Jododaira Visitor Center
The Jododaira Visitor Center is a convenient base for exploring the Jododaira area of Bandai-Asahi National Park. Trails lead out toward wetlands, ponds, and forests, to mountain peaks, and to the craters of volcanoes. Exhibits in the center’s high-ceilinged hall introduce the geography and wildlife of the Jododaira subalpine plateau, including the stark volcanic landscape of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji, the beautiful and pristine Kamanuma Pond, and the seasonal flowers that bloom in the area.
Hiking trails
Four main trails weave through the Jododaira Plateau. English-language exhibit panels at the center provide information about each route. They introduce the vegetation and wildflowers seen along the trails and describe the history of key geological features such as volcanoes, wetlands, and ponds.
Interactive exhibits
Some of the exhibits create a virtual experience of the area’s hikes and scenery. A 360-degee photographic display presents the view of the Azuma mountain range from the rim of the crater on Azuma-Kofuji. There are also interactive videos that depict the hike to Kamanuma Pond through the Sugadaira and Ubagahara Wetlands. The floor of the exhibition space features a large aerial photograph of the pond.
Recommendations and advice
The center staff are extremely knowledgeable about the Jododaira Plateau and other areas of Bandai-Asahi National Park, and can share seasonal information, tips on hiking the trails safely, and updates on the current intensity of volcanic activity on Mt. Issaikyo. The Jododaira Visitor Center is open from early April to mid-November (when the Bandai-Azuma Skyline is open).
