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.
📍 Location & Access
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✍️ About this article
This article is compiled by the Tabitabi JAPAN editorial team from official and primary sources, including facility and shrine/temple websites, tourism information published by municipalities and tourism associations, and cultural-property records released by national and local governments. Prices, opening hours and event dates may change, so please also check the official information of each facility or local government before you visit.