Inawashiro

Inawashiro is a mountain town in Fukushima Prefecture that spreads across a large area and is surrounded by several volcanoes and a major lake. The location sits between prominent peaks and features a landscape shaped by water and elevation.

A volcanic eruption in 1888 fundamentally changed the landscape and led to the formation of several new lakes in the region. The town was founded a year later and developed within this geologically altered setting.

The birthplace of bacteriologist Hideyo Noguchi is honored through a memorial museum that documents his research on yellow fever. Visitors can explore the story of a scientist who gained recognition around the world.

Trains and an expressway connect the town to other regions, making it easily accessible. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear for the hilly terrain and prepare for variable weather conditions typical of mountain areas.

The lake is so cold that it stays below 4 degrees Celsius even in summer, making it one of Japan's coldest major bodies of water. This extreme cold shapes the local ecosystem and life on the water year-round.

Location: Fukushima Prefecture

Location: Yama district

Inception: April 1, 1889

Reference: 074080

Shares border with: Fukushima, Nihonmatsu, Kōriyama, Aizuwakamatsu, Bandai, Kitashiobara, Yonezawa

Website: https://town.inawashiro.fukushima.jp

GPS coordinates: 37.55778,140.10481

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:16