Bandai-kogen Plateau (Ura-bandai) and Goshiki-numa Pond
The significant feature is the scenery of diversified broad nature which is produced by a dynamic volcanic region and the ecology of animals and plants living there. Specially, a variety of alpine plants, which thrive under the condition of severe volcanic activities and harsh mountain environment, fill eyes and hearts of visitors with pure joy. Rhododendron brachycarpum (Nemoto Shakunage or Yae Hakusan Shakunage), which is a natural monument and designated as a prefectural flower, is found in Azuma peaks and Adatara peaks, and it is characterized by double and triple petals.
In the morning of July 15, 1888, Mt. Bandai-san exploded in a fierce eruption called ultra-volcanian which is rare even in the world volcanic eruption history. And then, an enormous amount of debris (about 1,450 million cubic meter), which "lowered the height of mountain by 608 meter at once", hit five villages in the form of heat ashes and volcanic mud flow and claimed 477 lives who have lain still in the bottom of the lake and mudstone. The crater showing a harsh and ferocious scar even after 100 years from the eruption vividly tells the catastrophe at that time. The debris and mud which swallowed people's life also dammed up the river pouring from Azuma peaks and drastically altered the landscape.
About 300 lakes and ponds in all sizes were formed in this way including Lake Hibara-ko, Lake Onogawa-ko and Lake Akimoto-ko, and thus the present Bandai Plateau was created. Specially, nearly 11 lakes and ponds which are called Goshiki-numa Pond are tinged with mysterious colors of green, blue, greenish red and pale blue, and visitors are charmed with these colors. An excellent contrast of a harsh crater and these fascinating lakes and ponds is the biggest attractions of Bandai Plateau. Fukushima Prefectural government has constructed and maintained exploring roads for the good access to nature observation. The plateau is cool in summer and the best place for camping and summer resort. Also, it is a sightseeing point you can enjoy throughout a year; red leaves in autumn and skiing and smelt (Japanese small lake fish) fishing (in Lake Hibara-ko) in winter.
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