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Hachimantai’s Goshiki Pond

©Hachimantai City Tourism

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Hachimantai’s Goshiki Pond

A mysterious body of water that changes color with the seasons in Tohoku

Hachimantai DMO Inc.

With a name that literally means “Five-Colored Pond,” Goshiki Pond is a deep and mysterious body of water in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park in northern Honshu. Volcanic minerals such as iron and sulfur feed into the pond, causing the color of the water to change throughout the year. The waters of this wonder of nature range from cloudy and brown to milky white to a stunningly clear blue during the heat of the summer, accented by the red clay banks.

Gozaisho Pond is directly adjacent and quite beautiful, though it lacks the unique coloring of its neighbor. Take a break in the small gazebo that provides a view of both ponds and take some time to appreciate their differences. You could even have a picnic there. In the autumn, the surrounding fall colors are stunning.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the ponds from the parking area. No special footwear is required, but please avoid high heels. It is particularly picturesque in mid-August during the hot days of summer.

How to get there

Take the Tohoku/Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes), then take the JR Hanawa Line to Obuke Station (about 35 minutes). Goshiki Pond is about 40 minutes via the Northern Iwate Transportation bus from the station.

Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Hachimantai-shi, Iwate-ken