Bandai-Azuma Skyline — Mt Azuma VolcanicCrossing.
Distance
95 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,500 m
Bandai-Azuma Skyline — Mt Azuma Volcanic Crossing.
The Bandai-Azuma Skyline is a 29km alpine road climbing to 1622m through the Azuma Volcanic Mountains west of Fukushima City — selected as one of Japan's 100 best roads. Open early April to mid-November only. The summit at Jododaira (1600m) is a barren volcanic plateau with the perfect cinder cone of Mt Azuma-Kofuji within walking distance. Pair the Skyline with a finish at the colourful Goshiki-numa lakes below Mt Bandai for a full day of volcanic landscapes.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance95 km
Days1
Total climb1,500 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
Fukushima StationStart · Start in Fukushima City. Fuel up — limited services on the Skyline. Road open early April to mid-November only.
Takayu OnsenScenic Point · A 400-year-old hot spring village at 750m elevation in the Azuma mountains. Milky sulphur baths in wooden ryokans. Last fuel before the Skyline climb begins.
Jododaira Plateau 1600mMountain Pass · Crown of the Bandai-Azuma Skyline. Volcanic moonscape with crater lake views and visitor centre. Selected as one of Japan's 100 best roads.
Mt Azuma-KofujiPhoto Spot · Perfect cinder-cone volcano you can walk into the crater. Summit walk is 30 minutes return. Steam vents visible from the rim.
Tsuchiyu OnsenScenic Point · Southern descent of the Skyline. Old onsen village in cedar forest. Switchbacks ease the drop into the valley.
Goshiki-numa Five-Colour PondsPhoto Spot · Cluster of mineral-coloured ponds at Mt Bandai's base, formed by the 1888 eruption. Each pond a different colour from mineral content — blue, green, emerald.
Lake InawashiroEnd · End at Japan's 4th largest lake at the foot of Mt Bandai. Mountain reflections at dusk. Plenty of lakeside lodging and onsen.
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