As summer approaches, Tateshina is beginning to reveal its seasonal charm.  

Located at an elevation of approximately 1,250 meters, thanks to low humidity the area around our hotel remains pleasantly comfortable even during the height of summer, allowing guests to enjoy a comfortably crisp atmosphere.

One of the features that makes this refreshing climate even more memorable is the abundance of beautiful waterscapes scattered throughout the region. Surrounded by forests, the area’s lakes and wetlands are among the most iconic symbols of Tateshina’s cool and tranquil atmosphere.

Nagano Prefecture is home to more than 100 lakes and ponds, each offering its own unique seasonal scenery.

Among them is Lake Suwa, the largest lake in the prefecture. It is widely known for the annual Lake Suwa Fireworks Display Festival, held every year on August 15, when spectacular displays over the water illuminate the summer night sky.

Another notable destination is Lake Nojiri in northern Nagano. Renowned for its intricate shoreline and picturesque islands, the lake is also recognized as one of Japan’s leading fossil excavation sites.

Among the many distinctive lakes scattered throughout the region, the most easily accessible for guests staying at our hotel is Lake Tateshina, located within walking distance of the property.

A Lake Born from Human Wisdom: An Agricultural Reservoir

Lake Tateshina was created in May 1952 as a warm-water reservoir for agricultural use. 

When people think of irrigation reservoirs, they often imagine ponds built to store water for farming in regions where river flows fluctuate with the seasons or where rivers run too swiftly. A well-known example can be found in Kagawa Prefecture, where relatively low rainfall and steep river gradients led to the construction of numerous reservoirs. Among them is Manno Reservoir, one of Japan’s largest agricultural irrigation reservoirs.

In the case of Lake Tateshina, its purpose extends beyond simply storing water as it was also designed to regulate water temperature.

In highland regions such as Tateshina, water flowing down from the mountains remains cold throughout the year, making it unsuitable for crop cultivation in its natural state.

To address this, people chose to dam the water, store it as a lake, and gradually warm it using sunlight.

Rather than resisting the forces of nature, the idea was to work in harmony with them. This philosophy lies at the very origin of the lake.

Interestingly, two other popular lakes in the Tateshina area, Lake Shirakaba and Lake Megami, share the same roots as man-made lakes. Like Manno Reservoir and Lake Tateshina, they were created through human effort, yet over time they have blended seamlessly with their natural surroundings, creating landscapes that appear as though they have existed there for centuries.

At first glance, these lakes may seem like tranquil features naturally nestled within the landscape. In reality, however, they stand as lasting reminders of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who have lived and worked in this region.

The Changing Beauty of the Lake Through the Seasons

Though Lake Tateshina is relatively small with a circumference of only about one kilometer, the tranquil waters of the lake reveal a remarkable variety of expressions throughout the day and across the seasons.

In the early morning, before many visitors arrive, the lake’s surface becomes as clear as a mirror, gently reflecting the surrounding trees and mountain scenery. A stroll through the crisp, refreshing air at this quiet hour offers a special moment of peace, far removed from the bustle of everyday life.

During the day, sunlight dances across the water, creating a beautiful contrast with the vibrant greens of the white birch and larch trees that frame the shoreline.

As evening approaches, the changing colors of the sky are reflected on the lake’s surface, and time seems to slow as the landscape gradually shifts into dusk.

In spring, cherry blossoms begin to bloom, followed by the vibrant greenery of early summer.
As autumn arrives, colorful foliage paints the lakeshore, while evening illuminations create a magical atmosphere.

During winter, the crisp air enhances the lake’s sense of tranquility, offering visitors a peaceful setting in which to relax.

The Continued Development of the Lake Tateshina Area

In recent years, the area surrounding Lake Tateshina has welcomed a number of new facilities, evolving into an even more attractive destination for visitors.

