Mount Issaikyo
Hike to Mount Issaikyo for the mesmerizing 'Witch's Eye' crater lake and stunning Azuma Mountain Range views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Stunning fall colors & cooler temps
Mount Issaikyo
Best Time
Stunning fall colors & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to Mount Issaikyo for the mesmerizing 'Witch's Eye' crater lake and stunning Azuma Mountain Range views.
"The 'Witch's Eye' was amazing, I was completely captivated."
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Rocky and steep terrain makes good footwear essential for a safe and comfortable climb.
🧥 Pack layers for changing weather
Temperatures can drop significantly, especially with wind. Be prepared for cold, even in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Witch's Eye (Goshikinuma)
Crater lake on Mount Issaikyo
A mesmerizing cobalt-blue crater lake reflecting the sky, often called the 'Witch's Eye'.
Panoramic Summit Views
Mount Issaikyo Summit
Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Azuma Mountain Range and Mount Azuma-kofuji.
Autumn Colors
Mount Issaikyo trails
Vibrant fall foliage paints the slopes in hues of red, orange, and yellow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Witch's Eye
Trail Difficulty and Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Rocky and steep terrain makes good footwear essential for a safe and comfortable climb.
🧥 Pack layers for changing weather
Temperatures can drop significantly, especially with wind. Be prepared for cold, even in summer.
💧 Consider a hiking stick
The steeper sections can put pressure on ankles; a stick offers extra support.
🎒 Keep your backpack light
A lighter load will make the challenging ascent much more manageable.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Rocky and steep terrain makes good footwear essential for a safe and comfortable climb.
🧥 Pack layers for changing weather
Temperatures can drop significantly, especially with wind. Be prepared for cold, even in summer.
💧 Consider a hiking stick
The steeper sections can put pressure on ankles; a stick offers extra support.
🎒 Keep your backpack light
A lighter load will make the challenging ascent much more manageable.
🚗 Drive carefully on the skyline road
The scenic drive has sharp turns and stationary cars; use manual mode if possible.
⏰ Arrive early for parking
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season.
🗺️ Use the Jododaira trailhead
It's generally better maintained and more accessible than other starting points.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers praise Mount Issaikyo for its stunning 'Witch's Eye' crater lake and panoramic summit views, especially during autumn. The scenic drive is also a highlight. However, the trail is challenging with steep, rocky sections, requiring good footwear and preparation for variable weather.
"A medium-high difficulty climb.
The overall drive to the location is really fun and filled with amazing sights. Just be careful of other stationary cars parked along the sides of the road / overlooking the cliff area. Do consider switching to manual mode if your vehicle is on automatic mode.
The carpark is very wide and spacious - and there’s a base office with the important informations / maps and guides for the various routes available.
The climb starts with boardwalk, then some shrubs and then a gentle upslope.
At the midway point - the angle starts to get steeper and this is around where the first toilet is found.
From this point - the angle does put some pressure on the ankles and if you do need a hiking stick - I recommend it. Keep your backpack light too.
As you near the summit - there’s not much vegetation- mostly dried mud and rocks. Take a quick break and picnic at the summit overlooking the witches eye ！
The climb down did take us more time - but since it was mostly snow (we went in May 2025) we managed to slide some areas.
Otherwise - just stay safe. And don’t enter the areas that are marked with a hike path."
Sakthi Balan
"Parked at the bottom of the Mount Issaikyo crater and walked up, around and back down (EDIT: We went up Mount Azuma Kofuji instead and not Mount Issaikyo) - took us around 1.5 hours for a casual hike. Parking fee was Y500.
Totally worth it for stunning views from the top of the crater."
