Lake Inawashiro, located in Fukushima Prefecture, is Japan’s fourth-largest lake, renowned for its stunning scenery. The natural landscape changes with each season, offering new discoveries every time you visit. There are many spectacular viewpoints overlooking the lake as well as charming spots along the lakeshore perfect for a leisurely stroll. In this article, we’ve carefully selected some of the most popular scenic spots around Lake Inawashiro and included access information for each. We hope you enjoy a peaceful time surrounded by this beautiful nature.
4 Must-See Scenic Spots at Lake Inawashiro
Bandai Mountain
Mount Bandai, an active volcano standing 1,816 meters tall, towers on the west side of Lake Inawashiro and is one of the most famous spots for breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings. From the summit, the entire lake stretches out below, offering a spectacular panorama where the shimmering surface of the water and the surrounding mountains create a picture-perfect scene. On clear days, the sunlight reflecting off the lake’s surface sparkles brilliantly, making the view feel like a beautiful painting come to life.
The appeal of Mount Bandai lies not only in its grandeur but also in its ever-changing seasonal beauty. In spring, fresh green foliage flourishes, creating a vivid contrast with the lake. Summer offers sharp, clear views under bright blue skies, enhancing the landscape’s vibrant colors. Autumn transforms the surrounding mountains into a tapestry of fiery reds and golds, beautifully mirrored on the lake’s surface. In winter, the snow-covered mountains and the tranquil lake create a serene and stunning winter scene.
Tenkyodai: The Mirror of the Sky
Tenkyodai is a beautiful observation point located within Showa-no-Mori Forest at the southern foot of Mount Bandai, situated on a highland plateau about 720 to 850 meters above sea level. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views overlooking Lake Inawashiro, with the distant Nasu mountain range visible on clear days.
The name “Tenkyodai” comes from one of Lake Inawashiro’s nicknames, “Tenkyo-ko” (meaning “Heavenly Mirror Lake”), inspired by the lake’s surface reflecting the sky like a mirror. Surrounding the viewpoint is a vast forest of approximately 50,000 red pine trees, where visitors can take relaxing walks along trails such as “Showa no Michi” and “Shunju no Michi.”
In spring, the area is especially picturesque when the Sato-zakura cherry blossoms bloom, typically peaking in early May.
Access: Tenkyodai is about a 15-minute taxi ride from JR Inawashiro Station or an 8.7 km drive from the Inawashiro-Bandai Kogen IC on the Ban-Etsu Expressway. Parking facilities are available, making it a convenient stop for those exploring by car.
Walking Trails Along Lake Inawashiro Shore
There are easy walking paths along the shore of Lake Inawashiro where you can enjoy beautiful nature. In the Nagahama area, you can walk by the lake and see different views in every season.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom. In summer, the green leaves are bright. In autumn, colorful leaves reflect on the calm lake. From the shore, you can also see Mount Bandai, which looks big and beautiful next to the lake.
The paths are flat and easy to walk, so they are good for families and couples.
Access: You can take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station to Nagahama bus stop, and the trails start nearby. By car, it is about a 10-minute drive from Inawashiro-Bandai Kogen IC.
Nagahama
Nagahama is a beautiful lakeside area located on the northeast side of Lake Inawashiro. From here, you can enjoy wide views of the lake and see Mount Bandai standing tall in the background.
Nagahama is especially famous for its stunning autumn colors. In the fall, the colorful leaves reflected on the lake’s surface create a breathtaking scene that you can enjoy while walking around.
There are walking paths along the shore where you can take a relaxing stroll. Nagahama is also popular for activities like fishing and canoeing, letting visitors enjoy the calm waters of the lake.
You can get to Nagahama by bus from JR Inawashiro Station, and it is also easy to reach by car. Nagahama is a great place to enjoy the peaceful lake and beautiful scenery all year round.
Access Information and Recommended Nearby Spots
How to Get to Lake Inawashiro
You can reach Lake Inawashiro by both public transportation and car.
By Public Transport:
From JR Ban-etsu West Line’s Inawashiro Station, take the Bandai Tohto Bus bound for Nagahama or Kanenohashi. It takes about 10 minutes to reach Nagahama.
