of the eruption and the eruption began at around 7:45. There were roughly 20 explosions following this. After the explosive eruption, the north side of Kobandai collapsed and sector collapses begun. The river Nagasegawa and its tributaries were blocked and lahars (volcanic mudslides) and debris flows damaged the downstream section of the river. Lake Hibara, Onogawako, Akimotoko and Goshikinuma were formed, all lakes of varied sizes. It was at this time the landscape of Urabandai was formed. Sacred Mountains The Enichi Temple, located on the south-western foot of the Bandai Mountain, is surrounded by mountains where people come to worship; Mount Bandai (north east to the temple), Mount Mayadake (north to the temple), and Mount Azuma (north to Mount Bandai). The temple has served a central role in mountain worship because of its location. The Enichi Temple was founded in 807 A.D., one year after Mount Bandai erupted. Some people think that there is a connection between the eruption and the foundation of the Enichi Temple. Several routes for visiting Azumayama Shrine have been established, all originating from the main temple of the Enichi shrine. Climbing routes There are 7 climbing routes of Mount Bandai, as follows. Happoudai mountain entrance route (八方台登山口): (Nekoma-happoudai→ Nakanoyuato → Ohanabatake observatory → Koubou-shimizu → mountain peak, duration: 2 hours, 3.5 km, range 620m) In August 2013, there was a defoliation outbreak caused by a species of moth, or beech caterpillar (Quadricalcarifera punctatella Motschulsky). Inawashiro mountain entrance route (猪苗代登山口): (Inawashiro Ski Centre → Tennoniwa → Mount Akahani → Numano-daira → Koubou Shimizu → mountain peak, duration: 3.5 hours, 5.5 km, range 1100m) The Ski Resort route contains an additional 3 stops (West piste → Hayama Route → Rinkan Route) Okinajima Route (翁島登山口): (Inawashiro Ski Resort → mountain peak, duration: 3 hours, 3 km, range 1000m) This route can be shortened by using the gondolas at the Inawashiro Ski Resort to 1 hour, but prior booking is required. There is no source of fresh water on the route. Urabandai mountain entrance A (裏磐梯登山口A) (Urabandai Ski Centre → Akanuma → Nakanoyu-ato → Koubou Shimizu → mountain peak duration: 3 hours 10 minutes, 6 km, range 900m) During the rainy season and early spring, the Akanuma area becomes waterlogged and due measures are required. Urabandai mountain entrance B (裏磐梯登山口B) (Urabandai Ski Centre → Kakougen → Kushigamine Col → Koubou Shimizu → mountain peak duration: 3 hours 20 minutes,