Lake Inawashiro

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.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.