Inawashiro, Fukushima Japan
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Inawashiro, Fukushima, Japan is a gorgeous mountainous area on a spectacular lake.
Inawashiro would make a perfect long weekend away from Tokyo any time of year.
The town of Inawashiro lies at the foot of Mount Bandai and next to the stunning and enormous Lake Inawashiro.
In the winter, Inawashiro is a snow lover’s paradise. You had better go prepared for the amount of snow is intense! If you are driving, you absolutely need snow tires!
Where is Inawashiro, Fukushima?
Inawashiro is a picturesque town of around 13,810 people in Fukushima Prefecture.
Inawashiro is located on the enormous Lake Inawashiro roughly in the centre of Fukushima’s prefecture.
Fukushima is one of Japan’s larger prefectures and it makes a great trip from Tokyo just a few hours from the mega city.
How to get to Inawashiro, Fukushima
Inawashiro is located in Fukushima around four hours drive and 280 kilometres from central Tokyo.
By public transport, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station then a local rapid train, the Ban-Etsusai Line to Inawashiro Station. You can reach Inawashiro in around three to four hours also from Tokyo.
Where to ski at Inawashiro, Fukushima
Inawashiro Snow Paradise, also known as Inawashiro Ski Resort is a wonderful place to ski in Fukushima.
Inawashiro Ski Paradise or Inawashiro Ski Resort is a local ski resort without swathes of tourists. We didn’t see any other foreigners at all while we were there.
The snow is amazing, the prices are reasonable and crowds are non-existent, on weekdays especially.
Ina-ski membership
Visit the Inawashiro Ski Paradise website to become an in-ski member for free, then you receive large discounts on lift tickets at the resort.
Inawashiro Snow Paradise is just one of the ski resorts surrounding Mount Bandai, so if you get tired of this one, you can explore others such as Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain and Urabandai Ski Resort.
Inawashiro Ski Paradise is made up of two different ski areas separated by a shuttle bus from one side to the other
Your ski pass allows access to both sides: Chuo area (centre) is tailored towards beginners and the Minero side offers beginner to advanced.
Cost: Adult lift tickets are 4,400 yen however with an Ina-ski membership you can ski one weekday for free and half price on weekends!
Kids are 2,200 yen per lift ticket but also receive a discount with Ina-ski Membership. Ensure you sign up every household member however. One membership will not work for all family members.
What to do at Inawashiro
Inawashiro is a gorgeous, lakeside town with a handful of delightful attractions including museums, shops, cafes and a ramen-kan!
The Hideyo Noguchi Museum, is next to the ramen-kan which is next to the Aizu Folk Museum. On the opposite side of the street is the World Glassware Hall next to the Inawashiro Brewery. They’re all very close!
It’s easy to visit all these places in one day walking between each of them!
Hideyo Noguchi Museum (man on old 1,000 yen note)
The Hideyo Noguchi Museum (man on the old 1,000 yen note) is located in Inawashiro as this was his original hometown.
Noguchi was famous for his research and groundbreaking science into syphilis and yellow fever.
The museum is interesting and has most of the information presented in English also!
The modern museum surrounds Noguchi’s original home, which is a wonderful combination of old and modern.
Noguchi’s home includes a cut-out depicting him as a baby crawling towards the fire pit which badly damaged his hand.
This incident was traumatic but also the catalyst for his interest in medicine.
The museum provides wonderful inspiration overall, showcasing the determination and perseverance of a man on a mission to save lives.
World Glassware Hall, Inawashiro
World Glassware Hall in Inawashiro is Japan’s largest glass gallery!
The delightful display includes over 25,000 glass items from all over the world.
Some items are in cases to admire and there are also many for sale from delicate, intricate lamps to everyday drinking glasses. There is something for everyone!
The shop also offers glass bead making, glass etching and glass-blowing experiences. To book, call (+81) 242-63-0100, ask your hotel to help you if you can’t speak Japanese.
Aizu Museum of Folklore
This interesting museum includes the original house of the Sasaki Family who were a high-ranking farming family during the Hoei Era (1704 – 1711).
Sasaki-san served as the village headman during this time.
The residence is designated an important cultural property by the Fukushima Prefecture.
The house is two storeys and despite the very steep stairs, it’s interesting to walk around in the house as it once was.
The area also includes out-buildings, a shrine and an area dedicated to local artefacts including a wonderful display of Aizu painted candles and sashiko stitched work clothes.
Kawakyo Ramen-kan Inawashiro
Have you ever tried an all-you-can-eat ramen buffet? Well, this is the place to do it!
