Explore Bandai-Asahi National Park with iBestTravel
Straddling the prefectural borders of Yamagata, Niigata, and Fukushima in northern Japan is Bandai-Asahi National Park, approximately 187,000 hectares of rumbling volcanoes, stoic mountains, looking-glass lakes, and primeval woodland. Such a dramatic setting lends itself perfectly to outdoor adventures from hiking, canoeing, and cycling to climbing, skiing, and birdwatching.
Hiking
Hiking has been a popular pastime in Japan for well over a millennium, tracing its origins to the ascetic practitioners of the late 6th century. While walking through Bandai-Asahi’s sun-splashed glades and picture-book forests filled with the warbling of nightingales, you’ll understand why this activity has maintained its appeal. The Goshikinuma nature trail in Fukushima Prefecture is one of the finest stretches of parkland, meandering past multicolored ponds, each with its own distinctive, otherworldly hue: lightning-bolt blue, red copper, milky lime, bottle green, and rich turquoise.
Moreover, more adventurous trekkers can take to the park’s namesake volcano, Mt. Bandai, or the spiritual trails of Dewa Sanzan (the three mountains of Dewa) in Yamagata Prefecture. The climate and landscape combine to offer a unique hiking experience, including passages through historical sites and natural wonders.
Canoeing/Kayaking
In 1888, Fukushima’s Mt. Bandai erupted violently, altering the nearby landscape. The steam explosion buried vast swathes of forest beneath ponds and lakes—local guides will impress upon you that you’re floating above a lost world. In fact, remnants of once-soaring trees still protrude through the marshes’ surface.
You can explore this geologically nascent waterscape via canoe or kayak with the aid of knowledgeable local guides. Gliding across the waters of Lake Sohara—where motorized transport is prohibited—you’ll encounter croaking frogs, whirring dragonflies, lotus flowers, and edible junsai plants, renowned for their slippery texture, not to mention a stunning panorama of undulating greenery on all sides.
Cycling and Running
Mountain biking is one of the more adrenaline-packed ways to explore Bandai-Asahi National Park. A popular option invites cyclists to circumnavigate the glassy waters of Lake Sohara: a cycling route climbs gently into the mountains, where fingers of mist tumble towards the lake below. Concurrently, the ‘Hibaichi’ track traces an arc around the largest of the lakes in Urabandai, Lake Hibara, offering postcard-worthy scenery.
Wildlife
Bandai-Asahi National Park ranks among Japan’s top birdwatching and wildlife sanctuaries. It’s home to more than 100 avian species, including Japanese nightingales, cuckoos, swifts, herons, eagles, and various other birds whose soprano trills resonate through the forests. A wide assortment of insects, including damselflies and colorful butterflies, also inhabit the region.
Larger mammals, such as macaques, Japanese serows, and Asian black bears (or ‘moon bears’), roam throughout Bandai-Asahi. Therefore, hiking with bear bells attached to your pack is advisable to deter the latter. Walking in groups is also recommended for additional safety.
Climbing
When winter arrives in northern Japan, it transforms Bandai-Asahi into a captivating snowy landscape. This ushers in the winter sports season, including snow mountain climbing. With guides, you can trek through powdery mountains and their snow-covered forests in the Bandai, Azuma, and Adatara regions of the park.
Skiing
The higher altitudes of Bandai-Asahi National Park serve as ski slopes during winter. On the Fukushima Prefecture side, you’ll find Alts Bandai, Inawashiro, and Grandeco Snow Resort, each offering different skiing experiences suitable for various skill levels. Concurrently, the sacred slopes of Gas-san in Yamagata Prefecture cater more to beginners, benefiting from excellent snow conditions.
Conclusion
For more information, visit Bandai-Asahi National Park at the website of the National Parks of Japan.
Disclaimer
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This story was crafted collaboratively between Japan Ministry of the Environment and iBestTravel. Both parties provided research and curated content to produce this story. We disclose when information isn’t ours.
