Lake Hibara

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.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.