Elder Lake (Shichikashuku Town, Miyagi Prefecture) Complete Guide: The Charm and How to Enjoy This Mystical Lake Reflecting Mount Wasurenaizuki
Elder Lake, located in Shichikashuku Town, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture, is a quiet lake spreading at the foot of Mount Wasurenaizuki, a famous peak of the Zao Mountain Range. Situated at an altitude of approximately 500 meters, the lake’s surface of about 2 kilometers in circumference reflects the figures of mountains through the four seasons, continuing to captivate visitors. This article provides a thorough introduction to the charm of this beautiful lake, from its history and highlights to access methods and surrounding tourist spots.
Elder Lake: History and Origins
Elder Lake was originally a small marsh, but was expanded as a water source for power generation and now has a circumference of about 2 kilometers. Located at the foot of Mount Wasurenaizuki (elevation 1,705 meters) of the Zao Mountain Range, this lake spreading around 500 meters elevation forms a beautiful landscape where nature and human effort are in harmony.
There are various theories about the origin of the name “Elder Lake,” but it is said to be named after respected elders in the region who cherished this place long ago. Today, it is known as a representative tourist spot of Shichikashuku Town and as a shooting location beloved by nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Role as a Power Generation Dam
Elder Lake is not merely a tourist destination but also an important water source supporting the region’s power supply. Due to its expansion for power generation, the lake’s water level is properly managed, maintaining a stable and beautiful lake surface. This human element and natural environment harmonize wonderfully, creating landscapes rich with change throughout the four seasons.
The Appeal of Elder Lake: Spectacular Views Throughout the Seasons
The greatest charm of Elder Lake is undoubtedly the figure of Mount Wasurenaizuki reflected on the lake surface. On calm, windless days, the surrounding mountains and sky are reflected on the lake surface like a mirror, allowing you to see the fantastical “inverted Mount Wasurenaizuki.”
Spring to Early Summer: Season of Fresh Greenery
From late April to June, Elder Lake and its surroundings are enveloped in vibrant fresh greenery. The lake, increased in water volume from snowmelt, gains transparency, and the sight of young leaves’ green reflected on the lake surface is filled with refreshing coolness. The temperature during this period is also mild, making it an ideal season for hiking along the walking paths. Broad-leaved trees such as Japanese beeches and Mongolian oaks bud forth, allowing visitors to enjoy forest bathing while walking.
Summer: Elder Lake as a Summer Retreat
Elder Lake, positioned at 500 meters elevation, is an excellent summer retreat where one can spend time comfortably even in summer. The temperature is approximately 5-7 degrees Celsius lower than the lowlands, and you can spend even the height of summer comfortably. Around the lake shore surrounded by deep greenery, you can see families enjoying boating and picnicking.
In the summer at Elder Lake, morning mist sometimes creates fantastical scenery. The sight of Mount Wasurenaizuki gradually appearing from the lake surface enveloped in morning mist is truly a mystical sight. It has become a particularly popular time slot for photography enthusiasts.
Autumn: A Famous Autumn Foliage Destination
Elder Lake sees the greatest number of tourists during the autumn foliage season. Typically from mid-October to mid-November, the mountains surrounding the lake are dyed red, yellow, and orange, and the sight of autumn foliage reflected on the lake surface is breathtakingly beautiful.
The best time for foliage viewing varies subtly depending on altitude and tree species, with the peak season from late October to early November. The gradation woven by beeches, maples, and oaks presents a different appearance depending on when you visit. On fine days in particular, you can enjoy the “triple masterpiece” of blue sky, autumn foliage, and Mount Wasurenaizuki all reflected on the lake surface.
Winter: A Silent White World
In winter, Elder Lake is covered in snow, and while fewer people visit, you can experience a mystical atmosphere enveloped in silence. The lake surface sometimes freezes, and the contrast between the snow-covered Mount Wasurenaizuki and the white lake surface is beautiful like ink wash painting. However, in winter, heavy snow and road surface icing can make access difficult, so sufficient preparation and care are necessary when visiting.
Ways to Enjoy Elder Lake
Strolling Along the Walking Path
A well-maintained walking path circles the perimeter of Elder Lake. The course, which is about 2 kilometers around, takes approximately 40-50 minutes to walk slowly and is an easy walking course. The path is relatively flat and easy to walk, and families with children and elderly people can enjoy the stroll with peace of mind.
Along the walking path, several viewpoints are set up where you can gaze at the lake surface, allowing you to enjoy Elder Lake’s scenery from different angles. In particular, from the east side of the lake, you can view Mount Wasurenaizuki directly in front, making it an excellent photography spot.
