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

Lake Inawashiro, located in Aizu-Wakamatsu City and Inawashiro Town in Fukushima Prefecture, is Japan's fourth largest lake, with an area of 103 square kilometres. Looking out to the northwest at the majestic Mount Bandai (1,816 metres), the lake is also called "Tenkyo-ko" (Mirror of Heaven Lake) and is known for the beauty of its clear surface reflecting the sky. In winter swans fly in, and the sight of them resting their wings amid the snowy landscape captivates visitors.

The Beautiful Lake Called Tenkyo-ko

Lake Inawashiro has water of high transparency, and because on calm days without waves it reflects Mount Bandai and the sky with perfect clarity, it has long been praised as "Tenkyo-ko." Pine woods and sandy beaches spread along the shore, and the lake changes expression through the four seasons. In summer it bustles with swimming and water sports, and in autumn the surrounding mountains are dyed in foliage. The landscape woven by Mount Bandai and the surrounding highlands, with Lake Inawashiro at its centre, is one of the natural beauties that represent Fukushima.

The Winter Spectacle of Dancing Swans

The winter tradition of Lake Inawashiro is the swans that fly in from Siberia. According to the Inawashiro Tourism Association, the swans begin to appear around December and set off into the northern sky from around March. They are most numerous in February, and around 3,000 birds spend the winter on Lake Inawashiro each year (the Mount Bandai Geopark states that "2,000 to 3,000 arrive every year and return north around late March the following year"). Several places along the shore, such as Shidahama, are known as observation spots, and the sight of swans taking wing against the backdrop of a snow-capped Mount Bandai is a spectacle unique to winter. Ducks and other waterfowl gather too, creating a lively waterside scene. Note that the "Society to Protect the Swans of Lake Inawashiro" has voluntarily stopped feeding the swans on the north shore of Lake Inawashiro in order to prevent infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza, and no longer accepts donations of feed. The Ministry of the Environment likewise calls for restraint, warning that casually feeding wild birds risks spreading infectious disease. Observe without feeding them and without approaching too closely.

The Swans Come More Than Four Thousand Kilometres

Almost all the swans that migrate to Lake Inawashiro are tundra swans; whooper swans are only rarely seen. According to the Mount Bandai Geopark, the swans travel roughly 4,000 kilometres from the eastern Russian Arctic, around the mouths of the Kolyma and Indigirka rivers, taking about a month and stopping at staging points along the way before reaching Lake Inawashiro. Once you know that every single bird resting its wings in front of you has come through a journey of that length, the lakeside scenery begins to look different. If there are greyish individuals mixed into the flock, those are juveniles born that year. Before dawn the lake echoes with calls answering one another and the sound of beating wings, and as the morning sun begins to colour the ridgeline of Mount Bandai, the flocks take off one after another for their feeding grounds.

Etiquette for Observation

Swans are wild birds, first and foremost. In addition to not feeding them, be considerate: avoid flash photography, do not startle them into flight with loud noises or sudden movements, and do not fly drones. If you have a pet with you, keep it on a short lead and do not let it approach the water's edge. Do not forget to wash your hands after touching wild birds, their feathers or their droppings. If you find a bird that is weakened or dead, do not touch it with bare hands; contact the local authority's helpdesk. The winter lakeshore is frozen and slippery, and the sandy beach can catch your feet, so watch your footing as well.

Photography Tips

If you want to capture swans and Mount Bandai in a single frame, the classic composition is to look northwest towards the mountain from Shidahama or Nagahama on the north shore. Morning light striking from an angle renders the whiteness of the feathers softly, and mist rising from the lake adds a dreamlike atmosphere. To catch the instant of take-off or landing, the trick is to set a fast shutter speed and freeze the spray along with the bird. White subjects lose their texture if photographed too brightly, so keeping the exposure slightly restrained is the safe choice. In the evening the light tends to be behind the birds, so you can capture silhouettes against a glittering water surface. In every case, keep your distance with a telephoto lens and give absolute priority to not disturbing the birds' behaviour.

The Face of Each Season

Lake Inawashiro is known for its winter swans, but its other seasons should not be missed either. In spring the contrast between Mount Bandai crowned with lingering snow and the pale green of new buds is beautiful, and the cherry blossom along the shore is a highlight. Summer bustles with swimming and water sports, with white sandy beaches and a blue lake surface. In autumn the surrounding mountains are dyed with foliage and, on windless days, the lake reflects the coloured slopes like a mirror, just as the name "Tenkyo-ko" suggests. And then in winter, swans dance against a snow-clad Mount Bandai — being able to encounter a different face throughout the year is this lake's great appeal.

Nearby Sights

There is plenty to see around Lake Inawashiro. On the north side of the lake spreads the Urabandai area, famous for the Goshikinuma group of clear blue ponds. The birthplace and memorial museum of Noguchi Hideyo are nearby, letting you trace the footsteps of a great figure born in Fukushima. Ski resorts are busy in winter and hot spring areas are dotted around, so it is popular as a base for a trip combining nature, history and hot springs. You can also travel on to the castle town of Aizu-Wakamatsu.

Nearby Sightseeing

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

Best Season and Access

Swan observation runs from around December to around March, and the birds are most numerous in February. For summer leisure, July and August are best. For access, head to the lakeshore by bus or car from Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban'etsu West Line (about 40 minutes from Koriyama). By car, the Inawashiro-Bandai-Kogen Interchange on the Ban'etsu Expressway is convenient, about 15 minutes away. In winter, prepare for snow and icy roads, dress warmly and drive safely as you enjoy the spectacle woven by Mount Bandai and the swans.

Practical Information

• Best season: According to the Inawashiro Tourism Association, the swans begin to appear around December and set off north from around March. They are most numerous in February, with around 3,000 birds wintering each year. The Mount Bandai Geopark states that "2,000 to 3,000 arrive every year and return north around late March the following year," so figures and timings vary between sources. Arrival conditions also vary from year to year.
• Access: Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban'etsu West Line is the nearest. Observation spots are on the north shore, including Shidahama (130-3 Hama, Koyo, Inawashiro Town, Yama District / Lakeside Bankou) and Nagahama (Nagahama, Inawashiro Town). By car, the Inawashiro-Bandai-Kogen Interchange on the Ban'etsu Expressway is convenient.
• Clothing and gear: The wind is strong along the shore and the perceived temperature drops, so bring proper cold-weather clothing, gloves and a hat, along with non-slip shoes. In winter there is snow and icy road surfaces, so fit winter tyres to your car and take care underfoot when parking and walking along the lakeshore.

The "Society to Protect the Swans of Lake Inawashiro" has voluntarily stopped feeding the swans on the north shore of Lake Inawashiro to prevent infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza, and no longer accepts donations of feed. The Ministry of the Environment likewise calls on visitors not to approach wild birds too closely, warning that waterfowl crowding together because of feeding risks spreading infectious disease. Observe them without feeding, without driving them off, and from a distance. When using Lake Inawashiro, please also check the "Rules for Using Lake Inawashiro."

Tips

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

📚 Sources

• Inawashiro Tourism Association, "Swans (Shidahama)," "Swans (Nagahama)"
• Inawashiro Town, "Notice from the Society to Protect the Swans of Lake Inawashiro"
• Mount Bandai Geopark, "J-67. Swan Arrival Site"
• Ministry of the Environment, "Information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza"