A Getaway to Seek May-only Instagramable Scenery and Exquisite Sweets at Inawashiro Town Facing Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro by Rental Car

A town with rich nature, “Inawashiro Town” (猪苗代町) located in the center of Fukushima Prefecture accommodates Japan’s fourth largest lake, Lake Inawashiro, and the landmark of the prefecture, Mt. Bandai. In this article, let’s take a look at an itinerary originating “Inawashiro Herb Garden” (猪苗代ハーブ園) where you can enjoy the May-only beauty the town has to offer recommended especially for those who wish to seek local specialties and photogenic scenery.

Inawashiro Town is a 40-minute drive from Koriyama Washington Hotel.

“Umbrella Sky” awaits at “Inawashiro Herb Garden” where 1.5 million rape blossoms and 1,400 moss phlox are the highlights of May

“Inawashiro Herb Garden” (猪苗代ハーブ園), a 100,000 m2 vast garden where 400 kinds of herbs are cultivated, is famous for “Umbrella Sky” (#アンブレラスカイ) project held in the greenhouse for the limited period every year. Numbers of colorful umbrellas are lined up on the ceiling and walls, and the reflection on the floor water creates a fantastic sight. Because of its popularity, more than 50,000 posts can be found when searching for hashtags on Instagram.

However, that’s not the only beauty the garden has to offer. Starting from late April to mid-October every year, countless seasonal flowers such as tulips, lavender, and sunflowers add colors to the garden one after the other. As 1.5 million rape blossoms and 1,400 moss phlox come to be in full bloom in May, you can take photos as if you are in paintings by entering the scenery dyed in bright yellow and deep pink.

Opening Hours	10:00AM – 4:00PM on weekdays / 10:00AM – 5:00PM on weekends and national holidays *Admission until 30 minutes before the end of opening hours *Closed until 21th of April, 2022
Address	Listel Park, Kawageta, Inawashiro Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute drive from Inawashiro-Bandaikogen Interchange on Ban-Etsu Expressway
URL	https://fukushima.travel/destination/inawashiro-herb-garden/42

Appreciate the lakeside view through the big windows while enjoying the cheesecake in which saltiness and cinnamon harmonize at “TARO Cafe”

“TARO cafe” located on the shore of Lake Inawashiro offers a cozy and warm space with its interior based on white and wood. The owner who used to be a designer decorates the cafe with books in many colors, records, and fashionable miscellaneous goods to make yourself at home. Once you’ve had a seat, enjoy the original handmade sweets while admiring the view of the lakeside spreading out before you through the large windows. The cafe’s signature item is ‘cheesecake’ prepared from rich cream cheese with biscuits and cinnamon sprinkled. The exquisite saltiness of cheese and cinnamon creates a perfect harmony.

Opening Hours	11:00AM – 5:00PM (last orders at 4:00PM) / Irregular holidays
Address	704-3 Katadanyue, Inawashiro Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 2-minute drive from Inawashiro-Bandaikogen Interchange on Ban-Etsu Expressway
URL	https://tabelog.com/en/fukushima/A0705/A070502/7000736/

Don’t miss the great view of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, and abundant local souveniors at “Michi no Eki Inawashiro”

Arriving and getting off the car at “Michi no Eki Inawashiro” (道の駅猪苗代, a Michi no Eki is a rest area where shopping and community facilities are installed usually located on a major road), and you will be greeted by Lake Inawashiro in the south while Mt. Bandai gives a magnificent view in the north. As you can appreciate Mt. Bandai is so close, the pattern of the surface can be observed. Of course, the view is not the only charm the spot has to offer. This Michi no Eki elected as the best one in Tohoku region has plenty of items that are perfect as souvenirs. In addition to the limited edition items available only at this place, you can also find items unique to Inawashiro, such as bread made from natto produced in Inawashiro, blueberry stick cakes, the famous Nama Dorayaki (生どら焼き), and locally brewed Sake.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 6:00 / Open All Year Roud *Refer to its official site for opening hours of the restaurant
Address	1 Katadagohyakugari, Inawashiro Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	Close to Inawashiro-Bandaikogen Interchange on Ban-Etsu Expressway
URL	http://www.michinoeki-inawashiro.co.jp/