Lake Hibara

Lake Hibara
Lake Hibara viewed from north of Mount Bandai
Location	Kitashiobara
Coordinates	37°41′0″N 140°3′20″E / 37.68333°N 140.05556°ECoordinates: 37°41′0″N 140°3′20″E / 37.68333°N 140.05556°E
Basin countries	Japan
Surface area	10.7 km²
Max. depth	30.5 m
Water volume	0.13 km³
Shore length^1	31.5 km
Surface elevation	822.0 m
^1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Lake Hibara (桧原湖 Hibara-ko) is a lake located in Yama District, Fukushima, Japan. It is a part of the Bandai-Asahi National Park and is the largest of the lakes in the Bandai-kōgen highlands.^[1]

Formation

A mesotrophic lake, Lake Hibara was formed as a result of the July 15, 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai. The resulting debris avalanche created a natural dam that then filled with water, submerging Hibara Village (桧原村 Hibara-mura). The remains of Hibara Village still lie at the bottom of the lake.^[2]

Recreation

A tourist industry has built up around Lake Hibara, offering hiking trails, pleasure cruises, and campgrounds and other lodging. In the winter, ice fishing is popular.

Gallery

Views of Lake Hibara
Lake Hibara with snow  Looking south  Submerged torii from the former location of Hibara Village.

Notes

1. Takeda T., page 174.
2. 裏磐梯を代表する湖沼群 (in Japanese). 裏磐梯観光協会. Retrieved June 30, 2011.

References

• Takeda, Toru; Hishinuma, Tomio; Kamieda, Kinuyo; Dale, Leigh; Oguma, Chiyoichi (August 10, 1988). "Hello! Fukushima - International Exchange Guide Book" (1988 ed.). Fukushima City: Fukushima Mimpo Press