Oguni travel guide and discussion

On the early morning of October 18, 2025, the temperature was a cool 15 degrees Celsius, overcast with a blanket of clouds, but not cold enough. We bid farewell to our accommodation on Lake Hibara, Urabandai Lake Resort. The lake was a natural landscape, the autumn colors showing off, their reds, oranges, and yellows flowing freely and without any arrangement. It was truly beautiful. 🌳 Bandai-Asahi Park: The Heart of Tohoku The route from Hibara to Aizu-Wakamatsu City is a quiet road, surrounded by tall trees, resembling a natural wall. There are small parking areas at intervals for resting. · The walking trail around Lake Hibara is over 13 kilometers long. You can choose to walk only short sections, such as from Hibara Campground to Nagamine Peninsula, or take the quiet Dokkonuma Pond Trail, a small pond hidden in the forest. · The entire area is located in Bandai-Asahi National Park, one of Japan's oldest and most diverse national parks. It covers three major prefectures (Fukushima, Yamagata, and Niigata). · Urabandai is a region formed by the massive eruption of Mount Bandai in 1888, creating new land and numerous lakes rich in mountain minerals. · Caution: Entry to the area is free, but some trails, particularly during autumn, when bears are actively foraging, require caution and a bell if venturing further into the trail. We parked in an inconspicuous spot, with only a vast expanse of water in front of us. The fog had not yet cleared, and the trees lining the road were a vibrant orange contrast with the green. We grabbed our cameras to capture the moment we were standing there. We then drove to Aizu, a city known for its red-tiled castle. And the legend of the samurai hero Byakkotai, which the Japanese still cherish, is not far away. 📍 Route: Urabandai Lake Resort → Hibara Lake Circle → Aizu-Wakamatsu #HibaraLake #Urabandai #AizuWakamatsu #JapanAutumn #QuietJourney #OrdinaryGoodEnough

#hellohalloween Ambience & Setting Stretching across Fukushima, Yamagata, and Niigata Prefectures, Bandai Asahi National Park is one of Japan’s most diverse and breathtaking national parks, encompassing the iconic Mount Bandai, the Asahi mountain range, and the Iide Mountains. The park’s landscapes range from volcanic peaks and mirror-like lakes to lush forests and alpine meadows. Known for its stunning biodiversity and seasonal beauty, it’s a sanctuary where nature, culture, and adventure coexist harmoniously. ⸻ Highlights of the Visit · Mount Bandai: The park’s most famous peak, often called “Aizu’s Fuji,” offers multiple hiking trails with panoramic views of Lake Inawashiro and surrounding valleys. Its 1888 eruption reshaped the terrain, creating the dramatic Urabandai region filled with small lakes and ponds. · Goshikinuma (Five Colored Lakes): A cluster of vividly hued volcanic lakes in Urabandai, each shimmering in different shades of blue, green, and turquoise due to mineral content — ideal for easy scenic walks. · Lake Inawashiro: Japan’s fourth-largest lake, offering swimming, boating, and birdwatching with Mount Bandai as a magnificent backdrop. · Asahi Mountain Range: Rugged and remote, perfect for experienced hikers seeking solitude, alpine flowers, and pristine streams. · Iide Mountains: Known as the “Taj Mahal of Snow,” the area offers challenging hikes and breathtaking high-altitude vistas. · Flora & Fauna: Home to black bears, Japanese serow, and a variety of alpine plants and wildflowers that change with the seasons. · Onsen Retreats: Hot spring towns such as Higashiyama Onsen and Bandai Atami Onsen lie nearby, perfect for unwinding after outdoor exploration. ⸻ Practical Info · Location: Spanning Fukushima, Yamagata, and Niigata Prefectures, Japan · Opening Hours: Open year-round; best seasons are spring to autumn for hiking, and winter for snow landscapes · Admission: Free (some facilities or cable cars may charge fees) · Access: From JR Inawashiro Station, buses connect to Mount Bandai and Goshikinuma areas; car access recommended for remote regions · Facilities: Visitor centers, trail maps, rest areas, campsites, and nearby onsen accommodations ⸻ Why It’s Worth Visiting · Offers diverse landscapes from volcanoes and lakes to alpine meadows and forests. · Ideal for hiking, photography, and nature immersion. · Home to unique geological and cultural features shaped by volcanic activity. · Combines adventure, relaxation, and scenic tranquility in one vast park. ⸻ Final Thoughts Bandai Asahi National Park is a living mosaic of natural wonder — where the power of volcanoes meets the serenity of lakes and mountains. Whether you come for hiking, hot springs, or quiet contemplation, this expansive park captures the very essence of Japan’s untamed northern beauty.

