Goshikinuma Lakes

The Goshikinuma Lakes, or Five Colored Ponds, are a cluster of volcanic lakes located on the slopes of Mount Bandai in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. These lakes were formed in 1888 when Mount Bandai erupted catastrophically, triggering one of Japan's most devastating volcanic disasters. The eruption killed approximately 477 people and dramatically reshaped the landscape, creating dozens of lakes and ponds from blocked rivers and streams. The lakes take their name from the remarkable variety of colors their waters display, ranging from cobalt blue and emerald green to turquoise and red, depending on mineral content, depth, and lighting conditions.

The area holds significant geological and ecological value as a prime example of post-volcanic landscape formation. The varying colors result from different mineral compositions and volcanic materials deposited during the eruption. Each lake has distinct characteristics: Bishamonnuma is the largest, Aonuma displays vivid blue hues, while Rurinuma and Midoronuma showcase emerald and green tones respectively. The lakes are situated within the Bandai-Asahi National Park, which protects the region's unique volcanic terrain and diverse forest ecosystems.

Visitors explore the area via the Goshikinuma Nature Trail, a well-maintained hiking path approximately 3.6 kilometers long that connects the major ponds. The trail is relatively flat and takes about one to one and a half hours to complete at a leisurely pace, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The route offers multiple viewing platforms and photo opportunities, with autumn being particularly popular when surrounding forests display vivid fall colors. Winter visits reveal a completely different landscape with frozen lakes and snow-covered trees.

The lakes are accessible from Urabandai, located on the northern side of Mount Bandai. Most visitors arrive at Goshikinuma-iriguchi bus stop, which serves as the main trailhead. Buses run from Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban'etsu West Line, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes. During peak seasons, particularly autumn, direct buses also operate from larger stations including Koriyama.