Goshikinuma Ponds, Group of volcanic ponds in Kitashiobara, Japan
Goshikinuma is a group of eight interconnected volcanic ponds in Kitashiobara that display different shades of blue water from cobalt to emerald, surrounded by dense forest. The ponds lie within Bandai-Asahi National Park and show their varied colors because of the different mineral compositions from volcanic material in each pond.
The ponds formed after Mount Bandai's volcanic eruption in 1888, when rock debris blocked rivers and created multiple water basins in the region. This geological origin made the area important for understanding volcanic landscapes in Japan.
The name Goshikinuma means 'five colored ponds' in Japanese, reflecting traditional appreciation for natural color variations found in landscapes. This naming reveals how deeply nature and language are connected in Japanese culture.
A marked trail of about 4 kilometers connects the main ponds and allows visitors to observe all water bodies on a path suitable for beginners. The best time to explore is early morning when fewer visitors are around and light conditions clearly show the water colors.
Each pond contains specific mineral compositions from volcanic material, which explains why colors appear different under varying weather conditions and viewing angles. These changes make every visit a new visual experience, as the same ponds can look completely different depending on the time of day or season.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
