Mount Bandai
This mountain, which experienced a phreatic explosion in 1888, is a famous symbol of Fukushima Prefecture. It is also called the “mountain of treasure” and it provides a wonderful view along with rich lakes and ponds of the foot of the mountain.
The beginning of the mountain season of Mount Bandai is late May every year.
■Altitude: 1,816 m
■Optimum season: From the end of May to the end of October
Mount Nekomagatake
You can enjoy the view that opens up from the mountaintop. There is a legend here about a goblin cat that was killed by villagers long ago.
Start walking from the signpost at the Happodai entrance and immediately follow the ridge path. The road goes up and down repeatedly, and if you climb the last steep part, you will reach the peak.
The view from the peak of the mountain is wonderful, and you can overlook Mount Bandai, the Iide mountain range and the Aizu Basin. You can also view the Oguninuma marshland across the rocks which called “cat stone” in the west side.
You can also go descend from the peak via Oguninuma marshland to the river side of Oshizawa river.
■Altitude: 1,404 m
■Elevation difference: 208 m
■Distance: 3.9 km
■Walking time: 1 hour 50 minutes
■Optimum season: mid May – late October
Mount Nishi Azuma
It is the highest peak of the Azuma mountain range and it forms the boundary between Yonezawa City and Kitashiobara Village in Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture.
It is a gentle mountainous area because new volcanic ejecta covers the Mount Nishidaiten volcanic rocks, and the whole mountain is covered with coniferous forests and presents a subarctic forest phase.
■Altitude: 2,025 m
■Elevation difference: 619 m
■Distance: 8.69 km
■Optimum season: mid June – late October
Entrances to the hiking trails
1.Happodai entrance:Mount Bandai(Mount Nekomagatake)
[Required time] Ascent 2 hours 15 minutes, Descent 1 hour 40 minutes
The difference in elevation to the summit is small, and it is easy to climb, even for a beginner.
Most visitors climb this course during the season. There is a parking lot and toilets at the entrance. As there is no bus to the Happodai entrance on the Mount Bandai Gold Line, you will need to go by car or taxi.
＊Parking on the street is prohibited. In the past accidents caused by street parking have occurred, so please help us by not parking on the street.
2.Urabandai entrance:Mount Bandai
[Required time] Ascent 3 hours 50 minutes, Descent 3 hours
You can see the rough Mount Bandai eruptive wall along this course. This view is different to the view from the south side.
Looking back, the wetlands of Urabandai give off various expressions.
3.Kawakami entrance:Mount Bandai
[Required time] Ascent 4 hours, Descent 2 hours 50 minutes
A rough crater appears when you pass through a majestic forest zone. A route climbing up high peak towering at a stretch.
There are many hot spring accommodations around the entrance, and it can be used as base.
４．西吾妻山登山口(裏磐梯ロープウェイ利用)：西吾妻山
＜所要時間＞上り2時間30分、下り2時間
グランデコリゾートの裏磐梯ロープウェイ(期間限定)を利用。ロープウェイを使わず上ることも可能。
その場合は、上記所要時間に片道約１時間30分の時間が必要となる。
道中にはデコ平湿原や西大嶺があり、美しい風景と大パノラマを味わえる。
5.Inawashiro entrance:Mount Bandai
[Required time] Ascent 3 hours 30 minutes, Descent 2 hours 30 minutes
A route that can be said as the royal road of mountain climbing which starts with climbing the ski slopes. The route starts by climbing the ski slopes. This is said to be the royal road of the mountain climb.
Lake Inawashiro spreading out below makes you forget the fatigue of mountain climbing.
There is also a large parking lot and hot spring facilities at the entrance.
As there is no bus to the Inawashiro entrance you will need to go by car or taxi.
6.Shibutani entrance
[Required time] Ascent 3 hours 40 minutes, Descent 2 hours 50 minutes
This route goes through a thick forest zone, and it is the best route for forest bathing.
There are communities of various alpine plants, and it is a feast for your eyes.
7.Okinajima entrance
[Required time] Ascent 3 hours 30 minutes, Descent 2 hours 30 minutes
This route is for people who are confident enough in their physical strength to climb the steep slope in one go.
The panoramic view of the Aizu Basin affords a view of the Iide mountains in the distance.
Below the entrance, there is a hot-spring inn that heals your fatigue.
Nature Guide Parties
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■Mokumoku Nature School They are a school with more than 15 guides who have extensive knowledge of Urabandai. Extensive support from nature observation to outdoor sports. Tel. 0241-23-9018 |
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■Urabandai Eco Guide Party |
Mountaineering Tips
・There is no toilet on the mountain trail. Please use a portable toilet.
* You can buy a portable toilet at Kobo Shimizu’s shop. (Kobo Shimizu is the hut on the hiking trail)
The portable toilet dust box is located at the Inawashiro entrance, Happodai entrance and Urabandai ski ground parking lot.
・Please refrain from climbing in light clothing and engaging in unplanned mountaineering.
・Please bring a map and compass and check the route regularly whilst hiking.
・Please be brave and turn back if there is bad weather or you become lost.
・For the comfort of everyone, please take all rubbish with you when you leave.
・For wildlife and animal welfare, it is strictly prohibited to enter other than mountain trails and collect plants. In order to protect the flora and fauna, the collection of plants and going off-trail are strictly prohibited.
・Before you climb, please be sure to fill in the mountain climbing report sheet in case of accident.
・There is no transportation by bus from Inawashiro Station to any of the entrances.
