Best trails in Bandai-Asahi National Park
Bandai-Asahi National Park is home to three sacred mountains known as the Dewa Sanzan: Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono. These mountains have been recognized since ancient times as sacred sites for Shugendo, a sect of asceticism where ascetics retreat into the mountains to attain enlightenment. Mt. Haguro is said to be a present mountain that grants people worldly benefits, Mt. Gassan is a mountain of the past where the spirits of ancestors reside, and Mt. Yudono is a mountain of the future. There are shrines near the peaks of each mountain, and the shrine at Mt. Haguro, famous for its five-story pagoda, a national treasure, is a must-see. Today, the mountains are used for a variety of purposes, including religious climbing, touring historical sites and temples, mountain climbing, and summer skiing.
The national park is home to lush forests, ponds and volcanic lakes. The Goshiki-numa Lake, with its beautiful scenery of 30 different ponds and lakes, is known as one of the most scenic spots in the country. The southwestern part of the park has many hiking trails where you can get a glimpse of the various aspects of the majestic nature, including rare alpine plants and rugged wilderness.
Top trails
1
(45)
•Moderate
•4.1 mi
•Est. 1h 36m
Goshikinuma Nature Trail (五色沼自然探勝路)
The Goshikinuma Nature Trail is a well-developed trail along Goshikinuma Lakes and Marshes, which consists of 20 to 30 lakes and marshes. Goshikinuma, one of Urabandai's representative lakes, is named "Goshikinuma" because of the variety of colors of the changing water. The color of the pond looks slightly different depending on the season, weather, and time of day, so you can enjoy the different sceneries no matter how many times you visit.
The course...
2
(31)
•Hard
•6.2 mi
•Est. 4h 24m
Mount Adatara (安達太良山)
Mount Adatara is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan and is loved by many climbers. You can also take the ropeway, and it takes about one and a half hours to reach the summit, making it an easy mountain for beginners and families to enjoy.
From late September to October every year, it is also famous as a spot for viewing the autumn leaves, and there are many hot springs in the area.
3
(20)
•Hard
•4.6 mi
•Est. 3h 33m
Happodai Parking Lot - Mount Bandai (八方台駐車場 - 磐梯山)
From Happodai Parking Lot, this trail leads you to the summit of Mount Bandai.
Mount Bandai, the symbol of Aizu, rises to the north of Lake Inawashiro. It is an active volcano, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, and is one of the most representative peaks in Bandai Asahi National Park.
Various climbing courses are available on the mountain, and from the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama with beautiful views of the...
4
(12)
•Moderate
•2.5 mi
•Est. 1h 49m
Mount Haguro (羽黒山)
Mount Haguro is known as the place for mountain worship, and also part of "Dewa Sanzan" (means Dewa three mountains), which are Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono.
Dewa Shrine, one of the Dewa Sanzan Shrines is located in the mountain and there are many structures designated as national important cultural properties and a national treasure, the five-storied pagoda.
The route to the five-story pagoda includes many stone steps. There is also a route from the...
5
6
7
(11)
•Moderate
•6.6 mi
•Est. 4h 0m
Mount Gassan: Hagurosanguchi Course (月山: 羽黒山口コース)
Mount Gassan is a volcanic mountain and located in the central part of Yamagata prefecture. The mountain area is designated as a special area of Bandai-Asahi National Park.
Although there are many rocky areas on the trail, it is not so difficult to climb. Various climbers hike this route and enjoy gorgeous landscapes.
8
(10)
•Hard
•7.2 mi
•Est. 6h 0m
Inawashiro - Mount Bandai (猪苗代 - 磐梯山)
Originating from the Inawashiro trailhead, this trail leads you to the summit of Mount Bandai.
Mount Bandai, the symbol of Aizu, rises to the north of Lake Inawashiro. It is an active volcano, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, and is one of the most representative peaks in Bandai Asahi National Park.
Various climbing courses are available on the mountain, and from the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama with beautiful views of the...
9
(9)
•Moderate
•5.2 mi
•Est. 1h 59m
Goshikinuma Ponds - Lake Hibara - Nagamine Funatsuki (五色沼 - 桧原湖 - 長峯舟付バス停)
This trekking takes you to Goshikinuma Ponds and Lake Hibara, then ends at the Nagamine Funatsuki bus stop.
Goshikinuma Ponds, one of Urabandai's representative ponds, is named "Goshikinuma" because of the variety of colors of the changing water. The color of the pond looks slightly different depending on the season, weather, and time of day, so you can enjoy the different sceneries no matter how many times you visit.
10
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Bandai-Asahi National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Bandai-Asahi National Park is Goshikinuma Nature Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 45 reviews. This trail is 4.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 413 ft.
What is the longest trail in Bandai-Asahi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Bandai-Asahi National Park is Tatehama Lake Beach - Lake Inawashiro Loop. This trail is estimated to be 36.4 mi long.
How many trails are in Bandai-Asahi National Park?
There are 58 trails in Bandai-Asahi National Park. These trails have an average 4.7-star rating from 233 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Bandai-Asahi National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Bandai-Asahi National Park has you covered. Tenjinhama Parking Lot - Urabandai Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 7,057 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Tainai - Mount Jigami - Mount Eburisashi, which will get you 6,850 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Bandai-Asahi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 36 camping trails in Bandai-Asahi National Park and the most popular is Happodai Parking Lot - Mount Bandai with an average 4.1 star rating from 20 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Bandai-Asahi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 running trails in Bandai-Asahi National Park and the most popular is Lake Sohara - Goshikinuma Ponds Loop with an average 3.8 star rating from 3 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Bandai-Asahi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 biking trails in Bandai-Asahi National Park and the most popular is Tenjinhama Parking Lot - Urabandai Loop with an average star rating from 0 community reviews.