Ryan Pang
"On October 14,2019 I had a chance to hike Mt. Issaikyo and Mt. Azuma. I was planning to start from Jododaira parking lot but unfortunately the road was closed due to the maintenance after the typhoon 19th. So I parked my car at Takayu onsen village. I saw three people planning to hike with the help of them I found the trail head. The path is crossing the Bandai Azuma Skyline road a couple of times. Just follow the sigs and keep going through the trees. This path is very challenging specially after a rain. It is narrow and not well maintained. Be ready for it. It will be split but you need to stay with the Azuma (吾妻山頂上), Lake Goshikinuma (五色沼)or Issaikyo (一切経頂) signs. They are only in Japanese and it is hard to see some of them. You will be amazed with autumn colors if it is Oct or Nov. There is no shelter but you can find water flows. Once you reach the first peak you will see amazing scenery of the nearby mountains. The highest peak on your left is the Mt. Issaikyo. After a short break I kept moving. It was a bit rainy and windy but not cloudy. So I could see the lake Goshikinuma 五色沼 -5 colors lake. This is another amazing view before the peak. The path goes towards right. You will see X sigs on the left so don’t go that way. From here on there is not much trees and you will be able to see around clearly. The peak takes around 20 min. This is the Mt. Issaikyo 1948.8 m altitude. The point where I started was 760. It took me 3h 10 min to get there with very less amount spending at breaks. Take your time and enjoy spectacular view of Mt. Azuma Ko Fuji (small fuji) and autumn colors. The path goes along the colored ropes. The left (towards Azuma ko fuji) is not allowed. Soon you will see the Lake Kamanuma and an emergency hut on your right. The lake, amazing autumn colors, the sound of water from the creak nearby, clear mountains’ view, nice weather and easy path what else you like to see on your hike. I didn’t want to move a bit. The shelter is for everyone and open but the toilets were closed due to the maintenance. After this point you can either choose to go to see the lake closer (400 m one way) and take a walk around it or keep going from left towards to the Jodododaira parking lot where the most popular trailhead. The scenery here is also breathtaking. It took me less than 30 min to get the parking area. This place and path are very well maintained. There are restaurant, bathrooms, rest house etc. As it was closed after the typhoon I was the only one hiking and all the places were closed. It was a bit scary to be honest. I didn’t hike to Azuma kofuji but it seems that it is an easy hike. It won’t take more than 45 min to get the top and have a walk around the ring of the crater. I knew that it will be a long way to get where I parked my car but I was satisfied with what I have seen so far. I just kept going along with the car road. It is around 19 km and wouldn’t be easy. There was a helicopter patrolling and some workers trying to fixed the road damaged. I try to act normal and kept going :) After about an hour a minivan just passed me and stopped about 100 m away. They came to offer me a ride which was a life saving moment. I was thrilled with their kindness. These were two of the workers going to Takayu onsen area. I was very happy when I saw my car and decided to celebrate this by having a hot spring moment. After all it was a great experience hiking alone on a challenge path during the peak season of the autumn colors. I recommend you to use the Jododaira trailhead not the one I used :)"
Recep Doymaz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Issaikyo is accessible via the Bandai Azuma Skyline road. The most common trailhead is at Jododaira parking lot, which offers good facilities. Some hikers have also started from Takayu Onsen village, but this path can be less maintained.
The road is subject to closures due to weather, especially in winter and after typhoons. It's crucial to check road conditions before your visit.
There is a spacious parking lot at Jododaira, which is the primary access point. It can get crowded, so arriving early is recommended.
You can drive to the Jododaira parking lot, which is near the base of Mount Issaikyo and Mount Azuma-kofuji. The drive itself along the Bandai Azuma Skyline is scenic.
Public transportation options can be limited, especially for reaching trailheads directly. It's often easier to access by car. Research local bus routes in Fukushima City if you plan to use public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically a parking fee at Jododaira, around Y500. The hike itself is free.
Mount Issaikyo is an outdoor natural attraction, so there are no set operating hours. However, access via the Bandai Azuma Skyline road is subject to its opening times and seasonal closures.
No, advance booking is not required for Mount Issaikyo. It's a natural hiking area.
No specific permits are generally required for hiking Mount Issaikyo. Standard hiking etiquette and safety precautions apply.
The Jododaira area typically has a base office with information, maps, restrooms, and sometimes a small shop or restaurant, though these may be closed seasonally or after maintenance.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered medium-high difficulty. It starts with boardwalks and gentle slopes but becomes steeper and more challenging with rocky terrain as you approach the summit.
A casual hike to the summit and back can take around 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the top.
Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the rocky and steep paths. Wear layers of clothing as temperatures can vary greatly, and bring rain gear just in case.
Yes, there are toilets located along the trail, including at a midway point.
While children can hike it, the steep and rocky sections might be challenging for younger ones. Parental supervision and appropriate gear are crucial.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views, especially of the 'Witch's Eye' lake. The lake itself is a prime subject. Autumn colors also provide fantastic photographic opportunities. 
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. However, clear midday skies can make the 'Witch's Eye' lake's vibrant blue color pop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and the crater lake. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain views. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in national parks or protected areas before flying.
Autumn (October-November) is spectacular for the vibrant fall foliage. Summer offers lush greenery and clear views of the lake.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The panoramic summit views of the surrounding mountains, particularly during autumn foliage, are breathtaking. +1 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for distant details. Be prepared for variable weather, as fog can add a dramatic, moody atmosphere, while clear days offer sharp, vibrant colors. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the 'Witch's Eye'
+1 The unique color is a result of volcanic activity and mineral content within the crater. Visitors are often mesmerized by its beauty, with many describing it as a truly unforgettable sight. While the lake is stunning, it's important to note that direct access to the lake's edge is restricted for safety and conservation. The best views are from the surrounding trails and the summit. The clarity of the water and the way it reflects the sky and surrounding landscape make it a photographer's dream.
+1 Be prepared for potentially cold conditions around the lake, even on warmer days, as it's situated in a volcanic crater. Navigating the Trails and Terrain
Hikers have noted that the trails can be narrow in places and may require careful footing, especially after rain.
Best Times for Visiting and Photography
For photography, early mornings are popular for securing parking and avoiding crowds, and the light can be soft.
The summit provides panoramic views, making it a prime spot for capturing the vastness of the Azuma Mountain Range. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as fog or rain can obscure views at any time. 
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