The rich natural beauty of the area where bacteriologist Hideyo Noguchi was raised, and resorts (Inawashiro-machi)

Famous bacteriologist Dr. Hideyo Noguchi was born in the house of a poor farmer in Inawashiro-machi. When he was a small child, his left hand was badly burned and crippled, leading him to work and study very hard in order to overcome his disability. After receiving an operation at the Kaiyo Iin(clinic) in Aizu Wakamatsu City, he was inspired to study medicine. As a doctor, Noguchi achieved many important scientific breakthroughs in researching the bacteria which cause syphilis, yellow fever, and trachoma. Inawashiro-machi, where Dr. Hideyo Noguchi was born, has a fantastically beautiful cycle of the seasons. This is also a famous resort area, where you can enjoy marine sports and skiing. We will introduce you to some places you should see and recommend some spots to visit around this area.

Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro Mt. Bandai, Takara no Yama “Mountain of Treasure” is located on the north side of Lake Inawashiro and is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. People visit seasonally to see the fresh green leaves of the spring and summer, and to see the colored leaves of the autumn. Lake Inawashiro is the third biggest fresh water lake in Japan and is called Tenkyo-ko (“Mirror Lake”) because the lake reflects the magnificent image of Mt. Bandai on its surface. In the summer the lake becomes very busy as a center for marine sports, and in the winter it is turned into a heaven of thousands of white swans. Ski Resorts There are nearly fifteen ski resorts throughout the Mt. Bandai area. Each ski resort has its own distinctive character. Also, those places have a good quality of snow. Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum The home where Dr. Hideyo Noguchi was born is now preserved for posterity as a museum. Within are many important documents related to the life of Dr. Noguchi. (Transportation:Take the bus from Inawashiro Sation and get off at the Noguchi Kinenkan-mae Bus Stop) Tenkyo-kaku This building was constructed as a villa of Arisugawamiya Shinno(Prince) and is now designated as a national treasure (Transportation:Take the bus from Inawashiro Station and get off at the Nagahama Bus Stop) Kamega Castle The oldest castle in Japan was constructed by Lord Inawashiro, who governed this area in feudal times. This castle had been burned down during the Boshin War. Later, the castle was rebuilt and maintained as a park, and it is now very famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring. (Transportation:Take the bus from Inawashiro Station and get off at the Kamega-jo Iriguchi Bus Stop) Iwahashi Shrine This old shrine is where the god of the Mt. Bandai is memorialized. There is one of the five best cherry blossoms, Ojika Zakura, in Aizu standing in this shrine. (Transportation:five minutes drive from Inawashiro Station)

Recommended Spots Lake Inawashiro Cabin Cruiser This cabin cruise goes around the Lake Inawashiro (Transportation:Take the bus from Inawashiro Station and get off at either Nagahama or Shidahama Bus Stop) Aizu Folklore Museum You can see and experience the culture of Aizu and learn about the daily lives of people throughout the city’s history. You can buy souvenirs from the local products market here. (Transportation: Five minutes walk from the Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum) Inawashiro Herb Garden In the springtime, around five hundred species of herbs and 50,000 roots of lavender begin to bloom. In the summertime these plants bloom on the main grounds of the garden. (Transportation: Catch a courtesy bus from the Inawashiro Station) Iwahashi-kan This is a drive-in restaurant where you can eat soba which has been freshly prepared by hand. (Transportation: Five minutes walk from the Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum) Shioyagura This shop sells traditional crafts and hand-made soba. Here you can experience making cane crafts and hand-made soba. (Transportation: Three minutes walk from Kamega Castle) Hanitsu Shrine The first lord of Aizu Clan, Masayuki Hoshina is enshrined here.(Transportation:five minutes drive from Inawashiro Station)