Kita-Shiozawa Village, Fukushima Prefecture. One of the four lakes in Urabandai, Lake Hibara.
Standing by the lakeside, the northern slope of Mount Bandai quietly reflects on the lake's surface. This may be a familiar sight that has been used in tourism posters many times.
However, did you know that beneath that water lies a once-thriving village?
Lake Hibara was not a lake formed by nature over a long period. It is a lake that was created by the eruption of Mount Bandai on July 15, 1888 (Meiji 21). And at the bottom of that lake was a settlement called Hibara Village.
On the morning of July 15, 1888
On July 15, 1888, shortly after 7 AM.
A peak called Kobandai, located on the northern side of Mount Bandai, suddenly collapsed dramatically. It was a landslide caused by a steam explosion.
The fallen rocks and debris flowed down like an avalanche towards the villages at the foot of the mountain. This is referred to in geology as a rockslide. The amount of debris that flowed down is said to be equivalent to about 1,000 Tokyo Domes.
This rockslide blocked several rivers, including the Hibara River, which flowed at the northern foot of Mount Bandai. The water that lost its way gradually, but surely, engulfed the settlements in the valley.
The result of this event was the emergence of what is now Lake Hibara. It is the largest lake among the Four Lakes of Urabandai (Lake Hibara, Lake Sobara, Lake Onogawa, Lake Akimoto), and at the same time, around 300 ponds of various sizes were born on that day. Goshikinuma, Nakase-numa, Aonuma, and Bishamon-numa were all lakes that came into existence from this day.
The vanished village, Hibara Village
Hibara Village, which sank to the bottom of Lake Hibara, was not just a simple cold village.
During the Edo period, this was a key post town along the Yonezawa Highway that connected Yonezawa and Aizuwakamatsu. It was a village where travelers from the Yonezawa Domain would take a break before crossing the last steep pass towards Aizu. Alternatively, it was a village where travelers heading from Aizu to Yonezawa would stay before tackling the pass.
There were houses lined up, a shrine, a temple, rice fields, and roads where children ran around. Such ordinary life was submerged underwater.
The number of people who lost their lives in this eruption was 477. It is recorded as one of the largest volcanic disasters in Japan since the Meiji era.
Some people escaped with their families but were too late. Others were out working in the mountains when their homes were swept away. There are tragic stories of those who witnessed the eruption of Mount Bandai while working in the fields and had to flee, leaving their elderly mothers at home. Such stories are still passed down in the local community.
Things that appear when the water recedes
Lake Hibara is a lake where the water level fluctuates greatly, like a dam lake. There are times in early spring when meltwater flows in and in the winter when snow accumulates, causing the water level to drop significantly.
At that time──the shallow areas of the lake reveal the roots of trees that were once planted along the approach. The second torii gate, which sank to the lakebed, comes into view.
During the spring to early autumn when the lake is full from meltwater, this scenery cannot be seen. The lake still holds that memory deep at its bottom.
When we usually bring customers to this lakeside, we make it a point to say, "There is a village under this water" as the first line. Most people stop and take another look at the lake. The ordinary lake transforms into a place of memory from that moment.
Seeing Lake Hibara after knowing its story
If you gaze at it without knowing anything, Lake Hibara is just a beautiful lake. A mirror-like surface, the shadow of Mount Bandai, flocks of wild birds in early summer, and autumn leaves.
However, once you know that there was a village beneath this water, the same scenery starts to look different.
The wind blowing across the water's surface feels like it carries someone's voice. The lakeside path seems to connect to a road someone has walked before. There are moments when not just the words of sightseeing guides, but the very overlapping time of the land itself suddenly appears.
I think that's what travel is ultimately about. It's not about where you travel, but how much you know and walk. What you know changes the scenery you see.
If you visit Lake Hibara
Lake Hibara is located about 30 minutes by car from Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban'etsu West Line. While there are train and bus services, traveling by car is convenient if you want to enjoy the scenery while circling the lake.
Walking the Lake Hibara Lakeside Trail (about 1 hour and 15 minutes)
On the eastern shore of the lake, there is a 4km long 'Lake Hibara Lakeside Trail' developed by the Ministry of the Environment. It takes about an hour and a half on foot. This is a path that walks right next to the lake surface, which you can't see from a car.
The sound of quiet water, the voices of birds, the scent of the forest. As you slow down, the things you can feel increase. Here lies 'Urabandai, where sounds and scents are not visible from a car.'
The season when the water level is low (November to April)
If you want to see the remnants of the former Hibara village, the period from November to April when the water level drops is recommended.
Places you want to visit together
- Goshikinuma Nature Trail ── A path that circles five ponds that change color, created by the same eruption in 1888.
- Nakase-numa Trail ── A unique landscape created by rock debris, where a hill (Nagareyama) floats in the pond.
- Bandai-san Geopark ── Learn about the landforms created by eruptions from a geological perspective.
Would you like to join me on a journey to encounter stories?
At Tabinoito, guide Catherine, who has lived in Aizu for half a century, provides a unique experience by sharing stories of the land that are not found in guidebooks, guiding one group per day.
It's great to explore the memories of Hibara Village together or to take a leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Hibara. We will tour at your pace, tailored to your physical condition and interests. Leave all the long-distance driving and arrangements to us.
"I want to take my spouse on a leisurely tour," "I want to take my parents out for a day," "I want to learn more about history" ─ whatever your request, please feel free to consult us. Just consultation is also fine, and we will not engage in any pushy sales tactics.
👉 Get a free consultation via LINE:
https://page.line.me/tabinoito
👉 View travel plans for senior couples:
https://tabinoito.com/senior/
👉 View travel plans for filial piety:
https://tabinoito.com/oyakouko/
Reference materials
- Official site of Bandai-san Geopark
- Eruption of Bandai-san (Wikipedia)
- 1888 Bandai-san Eruption Disaster Lessons (Cabinet Office Disaster Prevention Information)
- Bandai-Asahi National Park (Ministry of the Environment)
- Urabandai Visitor Center on-site exhibits and interviews
- On-site coverage (visit and interviews conducted by Tabinoito guide Catherine)
About the author
Catherine ── A guide who has lived in Fukushima Prefecture, Urabandai, and Aizu for half a century. Founder of the private tour company "Tabinoito." With over 30 years of guiding experience, she is deeply knowledgeable about the local nature, history, and cultural beliefs. Guiding one group per day, she shares stories of the land that are not found in guidebooks while introducing Urabandai and Aizu.
