For the three day weekend I took a trip up to Fukushima to climb Mt. Bandai, one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. It was raining a bit in the morning, but it completely cleared up by the time I got to the top and had an amazing view of the surrounding area. I started the climb from the the south side near Inawashiro Lake and made my way down the back side to ‘goshikinuma’ or the five colors ponds. Mt. Bandai is a beautiful mountain and has become one of my favorite mountains in Japan.

Visiting Hanitsu shrine before the climb.

The was also a mountain marathon going on the same day. I might try to participate in one someday.

Starting the climb up the skislope.

The fall colors were beautiful but the top was still in the clouds.

AkiGumi… very edible, but a bit tart

The final accent.

At the top.

Heading down the back way.

Red Pond

The skislope to get down the mountain. Not as steep as the on at Zao though.

Looking back at Mt. Bandai from Goshikinuma.