---

Inawashiro is a lovely resort town that overlooks the northern shore of the lake. In the background lies Mt. Bandai, the symbol of Fukushima, which is referred to in a folk song as Takara no Yama, "Treasure Mountain". Popularly referred to as the "Aizu Fuji," Inawashiro is the eastern gateway to the Aizu area.

Lake Inawashiro The third largest fresh-water lake in Japan, Lake Inawashiro ranks 5th among the clearest lakes in the world. For this reason, it is known as the "Heavenly Mirror Lake." There are six resort beaches along its shoreline. Visitors can enjoy swimming, camping, water sports, and boating. In winter, white swans from Siberia gather here in large numbers and many visitors come from far away to see them.

Dr. Noguchi Memorial Museum

The hall is a modern building next to the house where Dr. Hideyo Noguchi was born. The doctor came from a poor farm family, but worked very hard and eventually became internationally renowned for his research on snake poison, the bacteria that causes syphilis, and for his discovery of the yellow fever microbe. The fireplace where he was severely burned as a child still remains, as does a pillar on which the following resolution has been carved: "If I fail to achieve my goal, I will never step foot on this land again."

Aizu Folklore Museum Located near the Noguchi Memorial Hall, the 24,000 items on display convey a good idea of the distinctive Aizu culture. The museum includes two late-Edo Period houses moved from the interior of Aizu, as well as a mill and a candle-making shop. Countless everyday tools, implements, and articles of clothing are also on display. The museum is closed from December 1st through March 15th. From March 16th through November 30th, the museum is open everyday except Thursdays, and national holidays.

Tenkyokaku memorial building This renaissance-style villa stands on a hill in Nagahama overlooking Lake Inawashiro. It was built as a summer home in 1908 by Imperial Prince Arisugawa Takehito, who had been attracted by the beautiful lake while traveling in the Tohoku area. The magnificent chandelier in the drawing room and the furniture convey an idea of what life was like back then

Shiraito Waterfall Every minute, nine thousand liters of water from the Mt. Adatara (alt. 1,700m) springs drop from the 150-meter high cliff. The water crashing against the rugged rocks suggests the pure-white feathered robe of the legendary heavenly angel who descended to earth. The best times to visit are early spring, when the trees wear a mantle of new leaves, and autumn, when the foliage is brilliant. The view amid the frost in winter is also lovely.