Wakasagi Smelt Fishing Tour－ Day Trip Around Lake Hibara
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Article from the February 2016 Issue of Style Koriyama
Wakasagi Smelt Fishing Tour－ Day Trip Around Lake Hibara
This is our second feature on Urabandai!
“Wakasagi smelt fishing” is one of Japan’s beloved winter traditions. Driven by our curiosity and passion for new experiences, amateur fashion model Ikkou and I visited Lake Hibara to try it for ourselves—and to share the adventure with you.
On the day we went, the temperature was −2°C (28.4°F).
The Lake Hibara area is a popular tourist destination year-round. In winter, visitors can enjoy handline fishing for wakasagi smelt, which are released into the lake each season. It’s a unique and memorable way to experience the beauty of winter in Urabandai.
This is Lake Inawashiro on the way to Urabanadai. We saw many swans flew from Siberia.
Found a monkey while driving on a powder snow road. The face was truly red♪
Fishing
Tips for Wakasagi Smelt Fishing!
Wakasagi can be surprisingly picky about bait.
Think of it like when you first tried to win over your wife or husband—
be gentle, be patient, and most of all, don’t give up.
When you finally feel a bite, pull up firmly and confidently!
— The Skipper
The onsen guesthouse we visited this time, Onsen Minshuku Endo, first opened in 1973 (Showa 47), making it the longest-established guesthouse in the area.
However, due to the unusually warm winter this year, the lake had not frozen over at the time of our visit. Mr. Endo told us it was the first time he had ever experienced a winter like this.
The dome-shaped fishing boats floating on the lake created a unique winter scene.
And of course, we even got to try using a handmade fishing rod♪
We reached the dome-shaped fishing boat on the lake by shuttle boat. Inside, it was warm and comfortable thanks to the heating system, making it easy to enjoy fishing even in the middle of winter.
Once aboard, we were free to choose our seats and rented their handmade fishing rods. These rods were excellent—they allowed us to position the line precisely over our chosen spot and quickly reel it in with a small motor when we felt a bite.
Now, let the fishing begin!
Congrats☆ He caught the first one!
▲ “Once I got the hang of it, it became really fun. I loved the thrill of pulling one up! I think even beginners can catch fish easily because Mr. Endo is such a great teacher.”
It’s definitely an activity that couples and families can enjoy together.
We attached bait worms to all seven hooks, lowered the line into the water, and began fishing. Mr. Endo gave us helpful advice: be patient, wait calmly for a bite, and gently move the line up and down without rushing.
Fishing—and a little local sake—both lift the spirit. Enjoying them together made the experience even more special.
▲Ikkou brought his flask and shot glass, and enjoyed whisky while fishing.
Mr. Endo broke into a broad smile.
It was clear that he truly loves his farm work, the people he meets, and Lake Hibara itself.
The way he checked on each dome boat and chatted with his regular customers was warm and thoughtful. His kindness and genuine care for everyone around him left a lasting impression.
Great food on the lake
Cheers!
After heading back by shuttle boat, we immediately started cooking the fish we had just caught. This is the only place where you can catch, cook, and enjoy fish at their absolute freshest!
First, we lightly coated the fish in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, then carefully placed them into hot oil.
“You have to cover the pot with a lid,” Mr. Endo warned us. “The roe can pop and splatter!”
Once they turned golden and crispy, we sprinkled a little salt on top—and they were ready. Following Endo’s style, we held each fish by the tail and made a toast before taking a bite.
Fresh, crispy, and unforgettable.
▼ Fried to crispy perfection♪
▼ Into the hot oil!
▼ We started early in the morning—look at how many we caught!!
▲ You can cook them right away.
▲ Be sure to cover the pot with a lid♪
▲ Sprinkle with salt—and they’re ready!
“So good!”
The combination of an ice-cold beer and freshly fried fish made us incredibly happy♪
Wakasagi smelt from Lake Hibara are a local branded specialty, carefully managed and valued for their quality. All radiation monitoring tests have shown completely negative results, so there’s no need to worry—you can simply relax and enjoy.
▼ Open wide!
▼ Just kidding.
▼ Yum!
About Onsen and Accommodation Facility
The hot spring water at the guest house is a calcium sulfate spring drawn from Wasezawa Onsen, which is traditionally believed to help heal cuts and wounds.
Both the indoor and outdoor baths feature continuously flowing, non-circulated water—known in Japan as kakenagashi—allowing guests to enjoy fresh, natural hot spring water at all times.
It’s the perfect way to relax and soothe your tired body after a day of fishing or skiing.
Mr. Endo grows a variety of local specialty vegetables, including scarlet runner beans and highland Japanese radishes, which are served in the guest house meals.
The rich natural surroundings of the Urabandai Highlands offer beautiful scenery in every season, each with its own unique charm.
Although this time we visited only for a day trip, we found ourselves wishing we could stay longer and fully immerse ourselves in the peaceful beauty of nature.
Interview cooperation by Onsen Minshuku Endo in Urabandai Highland
Address: 583, Aza Wasezawa, Kitahibara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima
Tel: 0241-34-2233
※Information in this article might have been changed. We appreciate your understanding.
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