"Can I walk around Goshikinuma in regular shoes?" "How long does it take?" — These are common questions about the most popular walking course in Urabandai, Goshikinuma Nature Trail.
In conclusion, Goshikinuma is a walking trail that can be walked by those without mountain climbing experience. However, there are sections that might surprise you if you imagine it as a "tourist area promenade." In this article, a local guide will explain the required time, clothing, and tips for walking based on actual conditions.
What is the Goshikinuma Nature Trail?
It is a walking trail that connects approximately 3.6 km from Bishamon-numa to Yanagi-numa, among the lakes formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai (1888). Each pond has a different color due to variations in water quality, with emerald green Bishamon-numa, reddish-brown Akanuma, and cobalt blue Aonuma, revealing different colors of water surface with each step.
Required time and difficulty
- Time required: About 1 hour 10 minutes to 1.5 hours one way (if taking photos, it's safe to plan for about 2 hours)
- Difficulty: For beginners. However, it is not a flat paved road; there are sections with tree roots and stones, as well as gentle ups and downs.
- Shoes: Sturdy sneakers are fine. Heels and sandals are not suitable.
For those who are "worried about walking the whole way," the view of Bishamon-numa is just a few minutes' walk from the parking lot. You can feel the charm of Goshikinuma even just from here.
Clothing by season
| Season | Clothing guidelines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April to May) | Long-sleeve + thin jacket | Be careful of muddy conditions right after the snow melts |
| Summer (June to August) | Short-sleeve + outer layer | There are many shaded areas, making it cooler than flat land. Insect repellent makes it comfortable. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Long-sleeve + fleece, etc. | The best time to see the autumn leaves is from mid to late October. It gets cold in the mornings and evenings. |
| Winter (December to March) | Winter mountain gear | During the snow season, snowshoeing is recommended. Solo walking is not advised; go with a guide. |
Three points where beginners often stumble
- "One-way" issue: The hiking trail is a single path, so if you parked your car at the starting point, you need a way to return after completing the hike. Bus services are limited.
- Parking congestion: On weekends during the autumn foliage season, the parking lot on the Bishamon-numa side can fill up in the morning.
- Bear bell: Urabandai is a habitat for Asian black bears. Carry a bear bell and avoid solo walking in the early morning and evening.
The luxury of being picked up by car after walking one way.
In fact, the easiest way to enjoy Goshikinuma is to be dropped off at the entrance and picked up by car at the exit. You can walk one way without returning, which halves the physical burden.
Our Tabinoito private charter tours guide you in exactly this way.
- Walk the exploration path with a guide from the Bishamon-numa side → stroll on your own from a certain point → we will pick you up at the Yanaginuwa side.
- For those who are anxious about walking, it is also possible to change to a shortened route that only samples the highlights along the way.
- With explanations from a guide who has lived locally for 50 years about why the colors of the ponds change and the history of eruptions, 'just walking' becomes 'a time of learning'.
- After Goshikinuma, we will move directly to the best spots of the day, such as Lake Hibara and Nakatsukawa Gorge.
- The fee is Standard Plan ¥45,000 / 1 person (8 hours, tax included, highway and gasoline fees included).
▶ See availability on the booking form
FAQ
Q. How old can one walk?
A. The guideline is whether you usually take a walk of about 30 minutes rather than age. Many in their 70s are guided, but if you are anxious, you can do a tour around Bishamon-numa only + visit other ponds by car.
Q. Are there restrooms?
A. There are none along the exploration path. Please use the facilities at the entrance on the Bishamon-numa side or Yanaginuwa side before starting your walk.
Q. Can I walk on rainy days?
A. If it's a light rain, you can walk with rain gear, but the ground may become slippery. The misty Goshikinuma after the rain is also fantastic, so based on the day's conditions, our guide will suggest safe ways to enjoy it.
Related articles: Urabandai Autumn Leaves Guide / Aizu Senior Travel Model Course. Feel free to consult us via Official LINE.
