Splash ice with Mount Bandai in the background.
Intricately twisted like delicate candy art, the ice glows golden in the light of the setting sun. Spherical ice formations, layered repeatedly on the trees, take on the appearance of fantastical, monstrous creatures. Gazing at this mysterious, almost living landscape, you might feel as if you've stepped into an ice cave.
This phenomenon, called shibuki-kori, or "splash ice," occurs on Lake Inawashiro in Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture, during the harsh winter months. Framed by the majestic Mount Bandai, these natural ice sculptures form along the lakeshore near Tenjinhama, an area that comes alive with swimmers in summer.
Nature's Icy Sculptures
At an elevation of 514 meters (1686 ft), the lake rarely freezes, yet winter temperatures can plunge to −10°C (14°F). Waves driven by strong winds splash against the rocks and trees along the shore, and in the biting cold, the spray transforms into ice in countless forms.
Near the breakwaters, where waves crash with particular force, an especially striking icy world takes shape. Some formations grow into massive structures over 4 meters (14 ft) tall, leaving visitors awestruck.
These icy sculptures shift and change daily, a vivid reminder that nature is the greatest of artists. The shapes ignite the imagination: birds spreading their wings, animals of all kinds, even cacti. They blend strength and delicacy, while icicles stretching diagonally upward, as if defying gravity.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
