Fukushima Travel – Shibuki Ice

 

In early February, during the harshest winter conditions, Inawashiro Town in Fukushima Prefecture reveals one of its most extraordinary natural spectacles: Shibuki Ice. Photographed on February 3, this fleeting winter wonder can only be seen for a short period each year, making it a truly special experience for visitors to Japan’s snowy regions.

What Is Shibuki Ice?

Shibuki Ice is a natural ice formation created when powerful westerly winds sweep across Lake Inawashiro, Japan’s fourth-largest lake. As waves crash against the shore, lake water is blown into the air and freezes instantly upon contact with trees along the lakeside forest. Over time, layers of frozen spray accumulate, transforming ordinary trees into dazzling sculptures of ice.

This phenomenon can be observed by walking south from Tenjin Beach on Lake Inawashiro, passing through a forested area toward the mouth of the Nagasé River. Due to the unique combination of wind strength, temperature, and geography, Shibuki Ice is considered extremely rare in Japan, making it a hidden winter treasure of Fukushima.

Beauty That Rivals Snow Monsters

Often compared to juhyō (snow monsters) seen in northern Japan, Shibuki Ice is said to rival—or even surpass—their beauty. Each tree takes on a unique form, shaped by wind and water, creating a frozen gallery that never looks the same twice. The crystalline ice sparkles in the winter sunlight, offering photographers and nature lovers an unforgettable scene.

Beyond the frozen trees, visitors may also witness other fascinating ice formations:

– Drift ice floating across the lake’s surface

– Ice ridges along the shoreline resembling Omiwatari, the sacred ice phenomenon associated with frozen lakes in Japan

• Together, these elements create a dynamic winter landscape that showcases nature’s raw power and artistry.
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A Must-See Winter View in Fukushima

Shibuki Ice is a reminder of how beautiful and dramatic winter in Tohoku and Fukushima can be. Accessible yet still relatively unknown, it offers travelers a chance to experience a side of Japan that few ever see—quiet, powerful, and profoundly moving.

For those seeking authentic winter scenery in Japan, the Shibuki Ice of Inawashiro Town is an unmissable highlight. As conditions are weather-dependent and access can be challenging in deep snow, visiting with local expertise ensures a safer and more rewarding experience.

Experience Fukushima’s winter wonders at their peak—and witness nature creating art from wind, water, and ice.

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