8 Lakes in Fukushima worth your time

A high-altitude caldera pond in Bandai-Asahi National Park famous for its protected marshland plants and seasonal lily blooms.

What it is

• A high-altitude pond situated in the caldera of Mount Nekoma at 1,090 meters.
• Part of the Bandai-Asahi National Park in Fukushima Prefecture.
• A designated national natural monument protected for its unique plant community.
• An expanded water area resulting from irrigation work during the Edo period.

What to see

• Masses of Nikko-kisuge lilies blooming across the marshland.
• An unmanned mountain hut known as the Oguni-numa Rest House.
• Hiking trails connecting the water to Urabandai and Mount Nekoma.
• Winter landscapes suitable for mountain skiing and snowshoeing.

When to go

• Late June to early July to see the Nikko-kisuge lilies in bloom.
• Winter months for visitors interested in snowshoeing and mountain skiing.

Getting there

• Shuttle buses operate to the site during the peak lily blooming period.
• Access via hiking trails from the Urabandai area or Mount Nekoma.
• Private vehicle access is restricted on the Kanazawa Pass during the busy summer season.

Read more about Oguni-numa Pond

A scenic seven-kilometer lagoon and prefectural natural park separated from the Pacific Ocean by a large sandbar.

What it is

• A natural park designated as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan.
• A large body of water measuring seven kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide.
• One of Japan's 500 Important Wetlands used for cultivating sea lettuce and oysters.
• A protected area separated from the Pacific Ocean by a natural sandbar.

What to see

• The Matsukawaura Ohashi bridge which opened to the public in 1995.
• Expansive views of the lagoon reaching a maximum depth of 5.5 meters.
• Active cultivation areas for local oysters and sea lettuce.
• The coastal scenery of the Matsukawaura Prefectural Natural Park.

When to go

• Visit from spring through summer to participate in local clam digging.

Getting there

• Take a bus or a taxi directly from Soma Station.
• Drive approximately 20 minutes from the Soma Interchange.

Read more about Matsukawa Lagoon

Japan's fourth largest lake is a scenic national park site known for its migratory birds and historic water management systems.

What it is

• The fourth largest lake in Japan, located in central Fukushima Prefecture.
• A designated Ramsar site and part of the Bandai-Asahi National Park.
• A high-elevation lake sitting at 514 meters above sea level.
• Also known as Tenkyoko, with water flowing to both the Sea of Japan and the Pacific.

What to see

• Wintering grounds for large populations of migratory swans and ducks.
• The Inawashiro Daiichi Power Plant, designated as a Japan Heritage site.
• The Sixteen Bridges Sluice Gate which regulates the lake's water levels.
• Scenic views recognized as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan.

When to go

• Winter months to observe the migratory swans and ducks.

Getting there

• Access the area via the JR Banetsu West Line at Inawashiro Station.

Read more about Lake Inawashiro

A deep volcanic lake in Bandai-Asahi National Park offering sunrise views, camping, and seasonal outdoor activities.

What it is

• A dammed lake formed by the 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai.
• The deepest of the three major lakes in the Urabandai region.
• Part of the protected Bandai-Asahi National Park area.
• A site used for hydroelectric power generation and flood control.

What to see

• A concrete gravity dam completed in 1999.
• Scenic views of the surrounding mountains and autumn foliage.
• A dedicated cycling road and various camping facilities.
• Rental boats available for exploring the water and bass fishing.

When to go

• Early morning to capture the lake's famous sunrise photography.
• Autumn months for the colorful changing leaves around the shore.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Inawashiro Station or Kitakata Station.

Read more about Akimoto Lake

The largest lake in Urabandai, formed by a volcanic eruption, offering unique views of a submerged village and seasonal outdoor activities.

What it is

• A dammed lake in Bandai-Asahi National Park formed by the 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai.
• The largest lake in the Urabandai region measuring eighteen kilometers from north to south.
• A body of water created by a mountain collapse that submerged the former Hibara post town.
• The source of the Nagase River which flows directly into Lake Inawashiro.

What to see

• Sunken shrine gates and gravestones that become visible when the water levels drop.
• A massive lake reaching a maximum depth of thirty-one meters surrounded by national park scenery.

When to go

• Visit in May to see or participate in the annual family cycling event around the lake.
• The winter season offers opportunities for ice fishing for smelt on the frozen surface.

Read more about Lake Hibara

A vibrant crater lake known as the Witch's Eye, offering shifting water colors viewed from the summit of Mount Issaikyo.

What it is

• A crater lake approximately 300 meters in diameter located on Mount Issaikyo.
• Commonly referred to by the nickname the Witch's Eye.
• A natural feature within the Azuma mountain range of Fukushima Prefecture.
• Distinct from the similarly named Goshiki-numa lakes in the Bandai Highlands.

What to see

• Water that changes color depending on the angle and intensity of the sunlight.
• Panoramic views of the lake from the summit of Mount Issaikyo.
• A memorial monument located on the western shore of the water.
• The surrounding volcanic landscape of the Mount Issaikyo crater.

Getting there

• Access the area via the Bandai-Azuma Skyline mountain road.
• Hike for approximately two and a half hours from the Fudozawa trailhead.

Read more about Goshiki-numa

A scenic lake in Bandai-Asahi National Park formed by a volcanic eruption, offering seasonal fishing and clear spring-fed waters.

What it is

• One of the Urabandai Three Lakes located within Bandai-Asahi National Park.
• Formed in 1888 following the eruption of Mount Bandai.
• Fed by the Hyakkan-shimizu spring and the highly rated Onogawa Spring.
• A natural body of water spanning three point five kilometers from east to west.

What to see

• Several uninhabited islands scattered across the lake surface.
• Clear waters designated as some of the top quality springs in Japan.
• Views of the surrounding national park landscape and volcanic terrain.

When to go

• Summer months for outdoor activities like canoeing and fishing.
• Winter season for ice fishing targeting pond smelt.

Read more about Lake Onogawa

A small, serene lake in Bandai-Asahi National Park formed by the 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai.

What it is

• The smallest lake in the Urabandai area of Fukushima Prefecture.
• Part of the Bandai-Asahi National Park landscape.
• Formed during the eruption of Mount Bandai in 1888.
• A body of water measuring 1.5 kilometers long and 0.4 kilometers wide.

What to see

• Several small islands covered with trees scattered across the water.
• Water shields growing naturally within the lake environment.
• Views of the surrounding campgrounds and pensions along the lakeshore.
• The nearby Kyukamura Urabandai resort facility.

Read more about Lake Sohara