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
1Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum
A museum where visitors can enjoy learning about the life and achievements of Hideyo Noguchi
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.
In addition to exhibits about 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 items, which will make you feel closer to him. 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.
Visitors can also take a commemorative photo or pretend to be a doctor and tour the museum in a white coat and false mustache. The museum has a wide range of contents that both adults and children can enjoy.
- Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum
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81 Maeda, Mitsuwa, Inawashiro-cho, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
Approx. 6 min. by car from JR Inawashiro Station
Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum and walk about 1 minute.
9:00-17:30 (last admission at 17:00), November-March - 16:30 (last admission at 16:00)
December 29-January 3
Adults 600 yen, elementary/junior high school students 300 yen, preschool children free
0242-65-2319
Free of charge
2Morohashi Museum of Modern Art
For lovers of contemporary art, come and experience the world of Salvador Dali.
Salvador Dali is one of the most famous painters of the 20th century, born in Spain. The museum's collection includes 346 of his paintings, prints, and sculptures. The museum boasts the fourth largest collection in the world, with an outstanding number of sculptures. The exhibition room, with a ceiling height of 9 meters and a length of 70 meters, is well lit by outside light, allowing visitors to appreciate the works in an open and airy atmosphere. The works on display change according to the special exhibitions held twice a year. The exhibitions are held in collaboration with various artists and museums, with Dali's works as the core, so visitors can see many different works at each exhibition.
A rare place where you can enjoy Dali's works and nature at the same time
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
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- 1093-23, Aza-Kengamine, Oaza-Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
- 20 minutes drive from JR Inawashiro Station.
- Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station and get off at Morohashi Museum of Modern Art.
- 9:30-17:30 (last admission at 17:00), November-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Closed during winter from November 25 to April 24 of the following year.
- Adults 1,300 yen, High school and university students 500 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
- 0241-37-1088
- Free of charge
3Inawashiro Lake
The crystal clear lake, also known as "Lake Tenkagami
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
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
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- Inawashiro Town, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
- A short walk from JR Inawashiro Kohan Station (Shida beach) and others
- Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station and get off at Nagahama (Nagahama Beach), etc.
- 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.
- 0242-62-2048（Inawashiro Tourist Association)
- Free of charge
4Showa no Mori (Showa Forest)
A forest park on a hill overlooking Lake Inawashiro
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 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
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- Tenkagamidai, Inawashiro-cho, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
- Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Inawashiro Station
- 8:30-17:00
- Open daily (closed in winter from late November to early April)
- Free of charge
- 0242-65-2150（Inawashiro Town Promotion Public Corporation Office)
- Free of charge
5Urabandai Visitor Center
A wealth of exhibits on the nature and creatures of Urabandai
Located in Bandai Asahi National Park, this is an exhibition and information Property related to the nature of Urabandai. The museum introduces the geographical features of Urabandai and the creatures and plants that live near the water in Urabandai, which is blessed with more than 300 lakes and marshes. A diorama comparing the conditions before and after the eruption of Bandai is also worth seeing. In addition, there is a library corner with nature-related books, a coloring corner, and an orienteering quiz where visitors can solve problems while touring the museum, making it a fun place for the whole family. Even on rainy days, visitors can spend time while getting close to nature.
The best place to gather information on trekking in the Urabandai area
Since many people enjoy walking and trekking in Urabandaï (Urabandai), information on 23 trekking trails collected by Staff/staff members is also posted inside the museum. Visitors can learn about the nature and the flora and fauna that inhabit the area before walking through the forest, which will increase their enjoyment.
The Property is located at the eastern entrance to the Goshikinuma Nature Trail, one of the most popular walking courses in Urabandai, and is equipped with rental boots, binoculars, bear bells, umbrellas, and coin operated cars. Nature interpreters are on hand and information on wildlife sightings is posted, so it is recommended that you stop by before your walk.
- Urabandai Visitor Center
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- 1093 Kengamine, Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
- 22 minutes by car from JR Inawashiro Station
- Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at "Goshikinuma Iriguchi" and walk 2 minutes.
- 9:00-17:00, December to March: 16:00
- Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day), December 29 - January 3
- Free of charge
- 0241-32-2850
- Free of charge
6Goshikinuma Lakes
Mysterious lakes and marshes with various colors
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
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
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- Hinohara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
- 20 minutes drive from JR Inawashiro Station.
- Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at "Goshikinuma Iriguchi" or "Urabandai Kogen Station" and walk for a short distance.
- 0241-32-2349（Urabandai Tourist Association)
- Free of charge
7Lake Hibara
The largest lake in Urabandai, located in the center of Bandai Plateau
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
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
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- Kitashiobara-mura Hibara, Yama-gun, Fukushima-ken Hibara Koren-sawa MAP
- 26 minutes drive from JR Inawashiro Station
- Take a bus from JR Inawashiro Station, get off at "Nagamine Funazuke" and walk for a short time.
- 0241-32-2349（Urabandai Tourist Association)
- Free of charge
From mid-November to late April, the suspension bridge along the scenic route will be removed and closed to traffic.
＜Highland Resort Hotel overlooking Mt.
After enjoying sightseeing, how about relaxing at a resort hotel located at the foot of Mt. You can feel the history and culture of Aizu during your stay at the hotel.
8Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
An inn where you can fully enjoy Aizu culture and stay active all year round
Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts is located in a place where "Bandaisan," one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, towers in front of you and Lake Inawashiro shines like a mirror below. With a heated swimming pool, spa, and hot springs, guests can enjoy a stay that brings them into contact with the unknown culture of Aizu. You can stay active from the season of fresh green to the season of blazing autumn leaves and deep snow. Enjoy a highland resort stay amidst magnificent nature and the changing seasons.
- Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
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- 6838-68 Kiyomizu-Hirazu, Sarashina, Bandai-cho, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
- 15 min. by free shuttle bus from JR Bandai-cho Station
- 050-3134-8094（Reservation center/9:30-18:00)
- Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts Reservation Site
Local Guide who was in charge of this article
- Saori Kuji Active girls full of love for Aizu
