Experience the spectacular view of the deep blue “Witch’s Eye” waiting at the end of the mountain.

The Azuma Mountain Range is a series of majestic mountains. The most representative mountain in Fukushima City is Azuma Kofuji, which is 1,707 meters above sea level, but many climbers aim for the summit of Mt. Issai Kyozan, which is 1,949 meters above sea level in order to see the crater lake ''Goshikinuma'', also known as ''Witch's Eye'' due to its mysterious appearance.

There are two routes to climb from the Fukushima side: one that takes about three hours round trip from Jodo-daira, which is 1,600 meters above sea level, and the other, which takes about five hours to reach the summit from the trailhead in front of Takayu Onsen and Azuma-ya-mae, which is 750 meters above sea level.We recommend climbing from Jodo-daira for beginners and those who want to climb the shortest distance.

Starting from the trailhead at the Jodo-daira parking lot, you will first walk through the Jodo-daira Wetland, where alpine plants bloom with a wooden path. On the way, we turned at the Suka-daira branch and took a break at the Suka-daira evacuation hut. After climbing up the steep scree field, you will reach the summit in about an hour and a half from your departure.

From the summit, you can see Azuma Kofuji, Fukushima City, the Zao Mountain Range, and even Mt. Gassan in the distance. And on the north side is the long-awaited Goshikinuma. The water is so beautiful that it almost draws you in, and the color of the water changes depending on the sunlight. Witnessing this deep blue spectacular view is sure to wash away all your fatigue from mountain climbing.

Even beginners can climb this course, but as the mountain is close to 2000m above sea level, don't forget the necessary equipment for climbing.

*Please note that this is different from the "Goshikinuma Lakes and Marshes" in Urabandai.