Mt. Issaikyō

Mount Issaikyō (Issaikyōzan, 1,949 m) is an active volcano on the border of Fukushima City and Inawashiro Town in Fukushima Prefecture, and is one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains.
In the eastern Azuma range, its appeal lies in the mysterious blue of the crater lake Goshikinuma (the “Witch’s Eye”) on its north side, together with the volcanic scenery of the Jōdodaira marsh and Azuma-Kofuji. You can climb from Jōdodaira at 1,600 m, leaving an easy-to-intermediate hike of about 1 hour 30 minutes to the summit.
For public-transport access, take the direct “Jōdodaira Sky Access” bus from JR Fukushima Station to Jōdodaira.

The trailhead is Jōdodaira (about 1,600 m), with a visitor centre, rest house, parking and toilets. The main route is Jōdodaira → Jōdodaira marsh → Sugadaira emergency hut → Mount Issaikyō (1,949 m) and back, an easy-to-intermediate route with a standard time of about 3 hours. From the north of the summit you look down on Goshikinuma (the Witch’s Eye), and it combines well with the crater rim of Azuma-Kofuji.
The best season is mid-April to mid-November, while the Bandai-Azuma Skyline is open; in winter the Skyline is closed and there is no access. Always check the latest bus service and volcano information before you go.

*Last checked: June 6, 2026

1. [There & Back] Fukushima Station ⇄ Jōdodaira (Jōdodaira Sky Access)

Fukushima Station on the JR Tōhoku Shinkansen and Tōhoku Main Line is your base. Take the direct “Jōdodaira Sky Access” bus via the Bandai-Azuma Skyline to Jōdodaira.

① Fukushima Station West Exit → Jōdodaira (Jōdodaira Sky Access, reservation required)
The trekking course for hikers is Fukushima Station West Exit dep. 8:30 → Jōdodaira (about 1 hour 20 minutes), with about 5.5 hours at Jōdodaira before returning on the same service. As it runs for one or more passengers by advance reservation, book via the official site.

② Jōdodaira → Fukushima Station (return)
For the return you take the afternoon departure from Jōdodaira back to Fukushima Station West Exit (a 5.5-hour stay). Check the exact times when you book.

③ Operating period: the service runs only while the Bandai-Azuma Skyline is open (roughly mid-April to mid-November). In winter the Skyline is closed and Jōdodaira cannot be reached.

④ Taxi / car: you can also reach Jōdodaira by taxi from Fukushima Station, or by car via the Bandai-Azuma Skyline (paid parking at Jōdodaira).

By car: it is about 1 hour from the Fukushima-Nishi IC on the Tōhoku Expressway via the Bandai-Azuma Skyline.

References: [Fukushima City Tourism: Jōdodaira Sky Access] ／ [Ministry of the Environment: Jōdodaira]

Trail Guide and Safety Notes

Route: Jōdodaira → Jōdodaira marsh (boardwalk) → Sugadaira emergency hut → Mount Issaikyō (1,949 m) and back. The standard time is about 3 hours, an easy-to-intermediate route. From the north of the summit you see Goshikinuma (the Witch’s Eye), and a loop around Kama-numa from Sugadaira and the crater rim of Azuma-Kofuji are also popular.

Active volcano and volcanic gas: Mount Issaikyō is an active volcano, and volcanic gas (hydrogen sulphide) is emitted near the Ōana crater. Do not enter restricted zones, and retreat quickly if you smell gas. Always check the volcanic alert level beforehand.

Views and seasons: the summit gives wide views of Goshikinuma, the Azuma range and the Fukushima Basin. Take care on the ridge in the late-snow season and in strong wind. Note the Skyline’s overnight closure hours too.

Equipment and emergencies: carry rain gear, warm clothing, a headlamp, a map/GPS and plenty of food. In an accident or emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance).
・Fukushima Police Station 024-522-2121

Photo by Σ364 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0