Mount Bandai

磐梯山 • Mt. Bandai 1,816 m • 5,958 ft We began our hike at the Inawashiro trailhead. At least when we went, there were hardly any people! The Inawashiro entrance seems to be really popular in the winter, since it’s where the ski slopes are as well. If you want, you can hike up the path along the ski slopes to get to the quarter mark, but I recommend taking the ski lift. The cost is ¥1600, but it’s worth it. You don’t want to tire yourself out hiking the steep ski slopes before the hike even begins. At the end of the second ski lift is when the hike up the mountain really begins. The first part is relatively steep, but the middle of the hike, when you go around the rim of the collapsed volcano, is very enjoyable and easy. However, the last 30 - 45 minutes of the hike are pretty difficult, but not impossible! The summit is quite large, and there’s room for a lot of people, though when we went, clouds were blocking the view. Oh well! There’s always next time! Be VERY careful on the way down! At least for the Inawashiro trail, there’s so many loose rocks and slippery boulders that made the hike down pretty challenging, and even dangerous! I fell on my butt several times. But, it was pretty funny. Anyways—be careful! Overall, it was an enjoyable hike! I’d go again and try the Happodai trail, which is more popular. Maybe it’s easier and a little better maintained. On a scale of a baby (so easy a baby could climb the mountain) to Tom Cruise (only Tom Cruise could climb the mountain) I’d say a well trained high school athlete would need to stop and rest several times throughout the hike. ***Side note—the ski lift closes at 2:10 PM!! Plan your visit carefully if you take the Inawashiro trail. Me and my buddies came down at 4:00 and had to slide down the ski slopes (without snow) and though it was pretty fun, our pants were stained brown by the end of it! It looked like we pooped ourselves. Good luck, and happy climbing! Commodore ポチ 🐶

I had a chance to hike Bandai san on 20/08/2020. I would like to share my experience here hoping to help those who like to hike. There are a couple of trials. I used the one starts at Happodai 八方台 This is the easiest and shortest trial. I went there by car. I saw a taxi ad posted there. I will you can get there by taxi as well. There is a free parking area, toilets and a resting area while waiting for a taxi at the trailhead. No drinkable water. I started at 8:15 and got the peak at 10:10 The path is not much challenging. I would say 2 out of 5. There are some rocky areas but not to steep. There are many view points. The weather was clear and I was blessed with spectacular scenery. There us a small restaurant, resting area near to summit. There is delicious natural fresh water here. You can fill out your bottle. After this point it says 500 m left. It is a bit more challenging yet amazing view. There is an entrance just next to the water fountain. Once you reach the peak you will be blessed with 360 degree view. We could see far places and big mountains (Adatara, Issaikyo, iide etc). There are many lakes around and it was looking awesome from the top. We didn’t want to leave. After a long break here we returned back from the same path. There is a flower garden sign on the way. We just went to check. There was not much flower. I believe it would be great in May. We came back to the parking area at 12:10. So about 4 hours hike including resting time. It was a great one and would be happy to challenge myself with the other trials next time. Like this comment if you think it will be helpful for the others.

Although, we are from Himalayan country so we did not find this hilly top as a Mountain without snow , its look like a bladed head 😆 but that colorful jungle is always awesome in Japan.

Super beautiful. You will reach the top in 2 hours or less. My recommended course is that hiking My.Adatara from early morning, and then hiking also My.Adatara

The weather was great today, and we caught stunning views! Try hiking Bandai-san every year, so it's kind of a tradition :) Highly recommended 👍🏼

Awesome weather and hike to the peak with view of Lake Inawashiro

Good place for hiking. But please never forget this mountain is volcano.

Beautiful shape from the lake