Bandai Highlands, Volcanic plateau in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
Bandai Highlands is a volcanic plateau in Fukushima Prefecture at about 800 meters elevation. The terrain features numerous lakes, ponds, and dense forests crisscrossed by walking trails.
A volcanic eruption at Mount Bandai in 1888 dramatically reshaped the landscape. The eruption dammed the Nagase River, creating several lakes including Hibara, Onogawa, and Akimoto.
The region's name reflects its position north of Mount Bandai, with local names tied to geographical relationships in the area. Walking trails here pass by settlements and observation points where people gather seasonally.
Access the area from Inawashiro Station via the JR Ban'etsu West Line or through the Ban-etsu Expressway. Most visitors arrive during warmer months when trails are easily accessible.
A popular walking route passes several ponds where water displays different colors based on mineral content. These colored waters resulted from geological processes following the volcanic eruption.
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