Jododaira – Gateway to Mt. Azuma-Kofuji

– October 17, 2025

After Tsubakuro Valley, we continued up the Bandai-Azuma Skyline Road. The elevation climbed steadily, and the air cooled down to around 1,600 meters. Ahead was Jododaira—a mid-way stop in the Azuma Mountains. The sky cleared, and clouds slowly moved over the forested landscape. The leaves were beginning to turn yellow, orange, and red, signaling the beginning of the koyo season.

The visitor information center served as the gateway to the mountain.
Inside, they provided trail maps, topographic pamphlets, and daily weather information. If the weather was good, it was possible to hike up to Mt. Azuma-Kofuji, a 40-minute round trip. This summit, a perfectly formed caldera, earned it the nickname "The Great Smoky Mountain." "Fukushima's Miniature Mount Fuji"

From the crater's rim, you can see the Skyline winding through the deciduous forest—a sight that truly showcases the vibrant nature at every altitude.

🗺️ Traveler Tips
• Best time to visit: mid-October–early November (during Koyo season)
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM / Winter holidays: mid-November–early April
• Parking: Over 700 spaces (approximately 500 yen)
• Bring a windbreaker and hiking shoes, as the weather can change quickly.
• If you want to ascend Azuma-Kofuji, start before 2:00 PM—afternoon light offers the best views.
• Bring a wide-angle camera on a clear day—the mountain range and autumn leaves will continue to the horizon.

#EarlyBirdTohoku #Jododaira #AzumaKofuji
#BandaiAzumaSkyline #Fukushima #KoyoJapan #JapaneseAutumnLeaves

Post by Mr. Choon | Oct 17, 2025