Key Facts
On the morning of April 25, the Bandai-Azuma Skyline in Fukushima City reopened to the public after being closed for the winter season. By 9:30 a.m., a long line of cars and motorcycles had already formed at the former Takayu Gate, with some visitors arriving as early as 12:40 a.m. to secure their spot. The scenic route, which stretches approximately 29 kilometers between the former Takayu Gate and the former Tsuchiyu Gate, had been closed due to heavy snowfall. This year’s reopening was delayed by two days compared to the previous year due to extended snow removal efforts.
The highlight of the route is the “Snow Corridor,” a 1.4-kilometer stretch flanked by towering snow walls. This year, the walls reached heights of 2 to 3 meters, approximately 1.5 meters taller than last year in some areas. Reporter Sari Hiraoka noted that the snow walls were more than twice her height of 158 centimeters in certain sections. Visitors from across Japan expressed their excitement about the unique experience. A couple from Chiba Prefecture remarked on the beauty of the snow and the anticipation of seeing butterbur sprouts lining the road as the snow melts, a sight they described as unimaginable in their home region. Another visitor from Mie Prefecture commented on the stark temperature difference between the lowlands and the high-altitude areas, noting the cold and windy conditions but appreciating the stunning scenery.
The reopening also included the Jododaira Rest House, located near the summit of Mount Azuma at an elevation of 1,600 meters. While Fukushima City experienced a high of 20.8°C, typical for this time of year, temperatures at Jododaira hovered around 10°C, signaling the arrival of a late spring.
For safety reasons, nighttime access to the Bandai-Azuma Skyline will remain restricted until 8 a.m. on May 7 due to the risk of icy road conditions.
On April 25, the Bandai-Azuma Skyline in Fukushima City reopened after its winter closure. By 9:30 a.m., vehicles and motorcycles had formed a long line at the former Takayu Gate, with some visitors arriving as early as 12:40 a.m. to secure their spot. The 29-kilometer scenic route, connecting the former Takayu and Tsuchiyu Gates, had been closed due to heavy snowfall. This year’s reopening was delayed by two days compared to last year due to extended snow removal efforts.
A key attraction is the “Snow Corridor,” a 1.4-kilometer stretch with snow walls reaching 2 to 3 meters high, approximately 1.5 meters taller than last year in some areas. Reporter Sari Hiraoka noted that the walls were more than twice her height of 158 centimeters in certain sections. Visitors from across Japan expressed their excitement, with a couple from Chiba Prefecture marveling at the snow and anticipating the sight of butterbur sprouts as the snow melts. Another visitor from Mie Prefecture appreciated the stunning scenery despite the cold and windy conditions.
The Jododaira Rest House near Mount Azuma’s summit also reopened. While Fukushima City recorded a high of 20.8°C, temperatures at Jododaira remained around 10°C. Nighttime access to the route is restricted until May 7 due to icy road risks.
