Lake Shirakaba

Lake Shirakaba sits at about 1,500 meters in the hills of Chino, and the surrounding landscape shifts dramatically with the seasons. In summer, kayak and paddleboard rentals operate from the lakeside, and the birch forests around the shore stay green and cool. Autumn turns those same forests deep orange and red, and winter brings enough snow for cross-country skiing nearby. A cycling path loops around the water. The lake is small enough to walk around comfortably in about ninety minutes. Several cafes and small lodges sit along the shore, and the pace here is relaxed. It pairs well with Tateshina and Kirigamine as part of a highland Nagano itinerary.