Urabandai Lake district of Japan<\/a> <\/strong><\/em><\/p>The ponds of Goshikinuma Pond refer to an area which has numerous lakes and ponds<\/strong> which include Bishamonnuma, Akanuma, Midoronuma, Tatsunuma, Bentennuma, Rurinuma, Aonuma and Yanaginuma. The ponds have emerald green, cobalt blue, turquoise blue, emerald blue and pastel blue colours, which change in each of the marshes.<\/p>The area consists of more than five ponds<\/strong> and is famous for its simply spectacular spectrum of colours. The way it is displayed depends on factors such as the weather, the season, where you look at it, the volcanic substances contained in the water, and many more. It even changes according to the time of year.<\/p>Excursions in the area are recommended for beginners,<\/strong> as they are usually short and allow you to enjoy Goshikinuma at its best. You can enjoy boating on the largest pond, Bishamonnuma. And if you want to go bird watching, it is best to do so after winter and before autumn. In the spring season the colours of the ponds are much more beautiful.<\/p>The route along the Goshikinuma (five marshlands<\/strong>) is approximately 3.6 km long<\/strong> and which is carried out in about 90 minutes.<\/strong> It is an easy route with hardly any slopes, although it is necessary to take precautions during the rainy season. It is a special protected area within the national park, so neither the vegetation nor the animals can be affected. This means that in order to protect the landscape it is important to stay within the established trails.<\/p>For enter the path<\/strong> can be done through two entrances, each with a car park and a bus stop. If you go by car, there is a car park where you can leave your car, walk the trail and return to the car park by bus. It is advisable to check the bus schedule in advance, as these are very limited.<\/p>Entrance of Goshinuma (Bishamonnuma pond side)<\/strong><\/p>By car:<\/strong> It is advisable to go to the Urabandai visitor centre or the car park at the tourist plaza at the entrance to Goshikinuma. It is located approximately five minutes walk from Bishamonnuma. There is also a very large area, which is the bus car park.<\/li>By bus:<\/strong> Get off at Goshikinuma Iriguchi bus stop.<\/li><\/ul>Entrance to Urabandai Kogen-eki (including Yanaginuma Pond, Aonuma Pond and Rurinuma Pond)<\/strong><\/p>By car:<\/strong> Urabandai Bussankan car park must be used. Yanaginuma Pond is in front of the car park. There is also a very large bus parking area.<\/li>By bus:<\/strong> Get off at the Urabandai Kogen-eki bus stop.<\/li><\/ul>This route of lakes and marshes is recommended for beginners,<\/strong> as it is a short walk that allows you to enjoy Goshikinuma.<\/p><\/span>Trekking to Mount Bandai<\/span><\/h2> <\/figure>Mount Bandai extends over three cities<\/strong> and the villages of Inawashiro, Bandai and Kitashiobara in Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture. It has an altitude of 1,816 metres, and one of its main attractions is that the front and rear of Bandai show a different shape.<\/p>The eruption that occurred in 1888 significantly changed the topography of the area, not only of the mountains, but also of the surrounding area. Spectacular sites such as Lake Hibara and Goshikinuma were created. Even the effects of the eruption can still be seen at Urabandai on the north side of the mountain. On the south side is Lake Inawashiro, which is the fourth largest lake in the country. The Omotesando as seen from here looks particularly attractive, being very visited by tourists at any time of the year.<\/strong><\/p>The ascent of Mount Bandai <\/strong>can be done by six routes, but the most recommended route is from the entrance to Happodai<\/strong>. This route is the one with the lowest gradient and can be done in approx. 2h10\u2032 ascent; and 1h30\u2032 descent.<\/strong> Route for mountaineers from intermediate or advanced level.<\/strong> <\/p>We will find an intermediate point called Bandai Onsen Nakanoyu Ruins. It was formerly a thermal spa<\/strong>but it is no longer in operation. However, you can still smell the sulphur smell. As you continue along the route, you can reach a junction that leads to the flower garden and Kobo Shimizu, which has some dazzling scenery.<\/p>Regardless of the route selected, you will always arrive at Kobo Shimizum, where there is a hut and a small rest area. It can take between 25 and 30 minutes from Kobo Shimizu to the top.<\/strong> On the route, from the Happodai climbing entrance to Kobo Shimizu, which is the fourth station, you reach a place where you have a clear view. From this point you can see Lake Hibara, Lake Onogawa, Lake Akimoto of Urabandai, as well as the copper swamp, crater field and crater wall.<\/p>Arriving at Kobo Shimizu tents can be found<\/strong> where you take a short break. You can hydrate yourself in this area, as there are plenty of fresh and cold water fountains. From this point to the summit, which is the fifth station, there is a short ascent that is done quickly.<\/p>Mt. Bandai <\/figcaption><\/figure>When you reach the top of Mount Bandai, you can see a view of Lake Inawashiro, Mount Iide, Mount Gassan, Mount Azuma and Mount Adatara. It is possible to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. Towards the Urabandai side, it is possible to see the desolate landscape of the crater field as well as the rugged crater wall. A Urabandai - Kawakami route can be found which is difficult to climb for beginners.<\/strong><\/p>It is possible to reach the start of the Happodai trail,<\/strong> either by car or taxi from Bandaimachi Station or Inawashiro Station. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Inawashiro Station to Bandai Kogen, and then take a taxi from there.<\/p>The taxi ride from JR Bandaimachi Station to the start of the Happodai Trail takes about 40 minutes, and then from Bandai Kogen Station to the start of the Happodai Trail takes about ten minutes.<\/p>
Parking is completely free at the entrance to Happodai along the Bamdaisan Gold Line, and there are toilets and rest areas. Climbing is possible until before winter. The best time, however, is mid-September to about mid-October. It is not recommended to do the route on weekends.<\/strong> This route is intermediate to advanced. While there are routes, the one recommended for beginners takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to do, both there and back to the top.<\/p>