The Site is located at the foot of Mount Bandai and is surrounded by rice fields and coastal forests. The Lake, formed by a volcanic eruption 50,000 years ago, is the fourth largest in Japan. As the Lake does not completely freeze over during the winter, it is a vital overwintering habitat for swans and ducks. Notably, over the five years to 2025, an average of over 800 tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) were recorded at the Site. Sand and mud in the northern part of the Lake create suitable conditions for the only known breeding ground in Fukushima prefecture of the fringed water-lily (Nymphoides peltata). While the Lake’s water was acidic in the 1930s, it has become neutral since then, though the exact cause of this change remains unclear. The Site is a popular destination for recreational activities such as swimming, birdwatching and camping.