Fukushima’s outdoor leisure mecca “Lake Hibara”

Lake Hibara is a beautiful lake with a cobalt blue surface located in the center of the Bandai Plateau in Fukushima Prefecture. It
belongs to the Bandai-Asahi National Park, a national park, and with a shoreline circumference of approximately 32km and a maximum depth of 31m, it is the largest lake among the lakes and marshes in Urabandai.
The surrounding area is full of natural walking trails and campsites, and the lake is bustling with tourists throughout the year, with activities such as bass fishing in the summer, leaf-viewing in the fall, and smelt fishing and other winter sports on the thickly frozen lake in the winter.

Lake Hibara, formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai

The snow that falls on the Bandai Plateau is fine powder snow, and the winter scenery of it falling on the lake is spectacular.
There are also many restaurants, including shops selling Fukushima specialties, ramen shops, cafes, udon shops, curry shops, and many other places. There are also many events held here, such as the "Family Cycling Tournament around Lake Hibara" sponsored by the Kitashiobara Village Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the "Professional Bass Fishing Tournament" sponsored by the Japan Bass Club.

On the north side of the lake is Oyamazumi Shrine and its torii gate, which enshrines a village that was submerged in the July 1888 eruption of Mt. Bandai.
Between April and November, Bandai Sightseeing Boats offers lake cruises, and you can see the torii gate from the boat, but the water level of the lake is constantly changing, and when the water level is low, you can see the torii gate and gravestones appear on the water's surface.
However, depending on the time of day, you may have to wait an hour before boarding. Swan rentals are also available, but it's a good idea to check the times in advance.

Also from April to November, a retro bus called "Forest Bear" will be operating, leisurely cruising around Lake Hibara from the Urabandai Bussan Center. This
highly eco-friendly vehicle runs on recycled tempura oil collected from homes and pensions.

The lake is about 30 minutes by car from Inawashiro Bandai Kogen IC on the Ban'etsu Expressway, and there are also many public transportation options available, with the lake taking about 40 minutes by train or bus from JR Inawashiro Station

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