Selected National Parks in the Tohoku Region: ❶ Towada-Hachimantai National Park With primeval forests, mountains, lakes, and streams, Towada-Hachimantai National Park also has hot spring baths with beautiful natural scenery, making it a great place to relax. The Towada and Hakkoda areas have beautiful scenery and rich flora and fauna all year round. Nature observation and research meetings are often held here, attracting many nature lovers every year. Designated date: February 1, 1936 Area: 85,534 hectares Transportation: Take the Iwate Kenpoku Bus from Morioka Station for about 110 minutes to the Hachimantai Top Bus Stop Address: Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, Akita Prefecture ❷ Bandai-Asahi National Park This is the second largest national park in Japan, including the Dewa Sanzan, Asahi Mountains, Iide Mountains, Azuma Mountains, Mount Bandai, and Lake Inawashiro. It is an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and mountaineers. The summer climate is cool, and the surrounding area is lush and green. Walking along the trails near the lakes and ponds is like being in a fairy tale, making it hard to leave. Designated date: September 5, 1950 Area: 186,375 hectares Transportation: Take the Fukushima Kotsu Bus from Fukushima Station for about 100 minutes to Jododaira Address: Yamagata Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture ❸ Sanriku Fukko National Park In May 2013, Sanriku Fukko National Park was established to restore the Sanriku area damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Visit Sanriku Fukko National Park and experience the life and culture nurtured by the symbiosis of humans and nature! The great cliffs in the north are known as the "Alps of the Sea," and the spectacular sight of the waves crashing against the rocks is unforgettable. The ria coast in the south is complex but beautiful, and is a breeding ground for swifts and black-tailed gulls, where you can observe wildlife up close. Designated date: Designated as Rikuchu Kaigan National Park on May 2, 1955, later expanded and designated as Sanriku Fukko National Park on May 24, 2013 Area: 28,539 hectares (land) Transportation: Take the JR Kamaishi Line from Shin-Hanamaki Station for about 120 minutes to Kamaishi Station Address: Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture

There are spots in Fukushima that you wouldn't think were in Japan! The desolate atmosphere is like National Route 163 leading to Monument Valley in Arizona, or the Grand Canyon⛰️ Today, we will introduce "Jododaira, Bandai Azuma Skyline" in Fukushima Prefecture If you weren't told, it would be a place that really doesn't look like Japan! The Bandai Azuma Skyline is a place that has been selected as one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan"🛣️ If you drive all the way from Fukushima Station, you will arrive here, and you can enjoy the changing scenery as you drive✨ The top and halfway point of the road is called "Jododaira", and you can stop your car and enjoy meals, shopping, and more! Park your car here and climb the volcano Azuma Kofuji! The view from there is spectacular😍 Go around the crater 🥾 The ground is covered with rough stones, so wear comfortable shoes⚠️ This area is an active volcano! Sulfur is floating around, and on dark days it is prohibited to enter Please check in advance when visiting✅ That's all! What do you think? This is a spot where the autumn leaves will be beautiful from now on in the autumn season! Why not take a drive here! ~~~~~Information~~~~~~ 📍 Bandai Azuma Skyline Jododaira Address: Machinaisaka Kaminomori, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture Access: 1 hour by car from Fukushima Station Opening hours: 24 hours Fee: Parking 500 yen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #Park2024 #DomesticTravel

Omiya and Koyasu Shrines in Oguni-cho, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture Founded in 712. This is an ancient shrine with a history of over 1,300 years since the Nara period, located in the natural surroundings of Oguni-cho, Yamagata Prefecture. During this long history, the two shrines Omiya Shrine and Koyasu Shrine were combined to form a joint shrine. It is particularly snowy in winter. Of course, you can also get a goshuin stamp. It is a place that is hard to get to even if you want to, and shows you beautiful scenery in every season. Why not visit it once? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍 237 Omiya, Oguni-cho, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture #besttrip2023 #Yamagata #Oguni #YamagataTourism #Shrine #ShrineTour #Goshuin #Shrines andTemples #PowerSpot #FirstVisitTohoku