Mt. Issaikyo

Mt. Issaikyo

One of the mountains climbable from the Jododaira Plateau, Mt. Issaikyo is a robust several-hour hike suitable for intermediate-level hikers.

In addition to spectacular views of the surrounding area, the mountain is also one of the main pathways to, and viewpoints for, the ‘Witch’s Eye’ lake at Goshikinuma, which stretches out in a valley visible from the Issaikyo summit. (The lake is reachable from the summit, although the terrain is relatively steep.)

Visitors to the area typically park at the Jododaira Visitor Center, from which they have a choice of options: Kamanuma lake due west, Okenuma Pond to the south, and the Azuma-Kofuji crater with its panoramic views over Fukushima City to the east.

To the north, however, stands Mt. Issaikyo. With a summit of 1,949m and rugged terrain on the climb, it may not be suitable for absolute beginner hikers, but nor is it a whole-day slog like climbing Mt. Fuji. Views from the top of the mountain are spectacular and well worth the climb – a blanket of immaculate white clouds spreads out in all directions. Likewise, the ascent gives great views of the Azuma-Kofuji crater with its iconic inverted shape.

The Jododaira Plateau is typically best accessed by car, a journey which takes travellers from Fukushima City up the Bandai-Azuma Skyline sightseeing road and offers fantastic views, especially in autumn.

Please be aware that the Mt. Issaikyo trail, and the Jododaira Plateau in general, is closed to visitors during winter due to heavy snowfall.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Best Season
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
Estimated Visit Time4h
Opening Hours

Closed in winter.

Parking500 yen
Entrance FeeFree
Access Details
AccessWashikurayama Tsuchiyuonsenmachi, Fukushima, 960-2157
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 1 hour drive from the Fukushima-Nishi I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway

Then walk roughly 1h30m to the summit of Mt. Issaikyo

(Witch's Eye lake is a further 30-40 minutes descent from the summit)

Useful Links

Jododaira Visitor Center

Mt. Azuma-Kofuji

Climbing Mt. Issaikyo

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Majyo-no-hitomi (The Witch’s Eye Lake)

Majyo-no-hitomi, or The Witch's Eye Lake, is a volcanic lake that was formed during a volcanic eruption many years ago. Unique minerals in the water cause the lake to appear different colors, giving the lake its official name of Goshiki-numa (Five Colored Lake), but most often it is a bright blue. The nickname of “Witch's Eye” comes from the unique appearance of the lake that is visible in late spring when the snow melts enough so that only a white ring remains around the lake to form the white of what appears to be an enormous single eye.This lake viewpoint can be reached by an intermediate hike up Mt. Issaikyo that begins at the Jododaira Visitors Center, stop by for a map and safety information before hiking.
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