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You won’t find it in guidebooks, yet it captivates the hearts of those who visit. This breathtaking view lies deep in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture.
Its name is “Hakuryu Lake.” With its mystical blue surface, this small lake rests quietly in untouched nature, offering a stunningly beautiful and serene landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore the secrets behind the lake’s beauty, how to access it, where to park, and how to enjoy it—based on our first-hand visit.
“Looks amazing, but how do I get there?”
“What kind of scenery can I expect?”
This guide answers these questions and more, providing essential information to help you plan your visit.
Hakuryu Lake is a small body of water located in the mountainous region of Tsuno Town, Takaoka District, Kochi Prefecture. Formed by mineral-rich spring water filtered through limestone, it’s known for its emerald-green or bluish hues that shimmer when sunlight reflects off the surface. On clear days, the lake glows like a gem, and in winter, it takes on a mysteriously pale appearance.
The area is not developed as a tourist spot. Managed locally with minimal facilities, it’s a hidden gem known only to a few—where visitors can enjoy remarkable clarity and vibrant colors in complete tranquility.
The brilliant blue hue of Hakuryu Lake results from several natural factors.
One key element is its remarkable clarity. The water, filtered over many years through underground limestone layers from the Shimanto River, is incredibly pure and transparent.
Another factor is the limestone lakebed. When sunlight hits the bottom, the pale rock reflects the light, and the refraction through the water makes it appear blue or emerald green to the human eye.
The water itself isn’t actually blue. It’s an optical illusion created by light refraction and reflection in clear water.
The lake’s color also changes with the weather, seasons, and time of day. On sunny days, it glows vividly blue, while in winter, it takes on a soft, whitish hue. Every visit offers a new expression of its charm.
If you’re using public transportation, the Tsuno Town Community Bus stops at Nakashirasuna, right in front of the lake entrance.
However, buses run only a few times a day, every two hours, and not every day. For this reason, most visitors reach Hakuryu Lake by car or motorcycle.
Here are two recommended driving routes—from Shikoku Karst and Kochi City.
This route starts from the eastern edge of the scenic Shikoku Karst “Sky Path” and descends southward through mountain roads. Although the distance is short, the winding roads require cautious driving.
Exit at Susaki-Chuo IC on the Kochi Expressway and follow National Routes 197 and 439. While the roads are generally well-maintained, the latter part includes winding mountain paths, so drive with care.
Along the way, you’ll find Michi - no - Eki Fusegasaka, a roadside station where you can enjoy local specialties and sweets.
There are two parking spaces at Hakuryu Lake, each with a different use.
One is a small lot near the entrance, suitable for motorcycles or temporary parking for compact cars.
While convenient for quick stops, this lot may be crowded during peak times. In such cases, it’s best to use the larger lot nearby.
The second is a larger parking lot located within a 1-minute walk from the lake entrance. Spacious enough for large vehicles like vans, this lot is the preferred choice for most visitors.
Even if you park in the larger lot, it’s less than a minute’s walk to the lake. It’s also easier to turn your car around when leaving, making this the recommended option.
At the entrance of Hakuryu Lake, a large wooden statue of “Yosaku Tanuki” greets visitors. For first-time visitors, this serves as a helpful landmark.
Beside the statue is a simple signboard. Follow the path to reach the unmanned reception area, where you place a ¥100 maintenance fee in a donation box. No staff is present.
After donating, you can take home a small handcrafted souvenir made using stones from the Shimanto River.
From the reception, a stone-paved path gently slopes downward. Surrounded by forest, the quiet walk gradually reveals glimpses of the blue lake through the trees.
It’s only about 150 meters from the entrance to the lake. While special gear isn’t required, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
At Hakuryu Lake, you’ll find a stunning view where emerald-green water and the surrounding green forest create a peaceful harmony. Though not large, the lake offers moments of quiet and immersive beauty.
Up close, the lake’s transparency is astonishing. You can see the bottom clearly. Depending on the sunlight and cloud cover, the lake changes color—deep blue on sunny days, pale green on overcast days, and milky white in winter. These shifting hues are unique to this place.
Koi fish swim in the lake, especially visible in shallow areas. Their vibrant colors moving through the crystal-clear water resemble a living aquarium.
A suspension bridge crosses the lake—another highlight. From the bridge, you can look down at the entire lake, reflections of the trees, and even the shapes of stones beneath the surface.
If you pause on the bridge and look out, you’ll see ripples on the water from the wind and glimmers of light. When the wind stops, the entire lake reflects the scenery like a mirror—a view straight out of a painting.
There are no benches or facilities, but the path around the lake is well-maintained. A loop around the lake takes just a few minutes, and each vantage point offers a new scenic perspective.
Hakuryu Lake is an undiscovered gem, not heavily developed for tourism. But that’s what makes it so special. The blue lake formed by limestone and pure spring water, the silence of the forest, and unspoiled nature create a rare and moving experience.
This beauty is preserved thanks to the careful maintenance and love from local residents. As visitors, we should treat the area with the same respect and appreciation.
There are no flashy attractions or abundant facilities here—but that’s precisely why the views feel so authentic. For those seeking photogenic scenery or moments of quiet beauty, Hakuryu Lake offers an unforgettable experience.
It’s also conveniently close to Shikoku Karst, making it a great addition to your trip.
If you’re traveling through Ehime or Kochi, don’t miss this “blue sanctuary.”
