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The 2025 autumn foliage season has arrived! Autumn foliage and nature in the Agatsuma Mountain Range in Fukushima Prefecture! Please enjoy lots of photos!

On a whim, I decided to visit the Azuma Mountains in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture on October 21st.

My friends who enjoy mountain climbing have always recommended that I go to Azuma Kofuji and Issaikyozan, but I have never been there.

Autumn in Tohoku is getting shorter every year, and the autumn foliage season passes by in the blink of an eye.

I thought I had no choice but to go with the flow and decided to visit.

This time we will provide a brief introduction to the Azuma mountain range (Azuma Kofuji and Jododaira Wetlands) with lots of photos.

Don't complain that the photos aren't great, I hope you enjoy the photos of the Azuma Mountain Range taken in mid-October, when the weather was perfect.

Azuma Mountain Range - Azuma Kofuji and Jododaira

Towering west of Fukushima City, the Azuma Mountain Range is one of Tohoku's most prominent mountain regions, offering spectacular views throughout the seasons. Among the most popular are the 1,707-meter-high " Azuma Kofuji " and its gateway, Jododaira .
Jododaira is a plateau stretching out at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters, the Bandai-Azuma Skyline . The contrast between the rugged terrain, where volcanic steam rises, and the surrounding alpine plants is breathtaking.
The neighboring Azuma Kofuji is a famous mountain whose summit is easily accessible, just 20 minutes from the trailhead. From the Ohachi Meguri course around the crater, you can enjoy panoramic views of Fukushima city and the mountain range. From
spring to autumn, hiking is popular, and in winter, the snow-white landscape unfolds, making it a truly " paradise in the sky ." It's a soothing spot where you can feel the breath of nature with your entire body.

Azuma Kofuji

1,707m above sea level, this stratovolcano towers to the east of Jododaira and is a relatively easy climb. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the crater wall from the trailhead, and the crater diameter is about 500m. Including walking around the crater, the course takes about 40 to 60 minutes.

From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Fukushima Basin, the Jododaira marshes, and the mountain ranges, and it is also a popular spot for viewing seas of clouds and starry skies, especially on clear days.

Azuma Kofuji
Azuma Kofuji trailhead
Azuma Kofuji
Once you reach the top of the stairs, you will come across a spot piled with lava rocks.
Azuma Kofuji
As the sign says, if you go around clockwise you will come across a large rock blocking the path.
Azuma Kofuji
If you look to the right, you will see the crater of Azuma-Kofuji, which is about 500-600m in diameter and 70m deep.
Azuma Kofuji
The leaves inside the crater are also turning red.
Azuma Kofuji
If you turn around, you will see the impressive Mount Issaikyo.
Azuma Kofuji
When you reach the highest point of the crater, you can see the magnificent view of Fukushima City below. Fukushima Station is probably on the right side of the center of the photo.
Azuma Kofuji
After enjoying the spectacular view, you can see the entire Jododaira Rest House on the way back down. Even though it was a weekday, the parking lot was full and there were many bikers around.
Azuma Kofuji
The entire view of Azuma Kofuji is in great shape.

Google Map

Jododaira Marshland

an altitude of approximately 1,600m , this tourist spot is part of the highlands of the Azuma Mountain Range. It is equipped with a parking lot, visitor center, and walking trails, making it an ideal area for families and those who want to enjoy the high mountain atmosphere.

The surrounding area is home to alpine plant communities, marshes, and volcanic terrain with steam rising from it, allowing you to experience the changing nature as you stroll around.

Well-maintained walking trails
During your walk, you will come across an unnamed stream that flows gently through the marshland, collecting spring water and rainwater from the areas around Azuma Kofuji and Okenuma.
Mount Issaikyo stands before you, and the steam coming out from the mountainside is called the "Oana Crater," and it constantly spews out sulfurous gas (volcanic gas) and steam.
This zoomed-in photo shows the Oana crater of Issaikyozan. On this day, more steam was coming out than usual, and it was apparently a very lucky day.
Spectacular views...flowing water, greenery, and Mount Issaikyo
Azuma Kofuji seen from the Jododaira Marsh

Google Map

When heading to the Azuma Mountain Range, you will pass through the Bandai Azuma Skyline, a mountain tourist road approximately 29km long that connects Takayu Onsen in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture to Tsuchiyu Pass.

There are some car barriers along the way and some small photo spots, but on this day all of the photo spots were extremely crowded, and we couldn't park on the street, so we gave up on taking photos.

I was very satisfied with my first visit to Azuma Kofuji and the Jododaira Marsh.

I'll come back next summer and also try climbing Mt. Issaikyo, which I haven't been able to do yet.

Tsubakuro Valley Parking Lot, Fukushima City as seen from Fudosawa Bridge

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