Tohoku Local Stories
Tohoku Local Secret Tours Official Blog
Fukushima Volcano journey from Northern Japan
Fukushima Volcano journey from Northern Japan
The story of 100-year-old bonsai and 1000-year-old hot springs
Exploring the Living Landscape of Fire and Water
The Bandai Azuma region is a land shaped by the forces of nature, where volcanic activity has created a breathtaking variety of landscapes. From majestic peaks and smoking craters to serene lakes and marshes, this area is a testament to the power of the Earth in constant motion.
This journey invites adventurers to explore active volcanoes, ancient hot springs, and the unique beauty of the Agatsuma five-needle pine, blending the thrill of hiking with the tranquility of Japan’s deep-rooted traditions.
Check out the details of the 2-night, 3-day tour here.
Story
The Bandai Azuma area is filled with a variety of landscapes created by the ever-growing nature, including large and small lakes and marshes created by volcanic activity.
As a BONSAI TRAIL
The Agatsuma five-needle pine, one of the three major Japanese five-needle pines, which represents the nature of Mt. Azuma, has many enthusiasts overseas, and through bonsai, we can learn how Japanese people perceive natural beauty.
A mountain trip to experience the “bonsai culture” of Azuma Goyomatsu, where the technique of growing Goyomatsu from seed and making bonsai has been passed down for about 100 years over three generations.
After learning about Azuma Goyomatsu bonsai, you can step into the area where it originated and experience the bonsai motifs that our ancestors saw, and appreciate the appearance and shape of Goyomatsu, which was previously only a trailside plant. In addition, the shape of the trunks, branches, and roots created by the severe wind and snow visualizes the strength of the wind and the amount of snowfall in this area, and gives you an opportunity to think about the natural environment of the Bandai Azuma and Inawashiro regions. Through this mountain trip, you can become aware of the Japanese aesthetic sense of capturing the shapes of nature and its natural appearance, and you can also think about how to pass on this nature to the next generation in order to leave such a culture to the future.
Nature’s Timeless Beauty
Among the rugged slopes of Mount Azuma, the Agatsuma five-needle pine thrives—a tree that has endured the test of time, much like the volcanic terrain that surrounds it. As one of Japan’s three great five-needle pines, this species is highly prized by bonsai enthusiasts worldwide.
Through bonsai, we gain insight into how Japanese people have long appreciated and cultivated natural beauty. The delicate art of shaping and caring for these trees mirrors the way nature, over centuries, has sculpted the volcanic landscape itself. Hiking through this area, visitors can witness these ancient pines standing as silent guardians of Fukushima’s wilderness, embodying resilience, elegance, and harmony.
As an ONSEN TRAIL
Dake Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history of over 1,200 years. Although it has overcome many major disasters and been relocated many times throughout its long history, we will explore why people have been bathing in and protecting this hot spring since the Heian period.
《A mountain trip to experience the “hot spring culture” where the hot spring guardians have inherited the hot spring water from the source despite having overcome many disasters and relocations over the past 1000 years》
Dake Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history of over 1200 years. We explore why people have been bathing in this hot spring and protecting it since the Heian period, despite having overcome many major disasters and having relocated the hot spring area over its long history. During the Edo period, Dake Onsen was under the Nihonmatsu domain and was a popular hot spring resort with visitors from as far away as Mito, where many sake drinks were exchanged. At that time, there were more than 10 sake breweries within the Nihonmatsu Castle. This was due to the fact that it was a castle town with a 100,000 koku yield at the time, and that there was an abundance of rice and water, the raw materials for sake, due to the abundant underground water from Mt. Adatara. Currently, the hot spring water is drawn through a pipe that connects a distance of 8km, said to be the longest in Japan, but we invite you to visit the source of the hot spring water and sake, soak in the hot spring water, and think about why our ancestors went to such lengths to protect this hot spring water.
Healing Waters of Dake Onsen
Nestled in the volcanic foothills, Dake Onsen is a hot spring retreat with a history spanning over 1,200 years. Despite enduring natural disasters and multiple relocations, its waters have continued to offer healing and relaxation since the Heian period (794-1185).
The mineral-rich springs, heated by the volcanic activity beneath, provide a unique opportunity to experience the deep connection between fire and water in Japan’s natural landscape. As visitors soak in the steaming baths, they can reflect on the generations of people who have cherished these springs for their therapeutic properties and cultural significance.
Check out the details of the 2-night, 3-day tour here.
About Bandai-Asahi National Park: A Land of Volcanic Beauty and Natural Wonders
Overview
Bandai-Asahi National Park is one of Japan’s most scenic and diverse national parks, covering parts of Fukushima, Yamagata, and Niigata Prefectures. It is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine lakes, lush forests, and rich biodiversity. The park is home to several famous mountains, including Mount Bandai (磐梯山), the Azuma mountain range (吾妻連峰), and the Asahi mountain range (朝日連峰).
This national park offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, including hiking, hot spring bathing, and winter sports, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
Key Features of Bandai-Asahi National Park
1. Volcanic Landscapes and Geothermal Activity
The park features active volcanoes and ancient craters, most notably Mount Bandai, which erupted in 1888, creating the dramatic terrain seen today. The eruption reshaped the area, forming Urabandai (裏磐梯), a breathtaking region filled with lakes, marshes, and unique geological formations.
Other volcanic highlights include:
- Azuma-Kofuji (吾妻小富士) – A crater resembling Mount Fuji, offering a short but rewarding hike.
- Jododaira (浄土平) – A high-altitude plateau with fumaroles and sulfur vents, showcasing ongoing geothermal activity.
Why Visit Bandai-Asahi National Park?
✅ Rich volcanic history with active geothermal sites
✅ Breathtaking lakes, wetlands, and marshes formed by volcanic eruptions
✅ Diverse hiking trails for all levels, from casual walkers to experienced climbers
✅ Relaxing onsen towns with traditional Japanese charm
✅ Seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring to fiery autumn foliage and winter skiing
Whether you’re an adventurer, photographer, or cultural explorer, Bandai-Asahi National Park offers a one-of-a-kind journey into Japan’s wild and unspoiled landscapes.
Would you like a custom hiking itinerary for this park? 🚶♂️🔥⛰️♨️