The 100km2 Lake Inawashiro is one of the largest lakes in Japan. The lake is so big that you may feel as if you were standing by the sea. The crystal clear water gives rise to the colloquial name of “Tenkyo-ko”, the lake of heaven’s reflection.
The lake attracts visitors all year round with its seasonal charms. A spring walk along the lake offers a magnificent view of Mount Bandai framed in cherry blossoms. Summer attractions at the lake include camping, swimming and a wide range of water sports. The surrounding autumnal leaves reflect picturesquely on the water while a flock of migratory swans lives here during winter.
The most popular winter attraction is known as “Shibuki Gori”, a unique phenomenon caused by the lake water being splashed by strong winds and immediately freezing on the surrounding trees. Many people come to see the unique decorations of this icy spray.
Among the many scenic locations around the lake, our recommendation is the view looking down the lake from the Showa-no-Mori Observatory. Pleasure boat rides are available throughout the year.
Other attractions in the neighbourhood include farms, hot springs, boutique cafes and ski resorts. The lake and its surrounding area are capable of providing both relaxing and active holidays!

Goshikinuma, literally meaning “Five Coloured Ponds”, is a group of volcanic lakes, ponds and marshes. The ponds take their name from the mysterious hues that vary in colour depending on the season, weather and angle of view. The complex actually consists of more than five ponds including the renowned Bishamon-numa, Aka-numa, Midoro-numa, Tatsu-numa, Benten-numa, Ruri-numa, Ao-numa and Yanagi-numa. Goshikinuma is formally known as the “Group of Lakes and Ponds of Goshikinuma” and was awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide in 2016.
On the largest pond, Bishamon-numa, row boats are available for hire and large numbers of carp can be seen swimming about. Be sure to keep an eye out for the rare one with heart-shaped spots on her side which is thought to bring good luck!
Each pond has a character all its own. Aka-numa is framed with red-tinted plants thanks to the high iron content of the water. Meanwhile three different colours can be seen on the surface of Midoro-numa.
The Goshikinuma Nature Trail is a beautiful walking path linking the lakes and ponds. It takes just over an hour to walk the trail’s gently sloping hills and it is suitable for people of all abilities. Early birds may be lucky enough to catch a mesmerising view of the lakes and ponds crowned with morning mists. The clear waters of Yagi-numa is a must-see!
There are several vantage points around Goshikinuma where visitors can enjoy breath-taking views of the lakes and ponds as well as nearby Mount Bandai, one of Japan’s most famous mountains.

Higashiyama Onsen is one of three renowned hot springs in Tohoku along with Kaminoyama Onsen and Yunohama Onsen in Yamagata. A 10-minute drive from the centre of Aizuwakamatsu, Higashiyama Onsen is situated amid a rich natural scenery of spring cherry blossoms, lush summer greenery, autumn leaves and snowy winter scenes. This Onsen town stirs nostalgic feelings thanks to its row of traditional inns along the river, a traditional shooting range and small waterfall.
Founded by the prominent Buddhist priest Gyoki in the eighth century, Higashiyama Onsen’s sulphate-infused spring water is smooth on the skin and is said to be beneficial for rheumatism, high blood pressure and skin diseases. The high-temperature hot water keeps you warm on the inside. The Onsen was beloved by writers and artists including Akiko Yosano and Yumeji Takehisa. During the Boshin War in 1868, Toshizo Hijikata, a member of the Shinsengumi came here to heal his wounds.
Close to popular attractions such as Tsuruga Castle and Aizu Bukeyashiki, Higashiyama Onsen is a perfect location to start your journey around the samurai city of Aizuwakamatsu.
A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Hot springs

Enjoy the miracle of nature, Urabandai and Lake Inawashiro.
Gold Line → Hibara Lake → Goshikinuma Swamp → Tenkagamikaku → Landing
Recommended points of interest
Enjoy the magnificent scenery of Urabandai created by the miracle of nature.

Among a cluster of lakes and ponds created by the eruption of Mount Bandai, Lake Hibara, the largest lake in Urabandai, is dotted with beautiful islands of various sizes. From spring cherry blossoms to verdant summer greens, autumnal leaves and snowy winter scenes, the lake attracts visitors with magnificent views throughout the year.
Pleasure boat rides are available from late April to early November. Enjoy the views of the beautiful islands of the lake and Mount Bandai’s crater from the water and admire Mother Nature’s creation!
Besides breath-taking views, a variety of activities are on offer around the lake from summer camping and bass fishing to ice fishing for smelt in winter. There are many B&Bs around the lake where you can enjoy an overnight stay.
The Lake Hibara Trail is a pleasant 60-minute walk providing glimpses of Lake Hibara among the trees and magnificent views of Mount Bandai. There is also a suspension bridge along the way.
The roads around the lake are a wonderful scenic drive. The roadside station “Michi-no-Eki Urabandai” offers a varied selection of local products and a great view of Lake Hibara. You can also take the retro-style sightseeing bus “Mori no Kuma-san” (taking its name from the nursery rhyme “The Other Day, I Met a Bear”) around the lake.