Fukushima is the home of the famous Kitakata ramen, one of the three most popular ramen styles in Japan. The others are Sapporo ramen and Hakata raman.
Kitakata ramen noodles are noticeably thicker than regular noodles and the broth is typically soy sauce based with a fish cake, green onions, barbequed pork and bamboo shoots.
However, at Kawakyo Ramen-kan, you can customise your broth and toppings to suit your tastes perfectly.
This is a great lunch spot for dining with children where they have their own choice over the ingredients.
The restaurant is upstairs in this fun building, but the ground floor is also a must-see!
There is an indoor akabeko (red cow) shrine with fun akabeko decor and a large ramen bowl, big enough for children to climb into for photo ops.
The souvenir shop here is incredible however and I spent a lot of time in here!
What did I buy here? I bought the cutest selection of akabeko bowls, kitakata ramen bowls, spoons and chopsticks, and of course kitakata ramen to bring home!
What is the akabeko (red cow)?
The akabeko became popular after 1617 in the Aizu region of Fukushima after an earthquake damaged Enzoji Temple. Cows were used to bring wood to rebuild the temple. One particular cow with a red coat (brownish red) was strong and helped the others. This cow became a symbol of strength and perseverance. It was believed owning an akabeko toy helped prevent illness in children.
Strawberry picking
Inawashiro also offers year-round strawberry picking at Michino Ekimae Inawashiro Ichigo Orchard.
Hours: 10am until 4:15pm.
Make a reservation before you visit.
Cost: 2,800 yen for adults and 1,900 yen for children (all-you-can-eat for 45 minutes)
Inawashiro Original Beer Brewery
The Inawashiro Original Beer brewery is located right next to World Glassware Hall and opposite the Hideyo Noguchi Museum and Kawakyo Ramen-kan Inawashiro.
This brewery has won many international beer awards for its five kinds of beer. The beer uses natural spring water from the Mount Bandai region which contributes to its ‘purity’.
The brewery also includes a restaurant offering sausages with a wonderful view of Mount Bandai.
They also offer a souvenir shop which sells items such as beer cake and beer confectionary.
Where to eat at Inawashiro
Hero’s Diner
Our absolute favourite place to eat in Inawashiro was Hero’s Diner. This burger place had the freshest, tastiest burgers. We couldn’t help but eat here twice!
They also offer hot dogs and crispy fries. The prices are reasonable starting at 600 yen a burger, up to 1,300 yen for a deluxe kind.
The staff are also extremely kind and helpful.
Ski cafe at Inawashiro Ski Paradise
The no-fuss cafe right on the slopes at Inawashiro Ski Paradise is divine. Order your meals at the vending machine then receive a piping hot, home-cooked meal to devour while looking at the slopes.
I absolutely loved the Fukushima local dish sauce katsu-don and the Kitakata ramen was also a favourite. They also offer fries and karaage chicken for kids who are a little more fussy.
Kawakyo Ramen-kan Inawashiro
Buffet ramen, say no more! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat ramen buffet with the famous Fukushima Kitakata ramen noodles.
Inawashiro Original Beer Brewery
At Inawashiro Beer Brewery you can enjoy traditional Japanese meals such as soba noodles and katsu curry, but they also have a good sausage selection.
In warmer months, they apparently serve beer ice cream!
Where to stay at Inawashiro
There are many cute chalets available to book while staying at Inawashiro, Fukushima. Chalets offer great options if you have a car and can drive to all your destinations.
If you want a beautiful hotel witth a ski-in, ski-out, experience, try the Inawashiro Listel Hotel. The hotel is located on the ski slopes at Listel Ski Fantasia.
There are a few options close to Inawashiro Ski Paradise such as Villa Inawashiro which offers Japanse-style rooms, onsen, breakfast and dinner and more.
Round up of Inawashiro, Fukushima
We visited Inawashiro, Fukushima in winter but I’d love to go back to this area in a warmer season also, to experience the area without a blanket of snow.
I drove around the lake and noticed the large swan boat docked. I’d love to ride the swan boat when it’s warmer! The lake seems so enormous and beautiful, but it’s hard to appreciate in the super cold where the edges are frozen.
Inawashiro, Fukushima is a great place to experience a non-crowded, winter wonderland within 4 hours of Tokyo. The area offers skiing and snowboarding, great food, kind locals and many interesting museums and attractions.
I definitely suggest spending a few relaxing, non-touristy days in Inawashiro any time of the year.