Boating
At Elder Lake, you can rent a boat and enjoy the scenery from the lake (seasonal operations). The experience of slowly proceeding on the quiet lake surface surrounded by mountains offers a precious opportunity to feel Elder Lake’s nature from a completely different perspective than from land.
The view of Mount Wasurenaizuki from the boat is impressive, and you can enjoy a unique landscape where your reflection on the lake surface and the surrounding scenery become one. It is an ideal activity for families or couples to spend leisurely time together.
As a Photography Spot
Elder Lake is known as one of the top photography spots in Miyagi Prefecture. Particularly during the autumn foliage season and early morning when mist appears, many photographers visit.
Recommended Photography Points:
- Viewpoint area on the east side of the lake: A standard spot where Mount Wasurenaizuki can be captured directly
- Wooden deck along the walking path: Allows photography from a position close to the lake surface
- High ground on the north side of the lake: Allows a composition overlooking the entire lake
- View from Yamabiko Suspension Bridge: Can overlook both Yokogawa Gorge and Elder Lake
Early morning and evening when there is no wind, the lake surface becomes quiet like a mirror, making it ideal for reflection photography. When using a tripod, be considerate of other tourists so as not to disturb them.
Yokogawa Gorge and Yamabiko Suspension Bridge
About 15 minutes’ walk (about 10 minutes by car) from Elder Lake is the “Yamabiko Suspension Bridge” spanning Yokogawa Gorge. This suspension bridge boasts a length of 120 meters and height of 20 meters, making it one of the largest suspension bridges in the Tohoku region, and is a spot you’ll want to visit as a set with Elder Lake sightseeing.
The Appeal of Yamabiko Suspension Bridge
From Yamabiko Suspension Bridge, you can get a panoramic view of the beautiful Yokogawa Gorge landscape spreading below. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the entire gorge is dyed red and yellow, and the view looking down from the suspension bridge is spectacular. As the bridge’s name suggests, if you speak on the bridge, echoes resound through the mountains, allowing you to experience a sense of unity with nature.
The bridge has moderate swaying and offers thrills, but care is necessary for those who are afraid of heights. From the center of the bridge, you can also view the Elder Lake direction, making it a luxurious viewpoint where you can enjoy both lake and gorge.
The Nature of Yokogawa Gorge
Yokogawa Gorge is a beautiful gorge where clear water flows, with a walking path maintained. Along the gorge, there are falls and pools of various sizes, where you can enjoy forest bathing full of negative ions. In the season of fresh greenery, vibrant green adorns the gorge, and in the autumn foliage season, flaming red colors the gorge.
Tourist Spots Around Elder Lake
If you visit Elder Lake, be sure to tour other tourist spots in Shichikashuku Town.
Namikaze Falls
“Namikaze Falls,” a representative waterfall of Shichikashuku Town, is located about 20 minutes by car from Elder Lake. The sight of water cascading down in a two-step waterfall about 30 meters wide and 10 meters high is breathtaking, and it is also called “Two-Story Falls.” A walking path has been maintained near the falls, allowing you to feel the water spray up close. During the autumn foliage season, the collaboration of the falls and autumn leaves is magnificent.
Shichikashuku Dam
About 15 minutes north of Elder Lake is Shichikashuku Dam, an important water source for Sendai City and southern Miyagi Prefecture. The dam lake, called Shichikashuku Lake, is a vast artificial lake with a circumference of about 31 kilometers, and parks and observation platforms have been developed along its shores. The view from the dam body is also wonderful, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall.
Michi no Eki (Roadside Station) Shichikashuku
At this roadside station in the center of Shichikashuku Town, you can purchase fresh local agricultural products and specialty items. You can taste hand-pulled soba made with locally-produced soba flour and dishes using local vegetables at the restaurant, making it an ideal rest spot during your sightseeing.
Access Information
Access by Car
Car access to Elder Lake is the most convenient.
From the Tohoku Expressway:
- About 50 minutes (about 30 kilometers) from Shiroishi IC via National Route 4, Prefectural Route 254, and Prefectural Route 51
- About 60 minutes from Murata IC via Prefectural Route 51
From the Yamagata direction:
- Accessible from National Route 113 via Prefectural Route 51
If you enter “Elder Lake” or “Shichikashuku Town, Choji, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture” into a car navigation system or smartphone map application, you will be guided there.
Access by Public Transportation
If using public transportation, the route is as follows:
- Get off at “Shiroishi Station” on the JR Tohoku Main Line
- Take the town-operated bus (heading to Shichikashuku Town Office) for about 80 minutes, and get off at “Shichikashuku Town Office”
- Transfer to the town-operated bus (Elder Lake direction) and get off at “Elder Lake East,” then walk about 10 minutes
However, the number of town-operated buses is limited, and the number of operations decreases particularly on holidays and in winter, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance. Temporary buses may operate during the sightseeing season.
