Hibara Lake Shore Trail

【The Phantom Village Sleeping at the Bottom of the Lake】 A Tour of the Winding Islands and the Only Suspension Bridge

Lake Hibara (ひばらこ), boasting the largest area in the Urabandai area, features the popular trekking route 'Lake Hibara Lakeside Trail' that is maintained along its beautifully intricate eastern shore. Here, you can leisurely walk through a flat forest with dappled sunlight, enjoying the calm lake surface and the majestic Mount Bandai.

■ The Labyrinthine 'Ikari-gata' and the Only Suspension Bridge in Urabandai 
The highlight of this course is the area called 'Ikari-gata', where the lakeshore is most deeply indented. The landscape, dotted with countless small islands of various sizes like a maze, is truly a miniature art created by nature. The highlight of this route is the 'only suspension bridge in Urabandai' that spans this inlet. The contrast of the transparent lake water seen from the bridge, which sways gently with each step, and the untouched forest surrounding it, stirs a sense of thrill and adventure in the extraordinary.

■ Reflecting on the History of the Post Town Submerged at the Bottom of the Giant Lake 
If you walk from a niche perspective, understanding the 'formation' of this giant lake is essential. In fact, Lake Hibara was formed by the damming of a river due to the great eruption of Mount Bandai in 1888 (Meiji 21). Dramatically, the post town 'Hibara Village' that once existed here was completely submerged. During the winter dry season, parts of the torii gate of a submerged shrine and gravestones may appear. By not only enjoying the beautiful nature but also reflecting on the memories of the phantom village sleeping beneath the calm lake surface, this landscape will feel even deeper and more mysterious.