Inawashiro, Urabandai, Bandai Plateau (Fukushima)
Local Guide
7 recommended sightseeing spots in Inawashiro/Urabandai

Inawashiro and Bandai area is located almost in the center of Fukushima Prefecture. With Mt. Bandai to the north and Lake Inawashiro to the south, the Urabandai Plateau, which stretches at the northern foot of Mt. Bandai, has many natural spots where you can be healed by water and greenery. There are also a variety of other Properties, such as memorial halls and exhibition facilities, that can be enjoyed even on rainy days. Here are some of the representative tourist spots in the Inawashiro and Bandai area.

<Recommended sightseeing spots in Inawashiro and Bandai

A museum where visitors can enjoy learning about the life and achievements of Hideyo Noguchi

Dr. Hideyo Noguchi's laboratory where his robot is installed
Dr. Hideyo Noguchi's laboratory where his robot is installed

The memorial hall of Hideyo Noguchi, a world-famous medical scientist from Inawashiro, displays his turbulent life from the age of 1.5 years old, when he was severely burned on his left hand, to his death at the age of 51 from yellow fever, a disease he was researching, in different periods of his life.
In "Dr. Eisei's Laboratory," a robot that looks exactly like Dr. Eisei talks about his research and his wife, Mary, with gestures that are full of reality. There are also games, touch panels, and other Experience-type exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the bacteria that Hideyo Noguchi studied while having fun.

The highlight of the museum is the house where Hideyo Noguchi was born, which has been preserved in its original state.

Hideyo Noguchi's birth house where he lived until he moved to Tokyo
Hideyo Noguchi's birth house where he lived until he moved to Tokyo

In addition to exhibits related to Hideyo Noguchi's achievements, there are many exhibits that give visitors a glimpse of Hideyo's true face, such as letters, report cards, and his favorite articles, which make them feel familiar. Outside, the birthplace of Hideyo Noguchi, built here in 1823, is on display. The hearth in which he was burned, and the letters of determination he carved on the floor posts when he came to Tokyo, have been preserved as they were in those days and are well worth seeing.
In 2022, the Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum of Infectious Diseases will be opened, where visitors can learn about the history and knowledge of infectious disease research, and where both adults and children can enjoy a wide range of contents.

Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum
  • Address 81 Maeda, Mitsuwa, Inawashiro-cho, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  • Direction Approx. 6 min. by car from JR Inawashiro Station
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum and walk about 1 minute.
  • Hours of Operation 9:00 - 17:30 (last admission at 17:00) *Nov. to Mar. - 16:30 (last admission at 16:00)
  • Closed December 29-January 3
  • Admission Fee Adults 1,200 yen, elementary/junior high school students 550 yen, preschool children free (common ticket with Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum of Infectious Diseases)
  • Phone 0242-65-2319
  • Parking Free

Experience the world of Salvador Dalí through one of Asia’s premier collections

In addition to Dali, the museum's collection includes modern paintings by Paul Cézanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, and others.
In addition to Dali, the museum's collection includes modern paintings by Paul Cézanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, and others.

Salvador Dalí, one of the 20th century’s most iconic painters, hails from Spain. The museum houses a collection of 346 works by Dalí, including paintings, prints, and sculptures. This collection is among the largest in Asia, and the number of sculptures in particular is exceptional.The exhibition hall, with a 9-meter-high ceiling and a length of 70 meters, is flooded with natural light, allowing visitors to view the works in an open, airy atmosphere. The works on display change approximately twice a year through special exhibitions. Centered on Dalí’s works, these exhibitions are organized in collaboration with various artists and museums, so visitors can encounter a wide variety of works with each special exhibition.

A rare place where you can enjoy Dali's works and nature at the same time

The greenery seen through the lattice windows is also beautiful. The sofas with motifs of Dali's works are very comfortable.
The greenery seen through the lattice windows is also beautiful. The sofas with motifs of Dali's works are very comfortable.

The museum is located in Bandai Asahi National Park. From the windows of the museum, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the garden where they can feel the changing of the seasons, including the magnificent Mt. The exhibition space with its spectacular view has a sofa inspired by Dali's works by the window. The museum store at the entrance sells goods related to the exhibition as well as unique original products. Be sure to check out the "Bearded Kokeshi Dolls" made in collaboration with "Nakanosawa Kokeshi Dolls," a folk craft from Nakanosawa Hot Springs in Inawashiro Town, and fans dyed in the Kitakata dyeing stencil known as the Aizu katagami, goods available only at this museum.