By Car:
From the Ban-Etsu Expressway, exit at Inawashiro-Bandai Kogen IC. It’s about a 10-minute drive to the lakeshore.
Winter Option:
During winter, there is a free shuttle bus from JR Koriyama Station to Inawashiro Ski Resort, making it easy for skiers and snowboarders to visit.
Don’t Miss Nearby Attractions!
There are many interesting places to visit near Lake Inawashiro.
- Goshikinuma (Five Colored Lakes): This mysterious area features several small lakes with different colors, from emerald green to cobalt blue. You can enjoy walking along nature trails while exploring these beautiful ponds.
- World Glass Museum: Here you can see and buy glass products collected from around the world. You can also try making your own glass craft.
- Tenkyokaku: This Western-style villa was built in the Meiji era as a retreat for Prince Arisugawa Takehito. It displays luxurious furnishings from that time and has a romantic atmosphere.
All these spots are within a 20-minute drive from Lake Inawashiro. Visiting them along with the lake makes for a more complete and enjoyable sightseeing experience.
How to Enjoy Each Season
Spring and Summer Scenery and Activities at Lake Inawashiro
From spring to summer, Lake Inawashiro welcomes visitors with a vibrant display of natural beauty. Spring is especially famous for cherry blossoms. At “Sakura no Sato” (Cherry Blossom Village), about 1,000 cherry trees create a stunning scene as their flowers reflect on the lake’s surface. Walking trails and observation decks along the lakeshore offer breathtaking views of the blossoms framed by Mount Bandai. The best viewing time is from mid to late April, and evening illuminations of the cherry trees add a magical atmosphere.
In summer, Lake Inawashiro becomes a hotspot for water activities. You can enjoy canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), sailing, and more, feeling the thrill of gliding over the clear lake waters. Lakeside campgrounds provide great spots for barbecues and camping, perfect for families and groups of friends.
Summer nights are popular for stargazing, too. On clear evenings, the stars reflected on the calm lake surface create a peaceful and unforgettable experience.
Spring and summer offer an active and enriching time to enjoy Lake Inawashiro’s rich nature and outdoor fun.
Autumn and Winter Attractions at Lake Inawashiro
From autumn to winter, Lake Inawashiro shows a different kind of beauty. In autumn, the mountains surrounding the lake are painted with vibrant fall colors, especially the stunning foliage of Mount Bandai. The colorful trees and mountains reflected on the lake’s surface create a picture-perfect scene that captivates visitors.
The best time to enjoy the autumn colors is from October to November. During this season, walking trails along the lake and viewpoints like Tenkyodai offer spectacular views. After admiring the autumn leaves, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll or take photos along the lakeshore.
In winter, the area around Lake Inawashiro becomes a hub for winter sports. Nearby Inawashiro Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding, allowing visitors to enjoy activities amid beautiful snowy landscapes. Sometimes the lake freezes over, offering the rare chance to walk on its icy surface.
The winter lakeshore is wrapped in silence and snow, making it a perfect time to appreciate the serene beauty of nature. Spending winter at Lake Inawashiro provides a special, calming experience where you can feel deeply connected to the natural world.
Top Scenic Spots Around Lake Inawashiro
Lake Inawashiro is surrounded by stunning nature that changes beautifully with each season, offering many scenic spots to enjoy. From spring to summer, visitors are drawn to cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and water activities on the lake—especially canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
In autumn, the colorful fall leaves reflect on the lake’s surface, creating a magical and picturesque view. Winter transforms the area into a peaceful snowy landscape, perfect for those seeking quiet beauty.
The lake reveals a different, captivating face every season, making each visit a new discovery.
Around the lake, famous scenic spots like Tenkyodai and Mount Bandai highlight the striking contrast between the water and mountains. The panoramic view from Mount Bandai’s summit is particularly breathtaking and leaves a lasting impression.
Lake Inawashiro offers diverse ways to enjoy nature—whether it’s lakeside walks, outdoor activities, or mountain hiking. It’s a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking for a tranquil escape.
No matter the season, a visit to Lake Inawashiro promises refreshing moments surrounded by nature’s beauty, creating unforgettable memories.
