Shirakaba Resort & Lake: A year-round destination for families

At an altitude of more than 1,400 m in the mountains of Nagano, on the shores of Lake Shirakabako, Shirakaba Resort is more than just an amusement park. It is a place where spectacular nature, family activities, seasonal flowers, spa relaxation and lake recreation come together. Whether you’re visiting in spring, summer, fall, or winter, this resort offers rich and varied experiences that suit all ages and paces.

Spectacular Colour in Nagano’s Highlands

A natural setting that changes with the seasons

Lake Shirakabako and its surroundings are a living canvas that evolves with the seasons. In spring, nature awakens: the hills turn green, the woods come alive and walks around the lake or by bike allow you to enjoy the fresh air and the peaceful mountain ambience. Summer is a great time for families looking to escape the heat of the plains. Here, the average temperature remains mild, around 26 °C, with many activities on the lake to enjoy.

At Lakeside Park, you can try fun water activities such as SUP, kayaking, aqua biking, or pedal boat rides, allowing you to explore the lake in different and relaxing ways. Autumn brings a spectacle of flamboyant colours: the trees are adorned with orange, red and yellow. The late-season light gives the lake a fairytale quality. In winter, the lake turns into a snowy landscape suitable for winter activities thanks to the nearby ski resorts.

A floral palette that enchants the eyes

The Lakeside Garden is a particularly photogenic space where more than 30 species of flowers bloom according to the seasons. It creates colourful panoramas by the lake. In early summer, nikkōkisuge (yellow mountain lilies) appear, illuminating the meadows with a soft yellow. At the height of summer, more than 100,000 lilies cover the slopes, offering an impressive floral spectacle. In autumn, cosmos, autumn crocuses and other late blooms accompany the season. In addition to the flowers, you can admire the 1,000 golden acacia trees that change hue from the soft green of spring to the bright golden of autumn.

Outdoor Fun for Every Age

Lake and outdoor activities

Lake Shirakabako is not just a backdrop: it is a natural playground. In the summer, visitors can take advantage of canoe rentals to glide gently across the water and feel the lake breeze. The Lakeside Park area also offers SUP, kayaking, and pedal boat stations that turn a simple afternoon into a gentle and friendly adventure on the water. For those who prefer to stay dry, there are also barbecue and grill areas by the lake. As well as quieter areas around a fire or in a sauna tent for a more immersive experience.

Leisure and attractions for the whole family

At the heart of Shirakaba Resort is Familyland, an amusement and leisure park, designed for families. Here, attractions such as the Adventure Cart, the Railway Forest, the Merry-Go-Round, and the Adventure Canoe which follows a short, fast-moving stretch of water, offering easy-going thrills for all ages. The Wakuwaku Animal Kingdom, with its otters, meerkats and other small animals, offers memorable interactions and learning opportunities for children.

Pool, onsen and year-round comfort

Shirakaba Resort is not limited to outdoor activities. Visitors are welcomed throughout the year thanks to its hot springs and spa facilities. Most of the resorts in the area, such as the Ikenotaira Hotel, have heated pools and onsen (hot springs) where you can relax after a day of activities, even in winter. These wellness areas are perfect for families, as they offer separate areas for children and adults, as well as some outdoor baths with views of the lake or mountains.

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A multi-faceted place to live all year round

Shirakaba Resort is a complete destination: outdoor recreation, water recreation, amusement park, thriving nature, relaxation and comfort. Whatever the season, each offers a different perspective on this alpine landscape: from flowery spring to lively summer, from colourful autumn to white winter, every visit becomes a new discovery.

Getting to Shirakaba Resort & Lake :

By Direct Resort Shuttle Bus (Easiest from Tokyo/Nagoya)

If you are staying at the Ikenotaira Hotel, the resort operates dedicated, round-trip shuttle buses from major transit hubs.

From Tokyo (Shinjuku): Departs daily from the Shinjuku Center Building at 9:30 AM and arrives at the resort by 1:00 PM. It costs ¥3,000 one-way or ¥6,000 round-trip.
From Nagoya: A direct hotel shuttle also runs from the Taikoudori Exit of Nagoya Station.
From Sakudaira Station: If you book your stay directly through the 8 Peaks Resort website, you can access a free guest shuttle from Sakudaira Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen line).

By Train and Local Bus (Most Flexible)

You can take the train to a nearby station and transfer to a local scenic bus line.

Take the Train: Ride the JR Chuo Line Limited Express (Azusa) to JR Chino Station.
Transfer to the Bus: Go to the West Exit Bus Stop #3 at Chino Station.
Ride to the Resort: Board the Alpico Bus on the Shirakaba-ko & Kurumayama Kogen Line. The ride takes roughly 45 to 50 minutes. Get off at either the Nishi-Shirakabako (West), Minami-Shirakabako (South), or Higashi-Shirakabako (East/Hotel front) bus stops depending on your exact resort facility

By Car

Driving allows you to explore the famous Venus Line driving route surrounding the lake.

Via Joshinetsu Expressway: Exit at the Saku IC or Saku Minami IC and drive for about 50 minutes to reach the lake.

Via Chuo Expressway: Exit at the Suwa IC or Suwa Minami IC. Follow Route 20 to Route 152 up the mountains directly to Lake Shirakaba. The drive from either exit takes about 30 to 40 minutes.