Hiking
Hike to the cobalt waters of Lake Goshikinuma on paths flanked by colorful blooms
The trail heads up through steep slopes covered with flowers in the spring and summer. Further up the mountain, the route runs along the ridge of an extinct volcanic crater which now forms Lake Goshikinuma. Ascend to the summit of Mount Issaikyo for panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Bandai-Azuma Skyline
The starting point for this trail is at Takayu Onsen on the Bandai-Azuma Skyline scenic highway. The trail crosses the highway twice before leading up to Fudosawa. After around one and half hours, the path reaches Sai-no-Kawara. From May to June, the mountainside along the trail turns pink with the delicate blossoms of the endemic iwakagami (Schizocodon soldanelloides) plant.
Lake Goshikinuma Crater
In July, the path is flanked by the colorful blooms of Hakusan rhododendrons as the trail ascends to Keiouazuma Sanso Mountain Hut. Just past the mountain hut, the route splits. Take the path ascending to Lake Goshikinuma.
Descent from Mount Issaikyo
The route leads to the ridge of Goshikinuma Crater Lake. From this vantage point the panoramic view of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Iegata and the Asahi mountain range, is inspiring. You can see the cobalt waters of the Lake Goshikinuma below as you begin the final 40-minute ascent to the summit of Mount Issaikyo.
Jododaira Wetlands
The trail makes a steep descent down a scree slope from the summit of Mount Issaikyo to arrive at Sugadaira Mountain Hut. Descend the final 2.5 kilometers to reach the wetlands at Jododaira.
