Shidakako Lake
1 / 10

Lake Shidaka

4.3
·822 reviews·Beppu, Japan

A tranquil oasis offering serene lake views, wildlife encounters, and recreational activities like paddle boating and camping.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Shidakako Lake

Lake Shidaka

Best Time

Spring mornings

Cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil oasis offering serene lake views, wildlife encounters, and recreational activities like paddle boating and camping.

4.3
(822 reviews)

"Peaceful place. Not crowded with tourists. Locals go here for a little walk, sitting under the tree, enjoying surroundings."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Small Change

Carry 100 yen coins for fish food to feed the swans and koi! :moneybag:

Wear Layers

The wind can be strong, so a windcheater is recommended. :wind_face:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 822 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serene Lake Views

Serene Lake Views

Gaze upon the tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. A perfect spot for quiet contemplation.

Wildlife Feeding

Wildlife Feeding

Feed the charming swans and vibrant koi fish for an interactive and memorable experience.

Paddle Boat Adventures

Paddle Boat Adventures

Glide across the calm waters in a paddle boat, enjoying the picturesque scenery from a unique vantage point.

Camping Under the Stars

Camping Under the Stars

Pitch a tent and spend a night surrounded by nature's tranquility, with designated camping sites available.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace Tranquility

Lake Shidaka offers a peaceful escape with ample space for picnics and relaxation. It's a favorite spot for locals seeking quiet enjoyment, making it less crowded than typical tourist hotspots. Plan for a leisurely day to truly soak in the serene atmosphere.

Animal Encounters & Activities

Bring small change for fish food (100 yen) to delight the swans and koi. Paddle boats are available for rent, offering a unique perspective of the lake and its inhabitants. Western-style restrooms are also on-site for convenience.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant fall foliage paints the landscape
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy maximum peace and quiet
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Destination of the Week: Oita, Japan 🇯🇵 1. Begin your journey in Beppu, the hot spring capital of Japan, easily reached from Oita Airport. Local buses and taxis make it simple to explore every onsen district. 2. Witness the otherworldly Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) - from the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku to the crimson Chinoike Jigoku and the bubbling mud pools of Oniishibozu Jigoku. These geothermal wond...
@skyscanner
84.1K likes • 3.2M views

Bring Small Change

Carry 100 yen coins for fish food to feed the swans and koi! :moneybag:

Wear Layers

The wind can be strong, so a windcheater is recommended. :wind_face:

Who wants to see the hot spring capital of the world? ♨️ Beppu is the most unique city we have EVER visited and you MUST see this place at least once! 📍Beppu Seven Hells 📍Hyotan Onsen (world’s first Michelin onsen) 📍Jigokumushikobo Kannawa (🔥 steamed cuisine) 📍Okamotoya (Onsen steamed pudding restaurant) #beppu #kyushu #japan #travelgoals #japantrip #japan🇯🇵 #travelling
@hangrybynature
25.4K likes • 351.5K views
📍Shidaka Lake, Japan🇯🇵 #Japan #visitjapan #adventures #culture #city #scenery #food #landscapes #discover #explore #photography #holiday #travel #wanderlust #lovenature #nature #followmyjourney #hike #explorejapan #summerinjapan #roadtrip #livelaughlove #liveyourbestlife #visitjapanAU #japanrevealed #wildlife #waterfalls #lakes
emcgallerytd
0 likes • 295 views

Parking Pointers

Parking can be a bit confusing; look for signs near the Forest Adventure area. 🚗

Easy Access

The paths are very flat, making it accessible for elderly visitors and families with young children. 👶

Lake Shidaka is a charming and picturesque location in Oita prefecture, Japan. Situated roughly halfway between Beppu and Yufuin, and being part of the Aso Kuju National Park, it likely offers beautiful natural surroundings and recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The 2km walk around the lake provides a leisurely way to explore the area on foot, taking in the scenery and enjoying the tr...
japan.voyage
0 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Small Change

Carry 100 yen coins for fish food to feed the swans and koi! :moneybag:

Wear Layers

The wind can be strong, so a windcheater is recommended. :wind_face:

Parking Pointers

Parking can be a bit confusing; look for signs near the Forest Adventure area. 🚗

Easy Access

The paths are very flat, making it accessible for elderly visitors and families with young children. 👶

Picnic Perfect

Ideal spot for picnics with plenty of grassy areas and benches. :sandwich:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(822 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lake Shidaka for its exceptional tranquility and natural beauty, highlighting the peaceful atmosphere ideal for picnics and relaxation. The opportunity to feed the swans and koi, along with paddle boating, adds interactive fun. While parking can be confusing, the accessible paths and available restrooms make it a comfortable experience for all.