Enjoy water trekking on Lake Hibara, praised as the largest and most beautiful “Bandai Matsushima” in Urabandai, while gazing upon the majestic Mount Bandai, whose volcanic traces date back roughly 100 years. Guided tours allow even beginners to enjoy canoe touring right away. The canoes used are stable two-person kayaks.

● [Easy for novices!]This program keeps everything easy so that everyone from groups to families who have never fished can enjoy dropping a line in the water. (*Children can participate from 1st grade.)◆ Free equipment rental:《Pole》 《Tackle》 《Bait》 《Shoe Covers》 The price to rent an entire set of equipment is all included in the participation fees. Anyone who has never fished before can participate without hesitation.◆ Tour with guide:A local guide assists the tour from pick-up throughout the fishing.●[Fun After the Tour! 　Pond Smelt Fish Fry]Fry up and eat the smelt fish that you caught while fishing. Please rest assured fish have been prepared beforehand to ensure a meal even if no fish are caught (the fish may not have been caught in Lake Hibara but other lakes such as from Lake Akan).

You can enjoy the magnificent nature of Aizu from the air by helicopter. You will visit Mt. Bandai, Lake Inawashiro, Goshikinuma (Witch's Eyes), etc. and enjoy the nature of Aizu, which changes its appearance according to the seasons.

Takeoff and landing: in front of cafe & activity nowhere

Higashiyama Onsen is one of three renowned hot springs in Tohoku along with Kaminoyama Onsen and Yunohama Onsen in Yamagata. A 10-minute drive from the centre of Aizuwakamatsu, Higashiyama Onsen is situated amid a rich natural scenery of spring cherry blossoms, lush summer greenery, autumn leaves and snowy winter scenes. This Onsen town stirs nostalgic feelings thanks to its row of traditional inns along the river, a traditional shooting range and small waterfall.
Founded by the prominent Buddhist priest Gyoki in the eighth century, Higashiyama Onsen’s sulphate-infused spring water is smooth on the skin and is said to be beneficial for rheumatism, high blood pressure and skin diseases. The high-temperature hot water keeps you warm on the inside. The Onsen was beloved by writers and artists including Akiko Yosano and Yumeji Takehisa. During the Boshin War in 1868, Toshizo Hijikata, a member of the Shinsengumi came here to heal his wounds.
Close to popular attractions such as Tsuruga Castle and Aizu Bukeyashiki, Higashiyama Onsen is a perfect location to start your journey around the samurai city of Aizuwakamatsu.
A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Hot springs

Ouchi-juku is a former post town established around the 17th century and also registered as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings by the Japanese government. The streets lined with thatch-roofed houses are reminiscent of the Edo period (1603-1867), and displays showing the details of life in those times down to the utensils and hearths help visitors imagine what life was like during its heyday.
Continue down the main street where you will reach the Ichi-no-Torii (first gate), of Takakura Shrine, the village's Shinto shrine. Passing through the torii gate, you will find yourself in a quiet walking area. Climb the steps up to the shrine to find a spot with a spectacular view overlooking Ouchi-juku.
There are many souvenir stores and delicious food to eat. Not to be missed is negi soba (leek buckwheat noodles), a local delicacy eaten using sticks of leek as chopsticks. It is not only delicious but also worth a picture! Other attractive foods include tochimochi, a rice cake made by combining horse chestnut and glutinous rice, and shingoro, which looks like a dumpling and is flavored with juunen (perilla) miso.
The area is also close to To no Hetsuri, a scenic gorge designated as a National Natural Monument, making Ouchi-juku a place worth visiting.

From JR Nanukamachi station, the 700m Nanukamachi-dori Street leads to Noguchi Hideyo Seishun-dori. The street is lined with early 20th century architecture.
Visitors can travel back in time along this street lined with shops offering traditional arts and crafts such as hand-decorated candles, Aizu lacquerware and Aizu cotton. The town rewards a lingering stroll while enjoying traditional architectural designs pleasing to the eye and sampling some of the tasty treats on offer including varieties of Japanese sweets and a number of sake breweries. A retro-style sightseeing bus “Haikara-san” offers nostalgic rides through town.
The local streets are home not only to exquisite shops but also to a number of locations related to the Shinsengumi, a special police force set up to protect Shogun in the late Edo period. They are also not far from Tsurugajo Castle, which comes alive throughout the seasons.
The Eki Café at JR Nanukamachi station functions as an information centre. Visitors can also purchase local products, arts and crafts from 17 towns and villages of the Aizu region. This cozy café is a lovely place to unwind!

“Bekko” refers to a cow. Popular as a charm to ward off misfortune, in Aizu they are papier-mâché cows made from washi paper. You can also enjoy a “painting experience” while watching the artisans at work, making your own original red bekko a special treat. With its swaying neck and adorable face, the red bekko makes a perfect souvenir to take home with your travel memories.