A Breathtaking Destination for Every Season
Deep in the heart of Fukushima Prefecture, Urabandai (Bandai Highlands) is a destination that never ceases to amaze, no matter the time of year.
In winter, a breathtaking wonderland unfolds, with snow-draped forests, frozen lakes, and crisp mountain air creating a magical, untouched landscape.
Come spring and summer, the area transforms into a lush paradise, with emerald-green forests, wildflowers, and crystal-clear lakes offering a completely different yet equally mesmerizing experience.
This time, the visit was during peak winter, when Urabandai revealed its most enchanting scenery—a true hidden gem that offers both adventure and relaxation, away from the usual tourist crowds.
Beyond its stunning natural beauty, it is also an excellent choice for Muslim travelers, thanks to the availability of Muslim-friendly food and accommodations.
How to Get to Urabandai from Tokyo
Reaching Urabandai is more convenient than it might seem. From Tokyo Station, the journey takes approximately 1 hour by shinkansen to Koriyama Station.
From there, it’s a 40-minute local train to Inawashiro Station, followed by a scenic 40-minute bus ride to Kitashiobara Village, the heart of Urabandai.
For those seeking greater flexibility, a car rental from Koriyama provides an easy and direct route, taking about an hour’s drive through breathtaking mountain roads.
Journey to Urabandai
Day 1: A Warm Welcome & Herbal Delights
The journey into Urabandai begins with a visit to the Bandai Herb Garden, a charming café and shop surrounded by a picturesque herb garden.
Bandia Herb Garden in green season
With Bandia Herb Garden’s owner
A true heaven for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike, the café serves Muslim-friendly, Western-style meals, carefully prepared using fresh, locally grown herbs and vegetables.
Delectable vegetable pasta with soy-based mushroom cream
Every dish is free from animal-derived ingredients, ensuring a worry-free dining experience.
The Muslim-friendly menu is available regularly and for any assistance, feel free to consult the staff.
For those who enjoy hands-on activities, the herb garden also offers a crafting experience using dried herbs and essential oils, perfect for creating personalized aroma goods.
The shop itself is a wonderful place to explore, featuring handmade organic products, herbal teas, and natural-themed souvenirs, making it easy to take a piece of Urabandai’s tranquility home.
More About Bandia Herb Garden (Halal Gourmet Japan)
A Stunning First Glimpse of Winter: Frozen Sohara Lake
A short journey leads to Sohara Lake, which in winter, transforms into an awe-inspiring frozen landscape. The sight of the vast, snow-covered expanse, surrounded by towering, frost-kissed trees, is nothing short of breathtaking.
The crisp winter air and serene silence of the frozen lake make it a perfect place to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of Urabandai in its purest form.
Comfort & Muslim-Friendly Cuisine at Nature Cottage Akabeko
For accommodations, cottage-style accommodation Nature Cottage Akabeko offers a spacious and cozy retreat, featuring a mix of modern and tatami-style rooms. Large windows open up to glistening snow-covered scenery, making it a perfect winter hideaway.
Nature cottage Akabeko
A highlight of staying at Akabeko is its thoughtfully prepared Muslim-friendly meals for both dinner and breakfast.
Dinner includes dishes made with halal-certified chicken and carefully selected ingredients, ensuring both flavor and peace of mind.
Hearty Japanese hot pot for dinner
Using halal-certified chicken
Using halal soy sauce
Using alcohol-free miso
The meals are not only delicious and hearty but also a wonderful introduction to local Japanese flavors adapted for Muslim travelers.
Important Note
Please mention “Muslim-friendly” upon placing a reservation so that they can prepare everything for you accordingly.
More About Nature Cottage Akabeko (Halal Gourmet Japan)
Day 2: Discovering Inawashiro, Aizuwakamatsu, and Urabandai
A Tranquil Morning at Lake Inawashiro
The next morning starts with delightful Japanese breakfast at Akabeko that we enjoyed in our room and a refreshing visit to Lake Inawashiro, the fourth-largest lake in Japan, also known as “Heavenly Mirror Lake” due to its perfect reflections of Mount Bandai.
During winter, the lake becomes home to elegant white swans, which migrate from the Eastern Arctic of Russia. Seeing these graceful birds gliding across the icy waters, surrounded by snow-covered shores, is an unforgettable sight.
The swans at Lake Inawashiro
Lake Inawashiro in the clear weather
Exploring Samurai History at Tsuruga Castle
A journey to Urabandai wouldn’t be complete without visiting Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu, a historical samurai stronghold with a distinctive red-tiled roof—the only one of its kind in Japan.
Tsuruga Castle
The castle’s rich samurai history, panoramic views, and well-preserved architecture offer a glimpse into Fukushima’s fascinating past.
Walking through its grounds, it’s easy to imagine the samurai warriors who once stood here, defending their land.
A Unique Taste of Urabandai: Halal-Friendly Salt Ramen
For lunch, a stop at Michi-no-Eki Urabandai introduces a local specialty with a unique twist—healthy salt ramen.
Michi-no-eki Urabandai
Unlike traditional ramen, this version features:
・ Soy-based meats
・ Locally crafted Yamashio salt, derived from hot springs!
The ramen is prepared using separate kitchenware dedicated to cooking vegetables to prevent cross-contamination. Starting in April, it will be served in disposable tableware, ensuring that Muslim customers can dine with peace of mind.
This delicious, nourishing dish makes for a perfect meal, proving that local flavors can be enjoyed by Muslim travelers without any compromise.
More about Michi-no-Eki Urabandai (Halal Gourmet Japan)
Day 3: A Cozy Farewell & The Charm of Urabandai in Every Season
The final morning in Urabandai with Akabeko is welcomed with another delightful Japanese-style breakfast, showcasing the delicate flavors of local ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and authentic.
As the journey comes to an end, one thing becomes clear—Urabandai is a destination worth visiting in every season.
・Winter transforms it into a fairy tale landscape, with frozen lakes, sparkling snowfields, and serene silence.
・Spring brings fresh greenery, cherry blossoms, and a refreshing mountain breeze.
・Summer is filled with lush forests, clear blue lakes, and outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing.
・Autumn paints the entire region in fiery red and golden hues, making it one of Japan’s best-kept fall foliage destinations.
For Muslim travelers, Urabandai is not just about its natural beauty but also its warm hospitality and thoughtful accommodations.
With halal-friendly meals, scenic spots that feel like a private retreat, and unique cultural experiences, it’s a place that deserves more recognition as a travel destination.
Whether it’s for the magical snowscapes of winter or the lush tranquility of green seasons, Urabandai is a place that leaves a lasting impression and calls for a return visit.
See Also
What To Wear And Bring Along While Enjoying The Winter Wonderland In Japan
