your trip falls in mid-April. These spots are most easily traversed by car, so this article recommends renting a car at Koriyama Station. There are four rent-a-car spots near the station with English support and online bookings available:  Toyota Times Car Rental ORIX JR Rent-A-Car However, much of the course can be accessed by public transport. The sights towards the mountainous Inawashiro region (Goshikinuma Ponds, Bandai-Azuma Skyline etc.) can be more difficult without a car.

Nearby

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Yamamoto Fudoson Temple

Yamamoto Fudoson Temple was built over 1000 years ago in a rocky cavern. The temple can be reached by taking paths lined with century-old Japanese cedar trees, and climbing a 130-step stone staircase. The cave that makes up part of the Yamamoto Fudoson temple grounds is where the Buddhist deity enshrined at this temple is worshipped. Yamamoto Fudoson Temple is located in Yamamoto Park. This park is centered in a valley – 5 km of which is designated as an Okukuji Prefectural Natural Park. A wonderful place for flower-viewing throughout the year, this area is also great for experiencing beautiful autumn leaves.
The World Glassware Hall
Nature & Scenery

Ja no Hana Gardens

The Ja no Hana Gardens (蛇の鼻) are located in Motomiya, in the central area of Fukushima. From spring to autumn, this vast park -- six times the size of Tokyo Dome -- features a display of natural wonders like cherry blossoms, wisteria, roses, hydrangeas, water lilies, and autumn leaves. It is particularly famous for its 500-year-old wisteria tree that typically blooms in May, and its rows of over 500 maple trees that make for a stunning sight in autumn.There is also a historical residence, Ja no Hana-goten (Ja no Hana mansion), which is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan. Built in 1904, the impressive residence has intricate wooden carvings in the front entrance, and houses artworks and calligraphy works, often housing exhibitions. Visitors can enter the house and look at the artwork up close.Best season: Cherry blossoms: Early to late April Tulips: April to early May Peonies: Early to mid May Japanese wisteria: Early to late May Azaleas: Early to mid May Roses: Most varieties reach their peak around late May; from then until November, other varying kinds might be in bloom Water lilies: June to July Autumn leaves: Late October to November
The World Glassware Hall
Museums & Galleries

Iino UFO Museum

Iino is known as the 'UFO no Sato' (UFO Village) for its track record of sightings of luminous or unexplained flying objects. The UFO Museum tracks some of that history, as well as the wider history of UFO sightings worldwide featuring photographs and historical documents.There are also speculative models of possible extraterrestrial life and their spaceships, and a 3D cinema showing a short film exploring the mysteries of the local area.The second floor of the building features relaxation rooms and a public bath.Across from the museum, there is a souvenir store with alien-themed merchandise, in addition to a ramen restaurant with a similarly-themed menu.Please be aware that most displays are in Japanese with only sporadic English.
Discover Central Area

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Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees bloom along both sides of the Fujita River for three kilometers, centering around Horinouchi Bridge near Kikuta Station. The long stretch of leafy foliage features several banks suitable for picnics under the cherry blossoms, which bloom typically in mid-April. (For reference: though blooming periods can change year-to-year, the 2025 blossoms were at full bloom around 15th April.)The riverside is served by nearby Kikuta Station on the Ban-Etsu Line, or there are large car parks near the river walk.
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