Goshikinuma Ponds Complete Travel Guide
Goshikinuma, the Five Colored Ponds, is a cluster of volcanic lakes below Mount Bandai where mineral content gives each pond its own shade of blue, green, or turquoise, connected by an easy walking trail.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Walk the roughly 3.6 km trail one way between the Goshikinuma-iriguchi and Urabandai Kogen entrances.
- Look for the color differences between ponds such as Bishamon-numa and Aka-numa, caused by mineral content and depth.
- Use the mostly flat, partly planked path, which is manageable for most fitness levels.
- Pair the walk with a coffee or lunch stop at the Urabandai Visitor Center near the trailhead.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: the trail is free and open all day with no ticket needed; buses from Inawashiro Station run roughly every 1 to 2 hours, so check current timetables before planning a one-way walk.
How to Get There
From Inawashiro Station, take an Aizu bus around 30 minutes to the Goshikinuma-iriguchi bus stop for the eastern trailhead, or continue toward Urabandai Kogen for the western trailhead.
Nearby Attractions
Many visitors pair the walk with a hike up Mount Bandai itself, since several trailheads sit close to the ponds.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.