Mount Bandai Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, food, and accommodation options to make the most of your trip to Mount Bandai, Japan's enchanting mountain, known for its stunning views, hiking trails, and rich cultural heritage.


Introduction to Mount Bandai

Located in the Fukushima Prefecture of Japan, Mount Bandai stands tall at an elevation of 1,819 meters. The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the beautiful Inawashiro Lake. With its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural beauty, Mount Bandai offers a unique travel experience to visitors. So, if you are an adventure enthusiast or someone who loves to explore the rich history and culture of a place, Mount Bandai is the place for you!

List of Places to Visit in Mount Bandai

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Urabandai Ski Museum: This museum allows visitors to learn about the history of skiing in Japan and Fukushima. It showcases the equipment used in skiing and the cultural significance of the sport.

  • Dairinji Temple: One of the oldest and most prominent temples in the region, Dairinji Temple houses a famous statue of a seated Buddha. The temple also offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscapes.

  • Oyakuen Garden: This is a traditional Japanese garden that dates back to the Edo period. It is famous for its natural beauty, and visitors can enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the cherry blossom trees and the lovely pond.

Natural Attractions of Mount Bandai: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bandai Asahi National Park: The national park is home to several mountains and hiking trails. It offers a range of activities like hiking, fishing, and camping for visitors to indulge in.

  • Inawashiro Lake: Located at the base of Mount Bandai, Inawashiro Lake is the fourth largest lake in Japan. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day by the lake, camping, and hiking.

  • Goshikinuma Lake: Goshikinuma Lake is a group of five lakes that are colored differently and offer a unique visual experience. It is also famous for its hiking trails, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mount Bandai

  • Azumaya Course: This is a popular hiking trail and is great for beginners. The trail is about 2 km long and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.

  • Urabandai Course: This trail is about 4 km long and passes through the Urabandai area. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and nature viewing along the trail.

Best Things to Do in Mount Bandai: Activities and Tours

  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Mount Bandai is famous for its ski resorts, and visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding from December to April.

  • Hot Springs: Visitors can enjoy a relaxing bath in one of Mount Bandai’s many hot springs. We recommend trying the local specialty “Gunma no Yu” hot spring.

  • Lake Cruise: Visitors can enjoy a cruise on Inawashiro Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of Mount Bandai from the water.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mount Bandai

Here is a suggested itinerary to make the most of your trip to Mount Bandai:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival and check-in to a Hotel or Ryokan
Day 2 Hiking in Urabandai Course and visit Urabandai Ski Museum
Day 3 Explore Dairinji Temple and Oyakuen Garden
Day 4 Skiing or Snowboarding at one of Mount Bandai’s resorts
Day 5 Enjoy a cruise on Inawashiro Lake and visit Goshikinuma
Day 6 Relax in one of the hot springs
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Mount Bandai

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gyunabe: A hot pot dish made with beef, fresh vegetables, and miso soup. It is a local specialty of Fukushima and is perfect for cold winter days.

  • Inawashiro Cha Soboro: This is a local dessert made with green tea and sweet bean paste. It is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Fukushima is famous for brewing high-quality sake, and visitors can enjoy a variety of sake tasting experiences in Mount Bandai.

  • Shochu: This is a Japanese spirit made from sweet potatoes, rice, or barley. Visitors can enjoy a glass of shochu at one of the local bars or restaurants.

Where to Stay in Mount Bandai: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Urabandai Lake Resort: This resort offers a range of accommodation options, including Western-style rooms and Japanese-style rooms. It also has a hot spring and restaurant for visitors to enjoy.

  • Lodge Scole: This is a cozy lodge located near Urabandai Ski Resort. It offers various room sizes and has a restaurant on-site.

What to Buy in Mount Bandai: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sake: Visitors can purchase bottles of high-quality sake as souvenirs to take home.

  • Lacquerware: Fukushima is famous for producing high-quality lacquerware, and visitors can purchase bowls, trays, and other items that are perfect for souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Mount Bandai

  • Onsen Etiquette: Visitors should be aware of the proper etiquette while visiting the hot springs. It is customary to wash your body before entering the hot spring, and visitors should not wear swimwear while in the hot spring.

  • Skiing Rituals: Visitors should also be aware of the local skiing rituals. It is customary to bow to the mountain before starting the skiing activity and taking off your hat and sunglasses.

Best Time to Visit Mount Bandai

The best time to visit Mount Bandai is from December to April when visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. However, visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping during the summer months from June to September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mount Bandai

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Carry a warm jacket while visiting the mountain
  • Try the local food and drinks

Don’t:

  • Litter on the mountain
  • Wear swimwear while at the hot springs
  • Ignore the skiing rituals

Safety and Health

Safety in Mount Bandai

Visitors should be aware of the weather conditions while at Mount Bandai. The weather can be unpredictable, and visitors should carry warm clothing and waterproof gear. Visitors should also be aware of the skiing rules and follow them.

Health in Mount Bandai

Visitors should be aware of the altitude and take necessary precautions while hiking or skiing. Visitors should also carry sunscreen and insect repellent while spending time outdoors.

Getting to Mount Bandai: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mount Bandai

The Sendai International Airport and the Fukushima Airport are both located near Mount Bandai.

Bus Stations Near Mount Bandai

The JR Inawashiro Station and the JR Bandai-Atami Station are the closest train stations to Mount Bandai. Visitors can take a bus from the stations to reach Mount Bandai.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Mount Bandai from Tokyo or other cities in Japan.

How to Get Around in Mount Bandai

Visitors can take a bus or taxi to get around Mount Bandai. Visitors can also rent a car and drive around the mountain.

Where to Go Next from Mount Bandai: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tsuruga Castle: Located in Aizuwakamatsu, Tsuruga Castle is a historic castle that dates back to the Edo period. The castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding region.

  • Miyagi Zao Fox Village: Visitors can take a day trip to the Miyagi Zao Fox Village and see the adorable foxes.

Conclusion

Rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, Mount Bandai is a must-visit destination in Japan. Whether you want to indulge in outdoor activities or immerse yourself in the local culture, Mount Bandai has something to offer to everyone. Book your tickets and plan your trip today!

Main lake of Goshikinuma Main lake of Goshikinuma