Lake Inawashiro 猪苗代湖

The waters of Lake Inawashiro have been a mesmerizing attraction for thousands of years. Gaze at the clear surface and you'll see the reflection of towering Mt. Bandai and the skies. What's known as “Heavenly Mirror Lake” is also the fourth-largest lake in Japan.

You can get to the lake by taking a train to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, and then taking bus or taxi.

From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station, about 90 minutes away. Transfer at Koriyama Station to Inawashiro Station. Use the 40-minute rapid train going to Aizu-Wakamatsu via the Banetsu West Line. You can take bus or taxi services to nearby areas such as Mount Bandai and Ura-bandai area.

Some hotels offer shuttle services from Koriyama Station.

Mt. Bandai Mt. Nekoma erupted between 40,000 and 50,000 years ago to form this lake. Appreciate a similar view today as people may have long, long ago.

Brave the cold in the winter to see the most famous animal residents. From winter to early spring, migrating swans gather around the expansive lake shores.

In summer, go for a swim, do some fishing, or enjoy water sports such as boardsailing and water skiing. On the northern shore in Nagahama, camping provides a leisurely way to take in all the natural beauty. After a long day, slide into one of the area's several hot springs.