Originally known as Iwahashi-yama, literally a rock ladder to the sky, the renamed Mt. Bandai is no less impressive. Often referred to as 'Aizu's Mt. Fuji', Mt. Bandai is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, and has even been selected as one of the top 100 geographic landmarks in Japan. In 2011, the mountain was certified as a geopark, which is a unified area with geological heritage and international significance, as defined by UNESCO.
There are seven climbing routes for Mt. Bandai, with the trail starting at the Happodai trailhead being the most popular, and easiest route. From the Happodai trailhead, the 3.5 km route takes around 2 hours to reach the summit.
The various routes range from 2 to 4 hours and from 3 to 7 km. At Koubou Shimizu, one of the mountain stops, there are two shops where trekkers can buy drinks, snacks, and souvenirs, but please note that there is no accommodation available.
For many Buddhist mountain fanatics, Mt. Bandai holds a place of great significance. Enichi-ji Temple, located on the southwestern foot of Mt. Bandai, is a popular temple to visit nearby. The mountains situated around the temple make for a serene vista where one can feel the power of nature. Enichi-ji Temple was founded one year after Mt. Bandai erupted, in 807 C.E.; in the past, some superstitious people believed there was a connection between the eruption and the temple’s founding...
Interestingly, Mt. Bandai used to be shaped more like the famous Mt. Fuji, but after a volcanic eruption in 1888, the shape changed to what we see today. It is thanks to that eruption that the mountain gained its rugged, sharp look and the Urabandai area behind Mt. Bandai was created. For non-hikers, the Bandaisan Gold Line is a popular sightseeing road that leads up the southwestern side and offers brilliant vistas of the foliage, especially in autumn when the colors change.
| Website | https://bandaisan.or.jp/ib/en/ |
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| Contact | Inawashiro Tourism Association (+81) 242-62-2048 |
| Best Season |
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| Parking | Available (Please use the Happodai Trailhead Parking Lot [八方台登山口駐車場］) |
| Access | Happodai Trailhead, Bandaisan Gold Line, Bandai Town, Yama District, Fukushima Pref. 969-3301 View directions |
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| Getting there | By Car: Take the Bandai-Kawahigashi I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway. Then take Route 64 and head towards Lake Hibara on the Bandaisan Gold Line (20 min). |
Experience canoeing at Lake Hibara, one of Urabandai’s largest lakes! Outdoor Sports Club Bacss offers a range of fun tours and activities centred around Lake Hibara that you can join with family and friends, including trekking, canoeing and fishing.
A little-known treasure, Aizu Hongo pottery (known in Japanese as 'hongo-yaki') is the oldest type of pottery in the Tohoku region. Aizu Hongo pottery's history dates back to the Warring States Period (1467 – 1615), when Ujisato Gamo, leader of the Aizu clan, ordered renovations be made to Tsurugajo Castle. The production of ceramic tiles for the castle roof kick-started the tradition of making pottery in Aizu-Misato Town. During the early 1600s, Masayuki Hoshina (who founded the Matsudaira house) invited ceramic craftsmen to Aizu-Misato from Owari - a region famous for its pottery - in order to increase the skills of locals. It was from this time that Aizu Hongo-yaki production began in earnest. At the peak of its popularity, there were more than 100 potteries in the town. There are currently 13 left, which are centered around Setomachi in Aizu-Misato. The rich variety of wares produced from workshop to workshop is just one of the fascinating things about visiting the area. Aizu-Misato Town is also known for the area's unusual ability to produce both great-quality earthenware and delicate porcelain. Please enjoy taking a look around the various shops, workshops, and kilns, and try making pottery for yourself!
Blue sky, endlessly-fresh dancing powder snow. Come and enjoy this fascinating winter wonderland! The field covered with a marsh and bushes in summer, changes to a white snow field ideal for snowshoe trekking in winter. No skills or previous experience is necessary. You can enjoy the snow-covered world from the very day you start. Snowshoe trekking can even be enjoyed by those who are not athletic. You can walk on lakes or ponds. You can find the tracks of rabbits and squirrels in the forest. Let's enjoy a great variety of nature which can only be seen in winter in Urabandai.
You can now try on yukata or kimono at Tsuruga Kimono Rental Shop, which opened in April 2019. Tsuruga Kimono Rental Shop is located on the second floor of Tsurugajo Kaikan, which is right next to Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu City. Rent a kimono or yukata and take photos with friends and family in front of the castle, or venture a bit further to the historical Nanokamachi-dori Street to feel like you have stepped back in time. Come and make some great memories in Aizu-Wakamatsu City!
<p>Have fun skiing on high-quality, natural powder snow at Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Resort.</p><p>From the summit of the slopes, a vertical drop height of 1650 m gives visitors a 360-degree panoramic view over the mountains. Aizu Kogen Takatsue offers a variety of courses, allowing skiers of all levels to enjoy the resort to the full.</p><p>There are other snow activities that don’t involve skiing, such as the Takatsue Snow Cat Tour. In this tour, run by Aizu Astoria Hotel, you are taken by snowcat all the way to the summit of the slopes, where you can enjoy the picture-perfect view.</p>
<p>The base area of the slopes is as high as 1,050 m above sea level, ensuring skiers high quality snow and crisp, clean air. The squeak of snow when you step on it and the feel of the snow underfoot are unforgettable.</p><p>All the roads to Minowa Ski Resort are national routes, so even when they are covered with snow, they make for safe and comfortable driving. Moreover, the resort is within 30 minutes from the nearest ICs (interchanges) on all major expressways and free parking is available just in front of the rest house.</p><p>Moreover, the entire surface of the parking area is paved so it's easy to walk on. Such ease of access is yet another attraction of this ski resort.</p>
Be swept off your feet by the amazing scenery at the Oguninuma Wetlands. These wetlands are located in Urabandai area, and are just one part of the stunning Oze National Park. Lots of people hike here every year at the start of summer to enjoy views of the seasonal yellow flowers, called Nikko Kisuge.
Thought to have had its sloped 'designed for Fukushima locals', Inawashiro Snow Paradise offers 17 courses across 2 expansive areas, each tailored around a different skiing style. Its convenient access is also a major draw for tourists.