RENT & RIDE JAPANBandai Foothills & Urabandai
Urabandai Goldline & Goshikinuma Tour
A two-day highland ride climbing the Bandaisan Goldline and touring Goshikinuma and Lake Hibara. Cool summer air and vivid lakes framed by deep-green forest make this Urabandai loop unforgettable.
- DISTANCE
- 620 km
- DURATION
- 20 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from Tashilog Garage in Hachioji, take the Tohoku and Ban-etsu Expressways to Inawashiro in Fukushima. This highland tour weaves through terrain shaped by an ancient eruption and past lakes that glow emerald green and cobalt blue — perfect for summer.
Highlights
- Bandaisan Goldline — a roughly 17 km mountain road linking Inawashiro and Urabandai, dotted with viewpoints over Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro.
- Goshikinuma lakes — a walking trail past a string of vividly colored ponds such as Bishamon, Ao and Ruri.
- Lake Hibara — the largest lake in Urabandai, with refreshing views from its shoreline road.
Riding notes
The high elevation keeps things cool even in midsummer, but the mountain roads have tight, continuous corners. The Goldline has winter closures, so spring through autumn is best.
- Day 1
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point in Hachioji
TIPSFuel up and check tire pressure before departure. Head to the Tohoku Expressway via the Chuo and Ken-o Expressways.
- 2FOOD~60 min
Soba Tenzan
Lunch at a renowned handmade soba restaurant in Inawashiro
TIPSA well-loved soba spot in a rural part of Inawashiro, famous for fully handmade juwari (100% buckwheat) soba. Roughly 11:30–14:30, typically closed Tue/Thu. Please confirm current hours before visiting.
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Image - 3VIEW~40 min
Bandaisan Goldline
A scenic mountain road climbing from Inawashiro to Urabandai
TIPSA roughly 17 km toll-free scenic road linking Inawashiro and Urabandai, with viewpoints over Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro. Expect continuous tight corners; ride within your limits. Note winter closures.
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Photo: HamuForza / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 4VIEW~90 min
Goshikinuma Lakes (Bishamonnuma)
Urabandai's iconic string of vividly colored ponds
TIPSFrom Bishamonnuma, the largest of the ponds, you can see Mt. Bandai's rugged crater wall. Park at the Urabandai Visitor Center or Goshikinuma entrance plaza; Bishamonnuma is about a 5-minute walk, and the full trail takes just over an hour. Rowboats are available.
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Image - 5VIEW~40 min
Lake Hibara
The largest lake in Urabandai with refreshing shoreline views
TIPSFormed by Mt. Bandai's eruption, Lake Hibara is the largest lake in Urabandai and can be circled by road. Popular for bass fishing in summer and smelt fishing in winter, with pretty islets and deep inlets along the way.
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Photo: Brian Adler 11:18, 7 November 2007 (UTC) / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 6LODGING~720 min
Urabandai Kogen Hotel
First night's lodging, a base for touring Goshikinuma and Lake Hibara
TIPSA resort hotel on the Urabandai highland, conveniently located for sightseeing. Please confirm motorcycle parking and room types when booking.
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Image - Day 2
- 7VIEW~30 min
Bandai-Azuma Lakeline (Sanko Paradise)
A highland road overlooking the three Urabandai lakes
TIPSA photo spot with sweeping views of the three Urabandai lakes — Hibara, Akimoto and Onogawa. The Sanko Paradise overlook lies about 4 km from the Route 459 junction, with a walking path near the road's high point.
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Image - 8VIEW~40 min
Nakatsugawa Gorge
A scenic gorge along the Bandai-Azuma Lakeline
TIPSA gorge along the Lakeline, beautiful in fresh green and autumn color. The trail down to the stream is uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
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Photo: Σ64 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 9FOOD~60 min
Restaurant Nakamura
Lunch featuring Inawashiro's signature sauce katsudon
TIPSAn Inawashiro eatery serving the local specialty sauce katsudon — a hearty pork cutlet bowl. Conveniently placed for the return leg from the lakes. Please confirm opening hours in advance.
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Photo: 円周率３パーセント / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 10VIEW~30 min
Lake Inawashiro (Shidahama)
A lakeside viewpoint before the return leg
TIPSShidahama on Lake Inawashiro offers lovely reflections over the water. Enjoy views of Mt. Bandai and the lake before heading home.
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Photo: Sugikats / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 11GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return to Hachioji
TIPSReturn via the Ban-etsu and Tohoku Expressways. Allow extra time for evening traffic.