The ice sculptures of Lake Inawashiro 猪苗代湖のしぶきごり
Lake Inawashiro and its ice sculptures
lakeinawashiro.jp
natural works of art
Located in Fukushima Prefecture, Lake Inawashiro is the 4th largest lake in Japan. Very popular with tourists for its seaside activities, this exceptional lake is also known for its Shibuki-gori , ice sculptures that form naturally at the edge of the water when winter arrives.
Lelac Inawashiro
The fourth largest lake in Japan , Lake Inawashi is a must-see in Fukushima Prefecture.
Located in the small town of Aizu at the foot of Mount Bandai , the lake is particularly popular with photographers for its geographical location.
With very good water quality, the site is also popular with the Japanese for its summer activities. Swimming, boating, camping, and barbecues, the lake has become in recent years a very popular place for vacationers passing through the region.
Mount Bandai from Lake Inawashiro
Flick/ M. Murakami
But in winter , it is especially for its ice sculptures that it attracts all eyes!
See also: The village of Kitashiobara
Ice sculptures, a particular regional phenomenon
Called “ S hibuki-gori ” in Japanese, the ice sculptures are a natural phenomenon that occurs in winter around lakes and freshwater pools when the water eddies reach the surrounding vegetation and freeze.
This phenomenon only occurs in special conditions , when the lake is not yet frozen and the wind is cold enough to create waves and solidify the drops of water which will come into contact with the neighboring shrubs.
The shape of the Shibuki-gori will then depend not only on the direction of the wind , but also on the time of day and the temperature .
That's why each ice sculpture is unique! And as many parameters influence their shape, you will never see the same sculpture twice in the same place two days in a row.
To read: The Sapporo Snow Festival
When and where to admire the Shibuki-gori?
Although the formation of Shibuki-gori depends on many factors, the observation period for ice sculptures generally extends from late January to late February when winter temperatures are stable.
However, this does not mean that there are necessarily sculptures all along the lake during this period! As Shibuki-gori remain a natural phenomenon, their formation is random . And sometimes you have to expect not to find as many as you would like.
In general, the most beautiful sculptures are located one kilometer from Tenjin-Hama Park, in the direction of Inawashiro-Kohan station. The latter colonize not only the shrubs, but also the rocks bordering the lake.
Finally, note that it is recommended to come and admire the sculptures in the morning , when the coolness has not yet subsided in the light of the pale midday sun.
Ice sculpture at Lake Inawashiro
lakeinawashiro.jp
Shibuki-gori at the foot of the lake
lakeinawashiro.jp
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
a few minutes walk from Inawashirokohan station (Ban-Estusai line)