Morohashi Museum of Modern Art
  • Address 1093-23, Aza-Kengamine, Oaza-Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  • Direction 20 minutes drive from JR Inawashiro Station.
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station and get off at Morohashi Museum of Modern Art.
  • Business Hours 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
  • Closed Days Currently closed for renovation
    Scheduled to reopen in spring 2027
  • Admission Fee Depends on the exhibition
  • Phone 0241-37-1088
  • Parking Free

The crystal clear lake, also known as "Lake Tenkagami

Tenjin-hama
Tenjin-hama" offers a view of Lake Inawashiro and Mount Bandai.

With a circumference of about 55 km and a maximum depth of about 94.6 m, it is the fourth largest lake in Japan. It is also called "Lake Tenkagamiko" (meaning "Heavenly Mirror Lake") because the majestic figure of Mt.
There are 17 beaches along the lakeshore, and almost all of them have bathing areas. Among them, "Shida-hama", "Tenjin-hama", and "Nagahama" are called the three major bathing areas of Lake Inawashiro, where bathing and water sports are popular. Tenjin-hama, with its spectacular view of Mt. Bandai, has an auto-camping site and barbecue houses, and is crowded with people who enjoy the outdoors.

Enjoy a cruise on the lake on a unique sightseeing boat

Hakucho-maru, a sightseeing boat departing from Nagahama
Hakucho-maru, a sightseeing boat departing from Nagahama

If you want to take a sightseeing boat ride, go to "Nagahama. You can enjoy the "Oshima Tour" (about 35 minutes) on a lovely boat shaped like a swan or a parent and child turtle to see uninhabited islands on the lake. The "Akasaki/Koshin Meguri" tour (reservation required, approx. 35 minutes), which takes visitors through the scenic area of Akasaki to the center of the lake, is also popular.
Also, from around November to April each year, more than 2,000 swans visit the lake. Swans can be seen here and there on Lake Inawashiro, with "Nagahama" and "Shiratori Beach" being the most popular places to see them.

Lake Inawashiro
  • Address Inawashiro Town, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction A short walk from JR Inawashiro Kohan Station (Shida beach) and others
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station and get off at Nagahama (Nagahama Beach), etc.
  • Admission Fee Oshima excursion": Adults 1,300 yen, students 910 yen, elementary school students and younger 650 yen, "Akasaki/Koshin excursion": Adults 2,600 yen, students 1,820 yen, elementary school students and younger 1,300 yen.
  • Phone 0242-62-2048（Inawashiro Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free

A forest park on a hill overlooking Lake Inawashiro

The viewing platform at
The viewing platform at "Showa-no-square". You can see the whole view of Inawashiro Lake.

The park stretches at an elevation of about 720-850 m on the hillside of Bandai-san, which has a long skirt extending down to Inawashiro-ko Lake. In 1970, a tree-planting ceremony was held with the Emperor and Empress at that time, and 50,000 seedlings of Japanese red pine were planted. Later, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Emperor's reign, the park was developed as a forest park and named "Showa Forest. Today, the red pine and broadleaf forests are still spreading, offering visitors a chance to get in touch with nature.
The park's "Showa-no-hiroba" (Showa Square) has a viewing platform, where visitors are treated to a spectacular view of Lake Inawashiro as well as the Minamiaizu and Nasu mountain ranges.

Refresh yourself on the promenade surrounded by flowers and greenery

There are tables and benches in the park for visitors to relax and unwind.
There are tables and benches in the park for visitors to relax and unwind.

There are two walking paths in the park, "Showa-no-michi" and "Shunju-no-michi. The "Showa Road" is a 420-meter circuit that allows visitors to stroll while viewing panels describing the history of the Showa period. On the other hand, "Shunju-no-michi" is a 1.1 km course that joins "Showa-no-michi" on the way, and visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers and autumn leaves.
Other attractions include a rock garden that makes use of volcanic rocks and a "future square" with a large sundial. Around mid-May every year, the double-flowered cherry blossoms are at their best, attracting many visitors who come to view the cherry blossoms.

Showa Forest
  • Address Tenkagamidai, Inawashiro-cho, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Inawashiro Station
  • Hours of operation 8:30-17:00
  • Closed Open daily (closed in winter from late November to early April)
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • Phone 0242-65-2150（Inawashiro Town Promotion Public Corporation Office)
  • Parking Free

A wealth of exhibits on the nature and creatures of Urabandai

A variety of easy-to-understand exhibits using dioramas and photographs.
A variety of easy-to-understand exhibits using dioramas and photographs.

Property exhibits and explains the rich nature, flora and fauna, history and culture of Urabandai, located in Bandai-Asahi National Park. It underwent a major renovation and reopened on April 18, 2025.
Information on mountain trails and trekking courses is posted here, so visitors can learn about the origins of nature and the flora and fauna that inhabit the area before walking through the forest, adding to the fun.

