The rock slides caused by the steam eruption of Mt. Bandai in 1888 blocked countless rivers, and lead to the creation of over 300 lakes and ponds spread throughout the area. Lake Hibara is the largest of these lakes, and with a length of 10 km running along the ravine of the Hibara River, and a shoreline of 37 km, it is Japan's largest lake to be created by natural dams caused by a volcano eruption.
Lake Hibara is now the focal point of tourism in the Urabandai region, and from rambling along sightseeing trails in summer to Japanese pond smelt fishing in the winter, there are countless ways for visitors to refresh and invigorate themselves. Guides are available with a reservation.
| Website | https://www.urabandai-inf.com/en/?page_id=24968 |
|---|---|
| Contact | Urabandai Tourism Association (+81) 241-32-2349 |
| Best Season | All Year |
| Parking | Available |
| Access | Hibara, Kitashiobara, Yama District, Fukushima Pref. View directions |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By Car: 25 min from the Inawashiro Bandaikogen I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway By Train: From Inawashiro Station (JR Ban-etsu West Line), take the Bandai Toto Bus and get off at Onogawa-ko Iriguchi Bus Stop (小野川湖入口バス停）- this journey takes around 35 min. Then take the Free Community Bus to Lake Hibara, which takes an additional 35 min. Useful Links |
Komado is a small and lovely marsh located at the top of Komado Pass in Minamiaizu Town. Although small, it is an ideal place for exploring moorland vegetation. You can see a variety of plants from one season to the next, and can enjoy spectacular views of the highlands as well.The marsh was designated as a National Natural Treasure in 1970.
The Showa Nostalgia Museum (or 'Natsukashi-kan') is a museum in Aizu-Wakamatsu dedicated to the Showa period of Japanese history, 1926-1989. The museum features goods spanning the period and includes several rooms perfectly recreating the style that would have been common generations ago.The walls are plastered with classic movie posters and the shelves are heaving with old toys and model figurines. There is also a small shop at the front desk selling snacks and small ornaments.
In summer, the 5.4 hectares of land within the Sannokura Ski Resort grounds become painted yellow with 1.5 million sunflowers. The sunflower field consists of 3 main areas, which can be enjoyed from early August to early September. Also, visitors to Sannokura Plateau between March and June can enjoy impressive views of fields of bright, yellow canola flowers. What's more, no matter the season, the panoramic views overlooking the Aizu basin from an elevation of 650 m make a visit to Sannokura Plateau very worthwhile.
Fruit Land Kita-Aizu is the name of the JA Aizu West Agriculture Center. Fruit Land Kita-Aizu serves as a local hub giving information on a number of nearby orchards in Kita-Aizu Town, Aizu-Wakamatsu City. The orchards that make up Fruit Land Kita-Aizu provide visitors with delicious fruit-picking experiences, which can be tried throughout the year. Please enjoy the delicious fruit that Aizu has to offer, and take in the beauty of its nature at the same time.
Standing 95 feet tall and nearly 100 feet wide, the Great Gingko Tree of Akai looms above a small neighbourhood to the west of the great lake at Inawashiro. At over 650 years old, this is one of Japan's oldest gingko trees and an iconic symbol of the area for many local people.In particular, the tree is most impressive in autumn, when its changing leaves become a vibrant yellow that can be seen for miles around.The best time to see the great tree is early to mid-November, which is also when the tree is illuminated in the evening. Although there is no official car park, there is plenty of open space in which to park.
Over the course of the year, Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba Viewpoint greets visitors with views of atmospheric fog rising above the Tadami River, mountains frosted with snow or painted with autumn leaves, all surrounding the Oshi Shuraku district of traditional houses.
A mysterious caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption around 5600 years ago. There are many tales about the history of Lake Numazawa that tell of the existence of a dragon in the lake. On the first Saturday and Sunday of August, Lake Numazawa Festival is held to celebrate as a way of renacting the legend of this dragon. The surrounding area also offers facilities such as the Kaneyama Fairy Art Museum and automobile camping sites.
Nakatsugawa Valley is famous for its beautiful fall foliage. The Nakatsugawa River is a clear stream flowing down from Bandai Kogen (Bandai Highland) to Lake Akimoto. In autumn, the leaves of the many trees, such as maples, alders, and wild cherry trees, turn brilliant and bold colors. The valley can be reached via the lakeside cycling road or by following the trail from the Nakatsugawa Valley Rest House Lake Line Parking Area. Take a relaxing stroll along the ravine while breathing in the mountain air full of healthy negative ions.Many people park on the road closest to the bridge, but for most people it's easier to park at the Rest House and walk the short trail (less than 5 minutes) down to the bridge. There is also a shop and a canteen-style restaurant at the Rest House.