Shibuki-gori (Naturally-forming ice sculptures)

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.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttp://www1.bandaisan.or.jp/ib/en/
Contact

Inawashiro Tourism Association

Best Season
  • Winter
Access Details
AccessNishihama Nakakomatsu, Inawashiro, Yama District, Fukushima
View directions
Getting there

Views like those shown in the photographs on this page can be seen from the Tenjinhama parking lot to the right (towards Shidahama) for about 1 km along the lakeshore.

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Japan's fourth-largest freshwater lake, Lake Inawashiro is situated in Bandai Asahi National Park. It is also known as the “Heavenly Mirror Lake” and has a surface area of 104 square kilometers! The combination of Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai form one of Aizu's representative landscapes. And being less than three hours from Tokyo by shinkansen and local train means that you have easy access from a major transport hub.The lake offers year-round fun. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring at Iwahashi Shrine, one of Aizu’s five famous cherry trees. Summer at Lake Inawashiro is slightly cooler than the rest of Fukushima, so take advantage of camping by the lakeshore, and a wide variety of marine sports. Colored leaves and hikes are the popular thing to do in autumn, view the fiery hues and take in the crisp air. In winter, visitors can enjoy fresh powder snow and winter thrills in the form of skiing and snowboarding; and you can even catch a glimpse of migrating swans on the shores.It’s truly a beauty no matter when you decide to visit. There are also a wide range of scenic spots from where visitors can take photographs and soak in the view. It’s a great place to escape from the stress of work and life or just to experience Japanese nature and landscapes.Lake Inawashiro's size means that it is accessible from a number of sightseeing spots, including Tenkyokaku stately house and Hideo Noguchi Memorial Museum (a museum dedicated to the life and work of a Japanese scientist famous for his research on yellow fever). There’s plenty more to do nearby: view some amazing works by international artists at the Morohashi Museum of Modern Art, or visit the rainbow-colored Goshiki-numa Ponds.
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Kannon-numa Forest Park (観音沼森林公園) is a picturesque natural area in the Minamiaizu District of Southern Fukushima Prefecture.A wide variety of vegetation, flowers, and birds can be found at Kannon-numa Forest Park. There are nine walking trails, each offering unique sights. The main trail covers about 1.2 km and goes around the Kannon-numa swamp, which is one of the main highlights of the park. The park becomes transformed in each season, with cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in the summer, and it is particularly popular with visitors during the autumn. The colorful trees reflected on the swamp’s waters make for a lovely sight, making it one of the main autumn attractions in the area. The best time to visit to see the autumn foliage is typically from late October to early November. There is also a shrine, Dake Kannondo, believed to have been built over 1,000 years ago.Located about 35 minutes from Ouchi-juku by car, this park is the perfect place to bask in the natural wonders of Shimogo Town. 
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Oku-Aizu Hydraulic Plaza “Miori” is a free public facility in Kaneyama Town that introduces the role of hydroelectric power in the Oku-Aizu region. It was opened in 2020 and is operated by Tohoku Electric Power Company. The center focuses on how the area’s rivers have been used to generate electricity and support everyday life in the region.Inside, visitors can learn about hydroelectric power through easy-to-understand exhibits that use videos, projection mapping, models, and interactive displays. These explain how electricity is made from water, the structure of dams and power stations, and why renewable energy is important for the future. The displays are designed so that both adults and children can enjoy them.The facility also introduces the history and culture of Oku-Aizu, showing how local communities developed alongside river and power station projects. There are exhibits about daily life in the region, traditional crafts, and the people who supported the area’s development over time, helping visitors understand the connection between energy and local life.The name “Miori” refers to a “water path,” symbolizing the rivers that flow through Oku-Aizu. The building is located next to a roadside station and is within walking distance of the nearest train station, making it an easy stop for travelers exploring the Tadami Line area.If visiting the Oku-Aizu region, Miori combines well with a visit to the Mishima Town Local Crafts Museum and the Tadami River No.1 Bridge.The museum is also located next to the Kaneyama michi no eki or roadside station, which offers local produce, souvenirs and a restaurant.
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