![[Minamisaku District, Nagano Prefecture] A great touring spot to visit by motorcycle | Be enveloped in a lush green world of](https://motopeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2463-1760839628193.jpg)
Shirakome Pond is located near Mugisawa Pass on National Route 299 (Fairy Tale Highway).
This time, we’ll be showcasing the unique scenery of a mystical primeval forest and moss-covered wetlands. The address and coordinates below indicate the Shirakome Pond Entrance Paid Parking Lot (No. 1), located on the right-hand side of National Route 299’s Fairy Tale Highway, heading from Sakuho Town toward Chino City. It’s approximately 600 meters from Mugikusa Pass, the highest point on the highway. Motorcycle parking is available for ¥200. The site features public restrooms (¥50) and a souvenir shop. Leave your motorcycle here and cross the road into the deep greenery. You’ll pass Shirakome Okuniwa, Shirakome Forest, and the Seitaiso Tent Site before reaching Shirakome Pond. Enjoy easy trekking on the well-maintained walking trails.
The surrounding area is covered in a primeval forest hundreds of years old, with moss covering the entire area like a green carpet. The cool highland air, mystical scenery, and the beautiful surface of Shirakome Pond reflect the surrounding scenery like a mirror. Enjoy a truly forest bathing experience. The lush greenery of the marshlands, a sight rarely seen in everyday life, is soothing. The
Fairy Tale Highway, with its moderately winding roads, is also a pleasant motorcycle ride. The highest point (Mugikusa Pass) is 2,127 meters above sea level. It’s cool even in summer. Looking out over the surrounding area, Lake Matsubara and Nobeyama, known as the highest point on the JR line, are located to the east, and Kiyosato, home to Seisen Ryo, is about a 50-minute drive (approximately 40 km). Lake Shirakaba and Lake Suwa are located to the west, offering a wide variety of touring options, including accommodation and hot springs. Take the local roads or take the Chuo Expressway for a leisurely tour of the area. We recommend gathering information and planning your trip in advance using the URL below.
A mysterious landscape with forests hundreds of years old and over 500 species of moss.
The “Mononoke Forest” on the east side of Shirakome Pond is surrounded by deep greenery.
There are said to be as many as 519 species of moss living here.
You can see a wide variety of moss, including mushrooms.
The mysterious natural lake, Shirakome Pond.
Shirakome Pond is known as the largest natural lake in Japan located at high altitudes (over 2,100m above sea level).
Shirakome Pond with the Yatsugatake Mountains in the background.
Excerpted from the Shirakome no Sato brochure.
Nagano Prefecture Sakuho Town Tourism Association Official Website
URL: https://yachiho-kogen.jp/article/shirakomanoike/
Nagano Prefecture, Minamisaku District, Sakuho Town, Hachigun Fairy Tale Road (approximately 30 minutes by car from Matsubarako Station on the JR Koumi Line / approximately 19.5km)
