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Bandai-Asahi National Park
A national park spanning Yamagata, Fukushima, and Niigata, and the third-largest in Japan by land area.
A national park spanning three prefectures—Yamagata, Fukushima, and Niigata—covering a vast 186,375 hectares and ranking as the third-largest in Japan by land area.
Within this national park are mountain ranges and lakes such as Dewa Sanzan, the Asahi Range, the Iide Range, the Azuma Range, Mt. Bandai, and Lake Inawashiro, offering a wide variety of alpine scenery. In particular, the areas around the Azuma Range and Mt. Bandai are highlights, where you can see dramatic volcanic landscapes and ever-changing scenery created by lakes and ponds of all sizes and surrounding forests.
Depending on the area, you can see alpine plant communities, and it is also home to many animals such as the Japanese serow, designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan, as well as golden eagles and Asiatic black bears.
From mountain climbing to light hiking, hot spring bathing, and skiing, there’s plenty to enjoy for everyone from beginners to advanced visitors.
Highlights
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A park with a vast area of 186,375 hectares, ranking as the third-largest in Japan by land area.
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With mountain ranges and lakes such as Dewa Sanzan, the Asahi Range, the Iide Range, the Azuma Range, Mt. Bandai, and Lake Inawashiro, you can enjoy a wide variety of alpine scenery.
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Features alpine plant communities and is home to wildlife such as Japanese serow, golden eagles, and Asiatic black bears.
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Also popular as a recreation destination for activities like mountain climbing, hiking, hot spring bathing, and skiing.
Photos
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Mt. Gassan: Midagahara Marsh spreads across a “sky-high” lava plateau at an elevation of 1,400 mImage provided by: Ministry of the Environment, Tohoku Regional Environment Office
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Iide Range: A captivating ridgeline you’ll meet after conquering steep ridges with over 1,000 m of elevation gainImage provided by: Ministry of the Environment, Tohoku Regional Environment Office
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Asahi Range: A long-distance trail linking pyramidal peaksImage provided by: Ministry of the Environment, Tohoku Regional Environment Office
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Goshikinuma (Witch’s Eye): A cobalt-blue lake surface that looks like it could reach the skyImage provided by: Ministry of the Environment, Tohoku Regional Environment Office
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Goshikinuma Ponds: Recognized with one star in the Michelin Green Guide. Mt. Bandai in the backgroundImage provided by: Ministry of the Environment, Tohoku Regional Environment Office
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Mt. Adatara: A 1,700 m peak and one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, known for its fall foliageImage provided by: Ministry of the Environment, Tohoku Regional Environment Office
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Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai: Also called “Tenkyokō,” for its mirror-like beauty that reflects the skyImage provided by: Ministry of the Environment, Tohoku Regional Environment Office
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
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Free Wi-Fi is available at each visitor center.
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Are there coin lockers?
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Available at Urabandai Visitor Center.
Not available at Jododaira Visitor Center or Gassan Visitor Center.
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Are there restrooms?
A
Urabandai Visitor Center and Jododaira Visitor Center do not have restrooms inside the facilities, but they are in adjacent buildings. Gassan Visitor Center has restrooms.
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Are there foreign-language brochures or information signs available? (If so, which languages?)
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Yes. Various brochures and informational displays are available at each visitor center in Japanese and English.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 磐梯朝日国立公園
- Address
- Yamagata Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture
- Phone
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Jododaira Visitor Center: 0242-64-2105 (closed in winter)
Urabandai Visitor Center: 0241-32-2850
Gassan Visitor Center: 0235-62-4321 - Access
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To Jododaira Visitor Center: Approx. 1 hour by car from JR Fukushima Station
To Urabandai Visitor Center: Approx. 35 minutes by Aizu Bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at “Goshikinuma Iriguchi”
To Gassan Visitor Center: Approx. 40 minutes by Shonai Kotsu bus from JR Tsuruoka Station, get off at “Arasawadera, Gassan Visitor Center-mae” - Official website
- Official website (English)
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