Inawashiro

Inawashiro (猪苗代町) is a town in Fukushima, Japan. It lies by the namesake lake, Japan's fourth largest, with beach resorts, swimming, camping and boating.

The JR Banetsu Line runs through Inawashiro with 6 stations within the town: Joko, Inawashiro-kohan, Sekito, Kawageta, Inawashiro, and Okinashima. The ride from Aizuwakamatsu by JR East takes an hour.

• 🌍 Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Museum (野口英世記念館). A bacteriologist who is credited with discovering the agent that causes syphillis and doing research that led to the creation of a yellow fever vaccine. His childhood home, where he suffered burns that led him to pursue a medical career, is located on-site. Along with learning about Noguchi, the museum also features exhibits to educate people about bacteriology. ¥1200. (updated Jan 2025)

Beach resorts, swimming, camping and boating.

Nakanosawa Kokeshi are the most popular souvenir found in the Nakanosawa Onsen area.

• 🌍 Kokeshi Vending Machine, In front of Konishi Shokudo Restaurant. Known as the "world's only kokeshi vending machine", you can buy Nakanosawa Kokeshi from 2 local artisans at any time of day. (updated Mar 2025)

• Mount Bandai — a volcanic peak overlooking the town, part of Bandai-Asahi National Park.