Aizu Wakamatsu & Mt Bandai — Lake Inawashiro CalderaLoop.

Distance

165 km

Duration

1 day

Climb

1,500 m

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Curated by Rider · Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Aizu Wakamatsu & Mt Bandai — Lake Inawashiro Caldera Loop.

A loop through the volcanic heart of Tohoku. Aizu-Wakamatsu was the last loyalist stronghold of the Tokugawa shogunate, with a perfect reconstructed castle and Edo-era samurai district. From the old capital the road climbs to Lake Inawashiro (Japan's fourth-largest lake) and the catastrophic blast crater of Mt Bandai, which erupted in 1888 killing 500 people and creating the Goshikinuma "Five Coloured Ponds" — vivid blue, green, and emerald pools coloured by mineral runoff. Return via Kitakata, Japan's undisputed ramen capital.

Quick facts

SurfacePaved

Distance165 km

Days1

Total climb1,500 m

DifficultyModerate

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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE

8 stops

Tsuruga Castle, Aizu-WakamatsuStart · Start at Tsuruga Castle (reconstructed 1965) — last bastion of the Boshin War. The Aizu samurai held out here in 1868 as the empire transitioned to Meiji rule. White walls, red tiles, surrounding moat.

Higashiyama OnsenScenic Point · Hot spring valley tucked into the hills east of Aizu-Wakamatsu. The Mukaitaki ryokan is a wooden masterpiece designated as Important Cultural Property. Brief stop or detour for a morning ashiyu (foot bath).

Lake InawashiroPhoto Spot · Japan's fourth-largest lake, nicknamed Tenkyo-ko (Mirror of Heaven) for the way the inverted Mt Bandai reflects in calm water. Site of the Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall (the bacteriologist on the 1000-yen note grew up here).

Bandai-Azuma Lake LineScenic Point · Toll road climbing the southern flank through volcanic scree and beech forest. Several pull-offs with views down to Inawashiro. Closed in winter (Nov–Apr).

Mt Bandai ViewpointMountain Pass · The high pass on the volcano's shoulder. Mt Bandai catastrophically blew its northern half off in 1888, killing 500 villagers and creating the lakes and ponds you ride past. The crater face is dramatic up close.

Goshikinuma Five Coloured PondsPhoto Spot · A cluster of small lakes formed by the 1888 eruption — each pond a different colour (vivid blue, emerald, sky blue, rust) depending on mineral content. Short walking trail connects them. Visit on foot — 30 min loop.

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