Kamanuma Pond
- Distance:
- Approx. 5.1 km
- Duration:
- Approx. 2 hours per loop
The curved shape of the pond, which resembles the blade of a sickle (kama), gives the pond its name. It is approximately 1,000 meters in diameter and 6 meters deep, and is flanked by the Sugadaira and Ubagahara Wetlands, with Mt. Issaikyo to the north. The pond can be reached via a 5-kilometer loop trail from the Jododaira Visitor Center (2 hours round-trip).
Mt. Issaikyo
- Distance:
- Approx. 5.4 km round trip
- Duration:
- Approx. 3 hours round trip
Steam and volcanic gases escape continuously from the Oana Crater on the eastern side of Mt. Issaikyo (1,949 m). The volcano formed approximately 300,000 years ago and is still highly active, but generally safe to climb. It is monitored closely, and trails are closed to the public during periods of increased activity.
The route to the summit begins from the Jododaira Visitor Center and passes through the Jododaira Wetlands. The hike takes around 90 minutes one way. The path steepens from the waypoint at the Sugadaira Wetlands. Volcanic debris covers much of this section of the trail, and the footing can be difficult. From the summit, hikers have views of Goshikinuma, a volcanic crater lake popular for its mesmerizing cobalt blue color.
Beyond Goshikinuma is the Nishi-Azuma mountain range. The round trip from the visitor center to Goshikinuma via the summit of Mt. Issaikyo takes about four hours. Returning via Kamanuma Pond and the Ubagahara Wetlands adds another hour.
Some grasses and shrubs are able to grow on parts of the mountain despite the presences of volcanic gases. These include wavy hairgrass, Japanese knotweed, bog bilberry, and a Japanese subspecies of the crowberry.
Mt. Issaikyo is the most active volcano in the Tohoku region, and monitoring equipment is installed on the mountain to detect the slightest tremors. While hiking, it is important to keep safety in mind: avoid inhaling the volcanic gases that emanate from the crater, bring appropriate hiking gear, allow enough time for the hike, and pay attention to the weather forecast.
Goshikinuma Pond
The Witch's Eye
The mesmerizing colors of this polychromatic pond within the crater of a volcano have earned it the nickname “The Witch’s Eye.” The pond appears to change color from dark blue to striking sapphire rimmed with emerald depending on the weather and time of day. The summit of Mt. Issaikyo (1,949 m), a one-hour-and-20-minute trek from the Jododaira Visitor Center, commands a view of the pond surrounded by low alpine shrubs and conifers. A further 20-minute walk leads to the crater rim overlooking the pond. Goshikinuma is approximately 300 meters in diameter and 9 meters deep.