Shirakaba Lake

Shirakaba Lake

Shirakaba Lake is located at the western foot of Mount Yatsugatake in the northern part of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. It is an artificial lake with a surface elevation of 1,416 meters and a maximum depth of 9 meters, and falls under the management of the Yatsugatake-Chūshin Kōgen Quasi-National Park. The lake has a circumference of 6 kilometers and covers an area of approximately 35 hectares. It is surrounded by beautiful birch trees, which is how it got its name.

Shirakaba Lake is one of the most picturesque artificial lakes in Nagano Prefecture, but it was originally built as a reservoir to secure agricultural water and was initially called “Yatsugatake Daiike.” Starting in 1950, the area began to be developed for tourism with the lake at its center. Numerous hotels and recreational facilities were constructed nearby, and it was soon renamed Shirakaba Lake. The eastern shore of the lake features a public amusement park, which includes an amusement arcade, a heated swimming pool, an onsen where you can bathe in your swimsuit, an art gallery, and a forest railway. In the green season, visitors can enjoy tennis, golf, horseback riding, and cycling, while winter offers activities such as ice skating and skiing—fun for both adults and children.

To the southeast of Shirakaba Lake lies the renowned mountain resort destination—Mount Yatsugatake. Many hiking trails have been established on the forested gentle slopes, and the area is highly accessible, attracting numerous hikers.

Lake Shirakaba

Must-visit reason: One of the most picturesque artificial lakes in Nagano Prefecture

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/state where the attraction is located: Nagano Prefecture [Nagano Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Chino City [Chino]