The best place to gather information on trekking in the Urabandai area

Nature interpreters are available to answer your questions.
Nature interpreters are available to answer your questions.

The Visitor Center is located at the eastern entrance to the Goshikinuma Nature Trail, and the adjacent public restrooms and parking are free of charge and available 24 hours a day. A nature interpreter is on duty, and information on black bear sightings is posted there, so it is recommended to stop by before going for a walk. Bells and boots for protection against bears are available for rent.

Urabandai Visitor Center
  • Address 1093 Kengamine, Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  • Direction 22 minutes by car from JR Inawashiro Station
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at "Goshikinuma Iriguchi" and walk 2 minutes.
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-17:00, December to March: 16:00
  • Regular holidays Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day), December 29 - January 3
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • Phone 0241-32-2850
  • Parking Free

Mysterious lakes and marshes with various colors

Mysteriously colored
Mysteriously colored "Aonuma," with its mildly acidic water quality

Goshiki-numa is the collective name for the 20 to 30 lakes and marshes scattered throughout Urabandai, named for their beautiful gradations of blue and green. The 3.6-km long "Goshiki-numa Nature Trail" is recommended for a stroll through the lakes and marshes. The eight lakes worth seeing are Bishamon-numa, Akanuma, Midoronuma, Ryu-numa, Benten-numa, Ruri-numa, Aonuma, and Yanagi-numa.
Each lake has a different color, such as emerald green, cobalt blue, and pastel blue, with "Aonuma" in particular a beautiful blue, just as its name suggests. The dense growth of trees along the shores of the lakes also adds to the mysterious atmosphere.

A spectacular view of Mt. Bandai and the lakes and marshes is also a highlight

Ruri-numa
Ruri-numa" where you can see Mt. Bandai and lakes together

The course is relatively flat and can be comfortably explored with comfortable walking shoes. There are spots for bird watching and views of Mt. Bandai, and rowboats can be enjoyed at Bishamon-numa.
There are two entrances to the nature trail, and the "Urabandai Visitor Center" is located on the east side, so it is convenient to stop by first to gather information. Parking and bus stops are located at each entrance, so if you are driving, you can walk one way and take the bus back to the starting point.
The colors of the lakes and marshes vary with the season, weather, and time of day, so it is recommended to visit in each season.

Goshikinuma Lakes and Marshes
  • Address Hinohara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  • Direction 20 minutes drive from JR Inawashiro Station.
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at "Goshikinuma Iriguchi" or "Urabandai Kogen Station" and walk for a short distance.
  • Phone 0241-32-2349（Urabandai Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free

The largest lake in Urabandai, located in the center of Bandai Plateau

The unique topography with islands is also a highlight.
The unique topography with islands is also a highlight.

Urabandai, where many lakes and marshes, including Goshikinuma, were created by the eruption of Bandai-san. The largest of these lakes is Lake Hibara, with a circumference of about 31 km. The lakeside road is well maintained, and a drive in the fresh green season from mid-May to June is exhilarating.
From late April to early November, sightseeing boats operate, allowing visitors to view the wild explosion mouth of Bandai-san (Mt. Bandai) and tour among the lake's many islands of various sizes. In winter, the lake freezes over, and from November to late March, visitors can enjoy wakasagi (smelt) fishing.

Take a walk along the nature trail that winds through the lakeside forest

The suspension bridge of the
The suspension bridge of the "Tohoku Nature Trail" along the lakeside

A scenic trail called the "Tohoku Nature Trail (New Okunohosomichi)" has been developed along the east shore of the lake. The 6-km course includes a suspension bridge and "Nakase-numa Swamp," surrounded by a beautiful forest that resembles a box garden, offering a richly varied landscape. Campsites are scattered along the way, allowing visitors to enjoy lake bathing and outdoor activities. There are two entrances to the scenic route: the Goshikinuma side is a short walk from the Nagamine bus stop, and the Kukonmura Urabandai side is a short walk from the site station. With few ups and downs, this is a walking course that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Lake Hibara
  • Address Kitashiobara-mura Hibara, Yama-gun, Fukushima-ken Hibara Koren-sawa MAP
  • Direction 26 minutes drive from JR Inawashiro Station
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at "Nagamine Funazuke" and walk for a short time.
  • Phone 0241-32-2349（Urabandai Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free
  • Memo The suspension bridge on the scenic route is closed from mid-November to early May

MAP

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*The information provided is current as of the article’s update date. Please check in advance before visiting, as details are subject to change.