Shidaka Lake

Gorgeous lake with autumn colours. The swans and ducks and fish were very cute. We saw many people camping as well! The scenery makes you feel really calm and it’s easy for old people to access as the steps are very flat.

Tranquility is the word to describe Lake Shidaka. An excellent place for couples, family and kids to pitch a tent, have a picnic and enjoy the cherry blossoms, magnolias, etc and water creatures like swans and carps. Good to wear a windcheater as the wind was very strong. :)

A very serene, clean, and beautiful lake. Very accessible by car from either Beppu or Yufuin. Beautiful scenery, free entry and free parking fee. The boat rental fee is ¥1,100 for 30 minutes and you can buy packed food for the swans and koi fish for ¥200. Recommended for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway, walking their dogs, or camping with friends/family.

The lake had a lot of wildlife including swans, ducks, and fish, which is impressive considering we visited in February. It was peaceful and quiet when we arrived around 0800. We took a hike on the Beppu Higashiyama Trail which was previously one of the Kyushu Olles before it was removed from the list. The hike itself was good (13 km) and we arrived back around 1300. By then, more people had arrived and they were grilling and clearly enjoying being outside. It seems like it’s be a great place to camp with bathrooms (no showers) available. There’s a little shop and a ropes course company called Forest Adventures. Recommend checking it out in the spring as I’m sure it’s beautiful out there.

Shidaka lake is one of the best lake that I have visited till now. Lake Shidaka is a small mountain lake in Oita prefecture about halfway between Beppu and Yufuin and it is part of the Aso Kuju National Park. Lake Shidaka is a popular destination for who like to do the rent a paddle boat and cruise the water pedaling a boat resembling a giant swan with their feet or for people who simply want to feed the abundant carp. This place is perfect to visit in almost all kind of climate. Here we can also do camping bbq (all materials must bring yourself). You can also feed fish and swan. Among all seasons personally I like autumn and spring. I autumn you can found lots of maple which are very beautiful and in spring you can enjoy the Sakura (national flower of Japan). This place is very perfect to those people who loves the nature and wants to be close to the nature and also best of the meditation. The price of boating is 1100 yen for boat and can ride for 30 min and adding 100 yen also get food for fish and swan. If you are visiting beppu or yufuin you must visit this place.