"Nice lake with lots of roaming/picnic spaces. There are camping sites surrounding the lakes too. We paddled the boat in the lake and the swans and kois surrounded us. It was a nice experience and the view from the lake to the mountain was exquisite. The boat ride was 1000 yen and the car park was free. There's also a fish food dispenser near the "jetty" at 100 yen."

Jeffrey Yong

"Peaceful place. Not crowded with tourists. Locals go here for a little walk, sitting under the tree, enjoying surroundings with a cup of tea and biscuits. From the bus stop at the T-junction near a little farm shop, you need to walk around 800m to the lake."

Wewey Heuw

"The lake is beautiful, and it has a large amount of coy fish and swans. They have a feeding area for the animals, if you pay 100yen you can get food for them. They also have paddle boats and good restrooms with western toilets available.
The parking is a little confusing, we ended up having to park by the forest adventure place. I would've loved a walking path around the lake. They just have grass and benches. The grass was a nice change though. Overall I really enjoyed our visit."

Faith Minter

What People Like

Peaceful and tranquil atmosphere
Wildlife feeding opportunities
Scenic lake and mountain views

What People Dislike

Confusing parking situation
Lack of a full lake walking path

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From the bus stop at the T-junction near a little farm shop, it's about an 800m walk to the lake. Taxis are also an option, though parking can be a bit confusing. Reddit

Yes, you can reach the vicinity by bus. From the nearest bus stop, a short walk will lead you to the lake. Reddit

While public transport is an option, driving might offer more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Reddit

While Lake Shidaka is known for its tranquility, the Beppu area, famous for its hot springs, is relatively nearby and worth exploring. TikTok+1

Parking can be a bit confusing; some visitors have parked near the Forest Adventure place. It's advisable to look for clear signage. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee for Lake Shidaka itself. However, activities like paddle boat rentals and fish food dispensers have associated costs. Reddit

Paddle boat rentals are typically around 1000 yen. Reddit

Yes, there's a fish food dispenser near the jetty for 100 yen, allowing you to feed the swans and koi. Reddit

Operating hours for paddle boats are not explicitly stated but are generally available during daylight hours when the park is open. It's best to check on arrival.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, making it a great spot for a leisurely meal. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy picnicking, walking, paddle boating, and feeding the local wildlife like swans and koi. Camping is also popular. Reddit+1

Absolutely! It's a peaceful place with flat paths, making it easy for kids and elderly visitors. Feeding the animals is a highlight for children. Reddit

Yes, there are good restrooms available, including western-style toilets for visitor convenience. Reddit

Currently, there isn't a complete walking path around the lake; the experience is more focused on the grassy areas and benches by the shore. Reddit

Expect beautiful lake views with surrounding mountains, especially stunning during spring with cherry blossoms and magnolias, or autumn with vibrant foliage. Reddit

🎫 🏕️ Camping & Facilities

Yes, Lake Shidaka features camping sites, making it an excellent destination for an overnight stay surrounded by nature. Reddit

While specific details on camping facilities are limited, the presence of good restrooms suggests basic amenities are available for campers. Reddit

Information on camping fees is not readily available, but it's generally a low-cost or free activity in many Japanese natural parks. It's advisable to inquire locally.

Bring your tent, sleeping gear, and any cooking equipment if you plan to prepare meals. Also, pack layers as the weather can change. Reddit

Specific barbecue facilities are not mentioned, but many campers bring their own portable grills. Check local regulations before use.

You may also like

Lake Shidaka (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide