Goshikinuma: As the world cools, water begins to tell stories.

In the valleys of Fukushima Prefecture, lies a series of colorful ponds called "Goshikinuma" (五色沼), a five-colored lake formed by the fire and ash of Mount Bandai in 1888.
The eruption caused rocks to collapse, blocking the stream, creating over a hundred large and small ponds. However, only a few of these ponds radiate a natural, artistic hue. This is due to chemical reactions between volcanic minerals—iron, copper, and sulfur—and the groundwater, reflecting different colors from pond to pond: jade green, blue-gray, blue, or coppery red.

We arrived around 3 p.m. The sun was still warm but beginning to slant. The leaves around the ponds reflected a golden glow in the afternoon light. A wooden boardwalk led through a forest of moss and tall pine trees. The entire path was about 3.6 kilometers long, but we decided to walk only a short section, as there were reports of bears appearing at the time, and there were "Beware of Bear" signs posted along the trail.

Even though the walk wasn't very deep, But just a few steps is enough to appreciate the beauty of Bishamon-numa—the water is so clear it reflects the trees all over. Some people paddle slowly through the pond.

If you come during peak autumn foliage season, the turquoise water contrasts with the golden red leaves across the valley, before the last rays of the day fall on the cogon grasses. It's hard to imagine how beautiful the scene will be.

📍 Goshikinuma (五色沼), Fukushima, Japan

Post by Mr. Choon | Nov 1, 2025