Goshikinuma Ponds (Urabandai)
五色沼湖沼群
A cluster of ponds in Urabandai formed by Mount Bandai's eruption, each a different colour, from emerald to cobalt blue, linked by a trail of about 4 km.
Colourful ponds born of an eruption
The Goshikinuma Ponds are a group of ponds in Urabandai (the area on the north side of Mount Bandai) in Kitashiobara Village, Fukushima Prefecture. In 1888 (Meiji 21), a steam explosion on the north side of Mount Bandai brought part of the mountain crashing down, and the rock avalanche dammed the rivers, creating hundreds of lakes and ponds in the area. Goshikinuma is one of the groups of ponds formed at that time.
The name means "five colours", but there are not just five ponds. More than 30 small ponds, including Bishamonnuma, Akanuma, Midoronuma, Tatsunuma, Bentennuma, Rurinuma, Aonuma and Yanaginuma, are known together as Goshikinuma.
A different colour in every pond
Each pond has its own colour: emerald green, cobalt blue, turquoise, pale blue and more. According to the Mount Bandai Geopark, the blue comes from extremely fine particles of aluminium silicate suspended in the water, which scatter the light.
The colours also change with the season, the weather, the state of the pond bed, the surrounding plants and the angle you look from, so the ponds look different every time you visit.
Walking the Goshikinuma Nature Trail
The Goshikinuma Nature Trail, which links the ponds, is a beginner-friendly route of about 4 km one way, taking roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes on foot. It is mostly flat, but there are exposed rocks and muddy patches in places, so watch your footing.
There are two entrances: one at the Bishamonnuma end (Urabandai Visitor Centre and Urabandai Tourist Plaza) and one at the Yanaginuma end (Urabandai Bussankan, a local products shop). Both have a car park and a bus stop. On Bishamonnuma, the largest pond, you can hire a rowing boat except in winter.
Bear sightings and restricted hours
In July 2026, after a person was injured by a bear, access to the section of the trail between the Bishamonnuma and Bentennuma viewpoints was restricted. The restriction was partly lifted from 25 July, but the trail can only be used between 9 am and 4 pm (as of 30 September 2026).
Walkers are asked not to go alone and to make noise with a bear bell, a radio or similar. You can borrow bear bells at the Urabandai Tourist Plaza, the Urabandai Visitor Centre and Urabandai Bussankan. Check the latest information from Kitashiobara Village or the Urabandai Tourism Association before you go.
Tips
- There are bus stops at the entrances at both ends of the trail, so you can walk one way and take the bus back. Check the bus times in advance.
- The trail's hours are restricted. To finish by 4 pm, it is best to start walking in the morning.
- If you do not have a bear bell, borrow one from one of the facilities near the entrances before you set off.
Sources
Updated 30 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
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