The transformation began with the opening of the roadside station Michi-no-Eki Venus Line Tateshina Lake in July 2020. In 2023, the multi-purpose complex Tateshina BASE opened nearby, featuring a tourist information counter, restaurants, and a day-use hot spring facility.

It is the perfect place to take a break while planning your next destination.

The tourist information corner also offers brochures and flyers, making it easy to gather information and discover more about the area during your visit.

Across the road from the lake, you will find the brewery and direct retail shop of Eight Peaks Brewing, a craft beer brand born in the Yatsugatake region. Here, visitors can enjoy aromatic beers that reflect the character of the area, carefully brewed using locally sourced ingredients and water.

One of Eight Peaks Brewing’s signature craft beers, “Matto Hop,” is also available in our guest rooms and restaurant.

The western foothills of Mount Yatsugatake are said to have been among the first areas where major Japanese breweries began cultivating hops around 80 years ago. Today, most of the beers produced at Eight Peaks Brewing continue to use hops grown in Chino City, with only a few exceptions.

The brewery is currently working toward an ambitious goal: producing beer made entirely with hops grown locally in Chino.

Incidentally, the name “Matto” comes from a regional dialect spoken in the Suwa area and means “more.”

EKAL is an apparel brand built around the concept, “Neither the sea nor the mountain, let’s head to the lake.”

The brand name is a coined word created by reversing the English word “LAKE.” Centered on the idea of spending time by the lakeside, EKAL proposes a lifestyle that gently bridges the gap between urban living and the natural world.

Operated by URBAN RESEARCH, a well-known Japanese select shop brand, EKAL offers a wide range of products, including outdoor apparel, camping equipment, and hiking gear.

Whether you are planning your next outdoor adventure or find yourself needing an essential item during your travels, EKAL is a convenient place to stop by.

Enjoying Lake Tateshina During Your Stay

Lake Tateshina is located just one minute from our hotel by car and approximately a 10-minute walk, making it an easy and convenient destination to visit during your stay.

Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore before breakfast and begin your day surrounded by the refreshing mountain air or immerse yourself in the lake’s tranquil atmosphere after a meal. The moments spent will surely become cherished memories. 

From summer through autumn, visitors can also enjoy a variety of water activities on and around the lake.

At Lake Tateshina Leisure Land, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including classic swan boats, canoes, and kayaks, making it an ideal destination for both children and adults to experience the natural beauty of Lake Tateshina.

One particularly unique activity available here is the “Amenbo Bicycle.” Named after the Japanese word for a water strider insect, this pedal-powered watercraft allows riders to glide across the lake while experiencing the refreshing sensation of floating on the water and feeling the cool breeze all around.

A minimum height of 140 cm is required for this activity. For those who qualify, we highly recommend adding it to your plan.

Visitors can also enjoy a SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) experience, an activity that has grown increasingly popular in recent years.

Perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, SUP is a refreshing way to explore the lake during your stay.

Surrounded by Tateshina’s pleasantly cool climate, spend a relaxing and liberating moment by the tranquil waters.

In addition, the area also offers a variety of land-based attractions, including go-karts, putter golf, and an outdoor trampoline zone.

The Charm of a Lake That Is “Just the Right Size”

With a circumference of approximately one kilometer, Lake Tateshina is just the right size for a walk without feeling rushed or fatigued. Its well-maintained walking paths feature gentle gradients, making them easily accessible for visitors of all ages.

On pleasant days, the lakeside comes alive with people enjoying the scenery in their own way, taking a stroll with a drink in hand, going for a run, or spending quality time with their pets. 

Since the area has not been overly commercialized, it offers ample space to quietly connect with nature. This sense of balance, neither too large nor too busy, is what makes Lake Tateshina so special.

In recent years, the addition of new facilities around the lake has also expanded the ways visitors can enjoy the area. 

Spend the day exploring Lake Tateshina, a destination where nature, history, and contemporary culture intertwine, before returning to our hotel to relax after enjoying the lakeside and its many activities.