The colorful ponds and lakes in Fukushima, known as Goshikinuma, were created when Mount Bandai erupted over a century ago. Influenced by the volcanic elements and minerals, each body of water has its own distinctive color, these hues intensified by the change of the seasons and can be changed.
Rowboats can be rented at the largest pond, Bishamon-numa, and large numbers of carp can be seen swimming. Be sure to watch out for the rare species of carp with heart-shaped spots on the side that is believed to bring good luck! Since the volcanic eruption, Goshikinuma has become a popular travel destination.
A hiking trail about four kilometers long from Lake Bishamon, the largest of the five lakes, to Lake Hibara offers people a wonderful view of all five lakes.