In this article, we’ll guide you through Goshikinuma’s highlights and essential travel tips so even first-time visitors from abroad can enjoy with ease. Key points are summarized clearly for solo travelers, too, ensuring a stress-free journey.
Let this Goshikinuma travel guide enrich your time in Urabandai with confidence and discovery.
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By Train
Tokyo Station
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen “Yamabiko” to Koriyama Station (approx. 1 hr 20 min)
Transfer to the Banetsu West Line and ride to Inawashiro Station (approx. 45 min)
From Inawashiro Station, take the Bandai Toto Bus bound for Urabandai and get off at the Urabandai Visitor Center (approx. 35 min)
Walk about 10 minutes to Aonuma
Total travel time: approx. 2 hr 50 min
Sendai Station
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station (approx. 40 min)
Transfer to the Banetsu West Line to Inawashiro Station (approx. 45 min)
Take the Bandai Toto Bus to the Urabandai Visitor Center (approx. 35 min)
Walk about 10 minutes to Aonuma
Total travel time: approx. 2 hr 10 min
Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
Take the Banetsu West Line to Inawashiro Station (approx. 45 min)
Take the Bandai Toto Bus to the Urabandai Visitor Center (approx. 35 min)
Walk about 10 minutes to Aonuma
Total travel time: approx. 1 hr 30 min
One Point Advice
Visitor Information: Hours & Admission
Admission: Free (open walking area)
Hours: Open year-round (some paths may be inaccessible due to snow in winter)
Closed: None (natural area open to the public)
Official Travel Guide: https://www.f-kankou.jp/en/
Top Sights at Goshikinuma (The Witch’s Eye)
The “Opening Eye ” of The Witch’s Eye refers to the moment when the frozen lake surface melts, revealing its stunning blue waters. The best time to witness this phenomenon is from late April to early May.
Aonuma｜The Witch’s Eye with Deep Blue Waters
Among the Goshikinuma Ponds , Aonuma stands out for its strikingly clear and vivid blue color . The surface shines most beautifully in the morning on sunny days, captivating visitors with its quiet intensity. Nicknamed “The Witch’s Eye,” this mystical pond reflects surrounding greenery and sky, offering photographers a mesmerizing subject that changes with time and angle.
Duration: 20–30 min
Admission: Free
Benten-numa｜Calm Pond with Blue-Green Reflections
Located midway along the nature trail, Benten-numa features a stunning gradient of deep blue and emerald green . On windless days, the still surface mirrors the surrounding mountains like a painting. Wooden benches nearby allow for peaceful reflection. The scenery changes dramatically between early summer and fall, making it a favorite among repeat visitors.
Duration: 20–30 min
Admission: Free
Bishamon-numa｜Boat Rentals & Scenic Views
At the southern edge of the trail, Bishamon-numa is the only pond where you can rent a boat. Lined with cafés and shops, it’s a popular starting and ending point for pond walkers. A small island floats at its center, and Mt. Bandai looms in the background, creating a grand view. On clear days, the water glows emerald blue. This lively pond contrasts with the stillness of others, revealing the more dynamic side of Goshikinuma nature walks.
Duration: 30–40 min
Rental fee: From 1,200 yen per 30 min (rowboat)
Nearby Spots to Visit from Goshikinuma
Nakase-numa｜Lake & Mountain Panoramic View
About a 25-minute walk from Goshikinuma, the Nakase-numa Observation Deck offers sweeping views of lakes and Mt. Bandai . From the platform, you can see Nakase-numa, Lake Hibara, and Mt. Bandai overlapping in a majestic panorama. The lighting at sunrise and sunset transforms the landscape, and the quiet setting makes it ideal for solo travelers seeking peace after their walk.
Lake Inawashiro｜Clear Lake Near Mt. Bandai
Return by bus to Inawashiro Station , then walk or take a taxi about 15 minutes to reach Lake Inawashiro —one of the largest freshwater lakes in Tohoku. Famous for its clear waters, Lake Inawashiro is ideal for lakeside walks and water activities like canoeing and SUP in summer. Framed by Mt. Bandai, the setting provides a unique contrast to Goshikinuma’s forested charm.
Aizu-Wakamatsu｜Edo-Era Castle Town
About 90 minutes from Goshikinuma by train, Aizu-Wakamatsu is a historic city that preserves the spirit of the Edo era . With attractions like the white-walled Tsuruga Castle, samurai residences, and the local specialty sauce katsudon, it offers cultural richness unlike the natural experience of Urabandai. With multilingual signage and good transport access, it’s a welcoming option for international visitors.
Goshikinuma Travel Q&A｜The Witch’s Eye
Which pond is called “The Witch’s Eye”?
The name usually refers to Aonuma, known for its mysteriously vivid blue water.
How long does the walk take?
The full nature trail takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Aonuma alone can be visited in 30 minutes.
Is it safe for solo travelers?
Yes. The Goshikinuma trails are well-maintained with English signs, making it safe even for first-time or solo female travelers.
When is the best time to visit?
May to June (fresh greenery) and October (autumn leaves) are recommended. Aonuma appears most vibrant in the morning.
Are there restrooms or benches?
Restrooms and benches are available around the Visitor Center. There are no facilities along the trail itself, so plan ahead.
The Difference Between “The Witch’s Eye” and “Goshikinuma Ponds” In Fukushima, there are two locations called “Goshikinuma,” which can be easily confused. However, they are in completely different areas and offer unique natural experiences.
Goshikinuma Ponds (Urabandai Area) The Witch’s Eye is a volcanic crater lake at high altitude, known for the rare moment when its icy surface melts to reveal brilliant blue water . In contrast, the Goshikinuma Ponds are over 30 colorful volcanic lakes in the Urabandai region, including Bishamon-numa, Ao-numa, and Aka-numa—each with vivid hues from mineral deposits. With well-marked trails, Goshikinuma is ideal for beginners and casual hikers. Both The Witch’s Eye and Goshikinuma offer stunning natural beauty, making them top spots for nature lovers visiting Fukushima .
See also this article
Discover Goshikinuma Ponds｜Nature Trails & Scenic Spots
A series of color-shifting ponds scattered throughout a quiet forest—this is Goshikinuma｜Pond cluster in Urabandai, Fukushima. Formed by volcanic activity, …
Goshikinuma Travel Summary & What’s Next
The ponds of Goshikinuma , starting with Aonuma , are treasures of Urabandai where changing colors meet tranquil stillness. The nickname “The Witch’s Eye” suits the fantastical beauty that quietly stirs the soul.
Boardwalks and benches ensure comfort, making it accessible for solo explorers. From spring to fall, Goshikinuma offers unique scenery in every season.
Why not extend your journey to nearby Hibara Lake or the scenic Nakase-numa Observation Deck and experience more of Urabandai’s serene wonders?
