The Gently Sloping Lakeshore Where Swans Gather and the Kawakami Fault That Crosses the Tohoku Region
The Kawakami Fault, an extension of the major fault line running through Japan, stretches north to south in this region. Along the fault line, distinctive fault walls have developed. On the eastern side of the fault, crystalline schist is exposed, suggesting that the rock layers may date back several hundred million years to the Paleozoic era.
On the northeastern shore of Lake Inawashiro (Tenjin-hama), Kobiragata Tenmangu Shrine is counted among Japan’s three major Tenmangu shrines. It is dedicated to Sugawara-no-Michizane, the deity of scholarship. In modern times, as academic competition has intensified, the shrine has once again gained attention, attracting many students preparing for entrance exams.
On the northern shore of Lake Inawashiro (Hakuchou-hama), swans and other migratory birds overwinter every year. Along with the Mizusugigoke (a type of moss) colony, this area has been designated as a Natural Monument of Japan.