Lake Inawashiro

Lake Inawashiro, affectionately known as Tenkyo-ko or Mirror of Heaven, is the fourth-largest lake in Japan, situated in central Fukushima Prefecture at the foot of Mount Bandai. The lake's remarkably clear and slightly acidic water creates stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains, particularly the iconic volcanic cone of Bandai. In winter, hundreds of swans migrate to the lake, creating a picturesque scene against the snow-covered landscape. The lakeshore offers swimming beaches in summer, watersports, and cycling paths, while the nearby Inawashiro Herb Garden provides seasonal flower displays. The area is also the birthplace of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, the renowned bacteriologist featured on Japan's 1,000-yen banknote, and his memorial museum stands near the shore.