Lake Inawashiro and Wintering Swans: Mystical Lake at the Foot of Mt. Bandai

Lake Inawashiro

Lake Inawashiro in Aizuwakamatsu and Inawashiro, Fukushima, is Japan's fourth-largest lake at 103 km². The cobalt-blue transparent surface with Mt. Bandai (1,816m) to the northwest is also called "Tenkyo-ko" (Mirror of Heaven Lake).

Highlights

Swan Wintering

- Period: November–March (peak December–February) - Wintering Location: Near the Nagase River estuary (Swan Beach) - Observation: Feeding times morning and evening attract the most swans

Nearby Sightseeing

- Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Museum: Birthplace and museum of Noguchi Hideyo (yellow fever researcher) from Inawashiro - Tenkyo-dai (Viewpoint near museum): Spectacular view of Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai - Resort Shirakawa (Skiing): Winter skiing at Inawashiro Ski Resort - Inawashiro Herb Garden: Beautiful lavender and herbs in June–August

Getting There

- Alight at JR Banetsu West Line Inawashiro Station (about 40 minutes from Koriyama) - About 15 minutes by car from Banetsu Expressway Inawashiro Bandaiko IC

Tips

Winter swan observation is bitterly cold — essential to dress warmly. The Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Museum is especially worth visiting with children.