Station Inawashiro

Discover the Heart of Kōgen and the Beauty of Mount Bandai

Nestled at the gateway to the Kōgen region, Inawashiro roadside station stands in serene harmony with nature, framed by the majestic Bandai Mountain and the tranquil Inawashiro Lake. Conveniently located just off the Bandai-Ōkura Interchange on the Ban-Iwaki Expressway, it serves as a vital hub for travelers exploring the scenic landscapes of northern Fukushima.

More than a rest stop, Inawashiro offers a rich tapestry of local experiences—savor authentic hand-made soba crafted from regional rice and buckwheat, enjoy wood-fired pizza, or indulge in savory soups and dishes. The station’s bustling market showcases fresh farm produce and unique regional souvenirs, including limited-edition items like the popular Bandai Mountain-themed bandanas and collectible plush toys from the "Traveling Mame Shibah" collaboration. With a dog park, RV park, and event spaces, it’s a vibrant destination for families, adventurers, and culture seekers alike.

Visit Inawashiro roadside station for two unmatched experiences: first, savor Dream Flower—a rare, locally crafted cookie blending roasted peanuts, black sugar, and ginger, made exclusively with Fukushima-grown wheat and rice flour. Second, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro from the only roadside station in the region with a dedicated dog park and RV park designed to showcase the mountain’s majestic presence. These unique features, combined with limited-edition local products like the iconic Bandai-viewing bandana and collaborative plush toys, make Inawashiro a destination unlike any other.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the limited daily batch of hand-pulled soba made with Inawashiro town’s locally grown buckwheat, which often sells out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the fresh batch of Kamishimo (a local name for the sweet, crumbly "Dream Flower" snack), which is only available during special events and disappears quickly.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, head to the event plaza by 10:00 AM to join the Improved Medaka Joint Sale, where rare and colorful pond fish are sold alongside unique aquarium accessories and handmade crafts.

• Unique Souvenir: Purchase the limited-edition Kurō Café Oreo and Traveling Mame Shibah/Mame Neko collaboration plush toys only available at the roadside station; they are sold exclusively at the main counter and often sell out within a few hours of release.

• Best View Spot: Walk to the northern edge of the parking lot near the stone marker labeled "Pandai Mountain Viewpoint" to capture the best photo of Mount Bandai and the Inawashiro Lake, especially during golden hour before 6:00 PM.

• Special Experience: Book a stay in the High-Value Container House for a unique overnight experience—available only during the September 26 to November 2, 2025, social experiment period, with only two people per unit allowed.

• Must-Try Food: Order the stone oven-baked pizza at the restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the fresh batch is delivered, as the dough is made with locally sourced rice flour and is only available until 3:00 PM.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots arrive in early spring, and the roadside station features seasonal produce from local farms.

Summer (June–August): The改良メダカ (improved medaka) joint sale event takes place in August, offering unique aquatic pets and related goods.

Autumn (September–November): Limited-edition 'Yume Hana' snack tastings occur in September, featuring a special sweet treat from Fukushima.

Winter (December–February): The roadside station remains open year-round with seasonal treats and events, including a special trailer house lodging experience in autumn.