More enjoyable trip to Hachimantai and Appi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Gozaisho-Numa Pond Walking Trail

The walking trail of Gozaishonuma Marsh and Akanuma is a 1.5-kilometer long trail, which is a one-way hike of about 45 minutes. Almost halfway along the trail, visitors can find the "Gozaishonuma" and a small "Akanuma (also known as Goshikinuma)", and there is a small observation deck convenient for viewing these two ponds while taking a break.
As the alias of "Goshikinuma" suggests, the water of Akanuma changes colors five times as the seasons change throughout the year. During the summer, it changes from a cloudy blue to a vibrant blue, and then to turquoise. In the fall, it returns to a cloudy blue, and turns brown in winter and spring.
Wetland plants bloom along the walking trail from spring to midsummer. Skunk cabbage blooms from April to July, Iris setosa from May to August, Cotton-grass and Rhododendron dilatatum in June and July, and Cabbage turnip in July and August. In fall, the landscape ignites in red and orange with autumn leaves.
Please note that there are no water or toilet facilities on the walking trail.
Goshikinuma is a mysterious pond that changes its color five times a year.This swamp turns into a beautiful turquoise blue in the summer.