Lake Sohara

Lake Sohara

With a diameter of 3.5 km, Lake Sohara is the fourth largest lake in the wetlands of the Urabandai highlands. Blessed with bountiful plankton and aquatic plants such as potamogeton distinctus and water shield, many wild birds flock to its waters. Walking the shores of this lake, you can feel as if you're in a wild highland oasis.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://www.urabandai-inf.com/en/?page_id=24976
Contact

Urabandai Tourism Association

(+81) 241-32-2349

staff1@urabandai-inf.com

Best SeasonAll Year
ParkingAvailable
Access Details
AccessLake Sohara, Soharayama, Hibara, Kitashiobara Village, Yama-gun, Fukushima Pref. 969-2701
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 30 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 Sohara, which takes 8 min.

Nearby

The World Glassware Hall
Nature & Scenery

Natural Sparkling Water in Kaneyama Town

Kaneyama Town is a scenic, rural town surrounded by woods. One of the most famous things about Kaneyama Town is its well of naturally carbonated water. Such water is rarely found in Japan. Small bubbles are infused into the water, giving it a gentle and smooth taste. Locals and visitors take empty bottles to the well to fill and take back home. There is a pot at the well that can be used to collect water from the base of the well. Pulling up water from the bottom with a rope definitely makes for a fun and unique experience! Why don’t you try this natural sparkling water while enjoying the beautiful scenery in Kaneyama?

The World Glassware Hall
Nature & Scenery

Tenkyodai Showa-no-Mori Park

<p><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Tenkyodai Showa-no-Mori Park (天鏡台・昭和の森公園)</strong> is a wide plateau close to Mount Bandai in Inawashiro Town, famous for its impressive views of Lake Inawashiro surrounded by lush greenery. East Asian and Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees bloom spectacularly, typically from early to mid May, against the backdrop of the mountains.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000">During autumn, the rows of colorful red and orange trees make for an unmissable sight. Visitors can follow the strolling paths and enjoy 30 or 60 minute hikes.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000">From the viewing platform, don&rsquo;t miss the incredible sights of lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000">Best season for sakura viewing (previous years): Early to Mid-May (dates vary each year).</span></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000000">Please note that the park closes during winter (approximately from December until mid-April).</span></strong></p>

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Tenkyodai Showa-no-Mori Park
Nature & Scenery

Tenkyodai Showa-no-Mori Park

<p><span style="color:#000000"><strong>Tenkyodai Showa-no-Mori Park (天鏡台・昭和の森公園)</strong> is a wide plateau close to Mount Bandai in Inawashiro Town, famous for its impressive views of Lake Inawashiro surrounded by lush greenery. East Asian and Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees bloom spectacularly, typically from early to mid May, against the backdrop of the mountains.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000">During autumn, the rows of colorful red and orange trees make for an unmissable sight. Visitors can follow the strolling paths and enjoy 30 or 60 minute hikes.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000">From the viewing platform, don&rsquo;t miss the incredible sights of lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000">Best season for sakura viewing (previous years): Early to Mid-May (dates vary each year).</span></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000000">Please note that the park closes during winter (approximately from December until mid-April).</span></strong></p>

Urabandai Highlands
Nature & Scenery

Urabandai Highlands

The Urabandai highlands of northern Fukushima Prefecture, are situated at an altitude of 800 meters and surrounded by Mt. Bandai, Mt. Adatara, and Mt. Azuma. The highlands were created by Mt. Bandai erupting in 1888. Urabandai is part of Bandai Asahi National Park and offers a variety of seasonal attractions. Cool weather in summer and deep snow in winter make Urabandai a perfect place for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment. About 300 lakes and ponds, including the Goshiki-numa Ponds and Lake Hibara, are scattered across Urabandai. The harmonious beauty of nature created by the abundant woodlands and lakes will certainly touch the hearts of all visitors.

Shibuki-gori (Naturally-forming ice sculptures)
Nature & Scenery

Shibuki-gori (Naturally-forming ice sculptures)

If you head to Tenjinhama beach on Lake Inawashiro in the depths of winter, through the trees at its south towards the mouth of the Nagase river, you will see the "shibuki-gori" natural ice sculptures. Lake water is picked up by strong winds from the west, and meets the trees on the coastline. There it creates a very unusual phenomenon with a beauty that rivals the "juhyo" (ice-covered trees) seen at the tops of mountains. Local peoples and visitors alike never tire of these sights. You can also see other shapes formed by ice here, such as ice drifts and the prominent "Omiwatari" cracked, rising ice on the beach and lake surface. Please note that Shibuki-gori are natural ice sculptures, and therefore their appearance and size change by the day. Please check before visiting.

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