🗺️ Bandai Azuma Sky Line磐梯吾妻スカイライン

The Bandai Azuma Sky Line (Bandai Azuma Road) is approximately 29 kilometers long, with a maximum elevation of 1,622 meters and an average elevation of 1,350 meters. It traverses the Azuma mountain range and is Japan's first mountain road. Along the way, there are areas of desolation with volcanic gas emissions, creating a landscape that resembles another world, which has sparked discussions on social media. Since its opening in early April until the Golden Week, snow walls resembling "snow corridors" form along both sides of the road; in autumn, visitors can enjoy the stunning views of red maple leaves. The ever-changing natural scenery across the four seasons is a major delight for those driving through. Several breathtaking viewpoints along the route have been named "Azuma Eight Views" by the writer Yasushi Inoue. A well-known spot for viewing autumn leaves, "TSUBAKURO Valley," features a bridge that spans 84 meters above the valley floor; between Azuma Kofuji and Ikkyu Mountain lies the expansive wetland "Jōdo-daira," home to a variety of alpine plants, among other beautiful sights worth seeing. The Sky Line is free to access. When heading to places like Azuma Kofuji, the Jōdo-daira Visitor Center, or Resthouse, it is recommended to park at the Jōdo-daira parking lot (paid). The road is open for access throughout the day during the open season, but it may temporarily close due to factors like road surface freezing. Additionally, areas around the sulfur flat bridge and other locations with higher volcanic gas concentrations have warning signs, so please be cautious while driving through.

Traversing between the Azuma mountain range, this is Japan's first mountain road. It offers views that change with the region and the seasons. It has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Roads in Japan." There is no toll for using the road, but the Jōdo Plain parking lot along the way is a paid parking area. Please be cautious while driving through certain sections where volcanic gas concentrations are higher.