The pristine waters of Sakuho – town
in the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake.
The pristine waters of Sakuho – town
in the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake.
The town of Sakuho lies on the eastern side of Nagano Prefecture, located in the center of Japan. The Chikuma River runs through the middle of the town, which extends to left and right of the river like a pair of wings as Mt. Yatsugatake to the west and Mt. Morai to the east solemnly watch over. A deep green, mossy forest spreads throughout the foothills of the mountains – this is where you will find the tranquil and pristine waters of Shirakoma Pond. The four seasons of the forest are painted with its wild flowers and many trees, including enormous Japanese horse chestnuts and groves of white birch. Nestled in the foothills below, the town of Sakuho is filled with the murmur of the water flowing from the old forest.
Shirakoma Pond|白駒の池
Crystal clear water
in the heart of the green forest
Shirakoma Pond, with its stunningly crystal clear water, is located in an old growth forest at the foothills of Mt. Kita-Yatsugatake. It is the largest lake that can be found above an elevation of 2,100 meters in Japan and it boasts a 5.8-meter degree of water transparency. On a calm, sunny day, the surface of the pond transforms into a mirror, reflecting the surrounding forest and the sky above. The lake presumably got its name from a tragic legend that tells of a young girl who disappeared into Shirakoma Pond together with her white horse (Shirakoma literally means "white foal"). From the parking lot, it is a 15-minute walk through the forest to reach the lake. In the old growth forest surrounding the lake, you will find trees that are hundreds of years old such as Japanese hemlock, spruces, and Veitch's silver fir, with a carpet of green moss covering the forest floor below. The woodlands are constantly displaying delightful colors for us to enjoy, starting from the pink, fringed iwakagami flowers which begin to appear in the late spring, to the deep red berries of the Japanese rowan that show themselves in the fall. The path through the trees is well kept, so you can enjoy the magnificence of the deep forest without any worries. For those planning to climb Mt. Yatsugatake or go trekking in the area, Shirakoma Pond is also a great spot to energize yourself before a long day of hiking.
Kokenomori (Moss Forest)|苔の森
Envelop yourself in the moist,
calming air of the old growth forest
The forest surrounding Shirakoma Pond is covered in a beautiful, deep green blanket of moss. Abundant in moisture, approximately 485 different kinds of moss are spread about the forest floor. You would be pressed to find a more beautiful, mossy ecosystem anywhere else in Japan. There are 10 special named locations in the forest around the pond where you can see the different mosses and unique parts of the woodland environment. We highly encourage you to bring your magnifying glass to take an up-close look at various “faces” of the mosses growing here! Each species has its own characteristic colors and shape, but even more importantly, is the special niche where each kind of moss grows. Don’t forget to breathe in the clean forest air as you enjoy the relaxing walk beneath the trees. In 2008, the Moss Forest in the old growth forest around Shirakoma Pond was the 11th site in Japan designated as a National Bryophyte Heritage Site by the Bryological Society of Japan. To prevent getting lost or damaging the fragile plants, please make sure you stay on the designated trails when walking in the Moss Forest. This helps ensure the precious ecosystem is protected and remains here for us to enjoy for years to come.
White Birch Groves|白樺群生地
See the colorful beauty of
the white birch forest
Located in the gentle foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, the Yachiho Highlands are situated on the northeast side of the mountain. The highlands were formed long ago by volcanic activity and now there are an estimated 500,000 white birch trees growing on the highlands' expansive 200-hectare area. The birch trees grow in neat rows, and with their brilliant white bark and pleasantly rustling, light green leaves, they create a beautiful and bright forest. In May, Japanese azaleas paint the forest understory in a purplish-red hue beneath the birches. In fact, you will find several kinds of azaleas in Yachiho’s woodlands including the yamatsutsuji, rengetsutsuji, togokumitsuba, and dodantsutsuji varieties. Mongolian oaks and Japanese larches also grow around the white birch forest where you will hear the bustling songs of wild birds echoing throughout the trees. From the first spring green buds of the trees, the color of the forest transforms into a deeper green hue as wild grasses and flowers like the Japanese primrose and the benibana ichiyakuso flowers begin to emerge. As the season fades into fall, the forest gradually turns into a remarkable golden yellow color and the air is filled with the gentle sounds of the leaves falling to the ground. Once the leaves are gone and the sky stretches out before us, it is a sure sign that winter has come. Again, the color of the forest changes, showcasing the vivid contrast of the deep blue winter sky and the snow-covered white birch grove. As each season moves into the next, you can truly enjoy the dynamic beauty of nature in the white forest of the Yachiho Highlands.
Access
- You can also use the Chubu Odan Expressway,
which has been open to traffic up to the Saku South Interchange since March 26, 2011. - Please use travel times as a rough estimate.
Yachiho Taxi TEL:0267-88-2064
Vacation Home Administration Building | Campground | Nature Park | Shirakoma Pond | Mugikusa Pass | Chino Sta | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Depart Yachiho Sta | 4,000yen | 5,000yen | 5,500yen | 8,600yen | 9,500yen | 22,000yen |
Haguroshita Taxi TEL:0267-86-2062
Genkigaderu Par | Mt.Morai Makisawa Entrance | Kirikubosawa Entrance | Koya Dam | Otome Forest Bungalow Village | Jikkoku Pass | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Depart Haguroshita Sta | 1,100yen | 3,300yen | 3,500yen | 4,000yen | 5,500yen | 7,000yen |
Please note that taxi fares are estimates. Actual fares may differ.
Haguroshita Taxi | TEL.0267-86-2062 |
---|---|
Yachiho Taxi | TEL.0267-88-2064 |
Chikuma Bus, Inc. | TEL.0267-26-2600 http://www.chikuma-bus.com/ |
Chikuma Bus, Inc., Nozawa Office | TEL.0267-92-0807 |
Suwa Bus | TEL.0266-57-3000 |
Suwa Bus Chino Office | TEL.0266-72-7141 There is also a bus from Mugikusa Pass to Chino Station. |
Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway | TEL.0266-67-2009 |