Contact:
Shichikashuku Town Furusato Promotion Division, Commerce and Tourism Section
〒989-0592 Shichikashuku Town, Choji, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture
TEL: 0224-37-2177
Parking Information
Elder Lake has a free parking lot with space for about 30 regular vehicles. On weekends and holidays during the autumn foliage season, it may become crowded, so it is recommended to arrive early in the morning. It is about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the lakeside.
There is also a dedicated parking lot (free, about 20 spaces) at Yamabiko Suspension Bridge, but you can also access it on a 15-minute walk along the walking path from Elder Lake’s parking lot.
Precautions When Visiting and Recommended Clothing
Clothing and Items to Bring
Elder Lake, positioned at 500 meters elevation, has a lower temperature than lowlands.
Spring and Autumn: Bring a thin jacket or windbreaker. Temperatures can drop, especially in the early morning and evening.
Summer: The sun is strong, so a hat and sunscreen are necessary. Insect repellent spray is also convenient.
Winter: Cold weather clothing, gloves, and a hat are essential. Choose shoes with good grip to prepare for road surface icing.
Common to all seasons: Since you will be walking the path, sneakers or trekking shoes are recommended. A camera or binoculars will enhance enjoyment.
Facilities and Equipment
Simple toilets are installed around Elder Lake, but shops and vending machines are limited. It is recommended to prepare drinks and light meals in advance. The nearest convenience store is in the center of Shichikashuku Town, so it’s best to get what you need there before heading out.
Safety Precautions
- Although the walking path is maintained, it can become slippery during rainy weather or snow melt season
- There are places along the lakeside without fences, so special care is necessary when bringing small children
- As there have been bear sightings in the area, it is recommended to carry something that makes noise, like a bell
- Mobile phone signals are weak in some places, so ensure you have a way to contact for emergencies
Events and Optimal Visiting Times for Each Season at Elder Lake
Best Season
Elder Lake has appeal in each of the four seasons, but the particularly recommended times are as follows:
Autumn Foliage Season (mid-October to mid-November): The time when the most tourists visit, and the autumn foliage reflected on the lake surface is a must-see. The peak season is from late October to early November.
Fresh Greenery Season (May to June): Recommended for those who want to enjoy nature slowly while avoiding crowds. The fresh green and crisp air refresh body and mind.
Seasonal Summer Retreat (July to August): Ideal for those seeking coolness. Escape the heat of the lowlands and fully experience nature in comfortable weather.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Crowds are expected on weekends and holidays during the autumn foliage season. If you want to avoid crowds, the following times and periods are recommended:
- Visiting on weekdays
- Early morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM onward)
- Before or after the autumn foliage peak (mid-October or mid-November)
Early morning is particularly ideal for photography, with quiet lake conditions and ideal circumstances.
Nearby Accommodation Facilities and Hot Springs
While there are camping sites and private inns around Elder Lake, for more substantial accommodation facilities, it’s convenient to use hotels in Shiroishi City or Shichikashuku Town center.
Nearby Hot Springs
There are several hot spring areas around Shichikashuku Town.
Kamasaki Hot Spring: Located in Shiroishi City about 40 minutes by car from Elder Lake. This historic hot spring area has about 600 years of history and is known as the “Medicinal Waters of Oshu.”
Obara Hot Spring: A hot spring area in Shiroishi City along a gorge, with charm in its quiet environment surrounded by nature.
Day-use Hot Spring Facilities in Shichikashuku Town: There are facilities in town where you can enjoy day-use bathing and relax in hot springs after sightseeing.
Elder Lake’s Nature and Ecosystem
The area around Elder Lake is blessed with rich nature, and diverse animals and plants inhabit it.
Vegetation
Japanese beeches, Mongolian oaks, maples, cherry trees, and other deciduous broad-leaved trees are frequently seen around the lake. These trees create the scenery of each season. Spring brings wild alpine flowers blooming, summer covers the lake with deep green, autumn spreads brilliant autumn foliage, and winter creates a snow-covered silent world.
Wildlife
Around Elder Lake, you may observe mammals such as Japanese serows, foxes, and tanukis, as well as diverse birds. Particularly in early morning and evening, the possibility of encountering wildlife increases. However, it is important to observe wildlife without getting close.
For those enjoying birdwatching, Elder Lake is also an attractive spot. Various birds visit depending on the season, and carrying binoculars allows for greater enjoyment.
The History and Culture of Shichikashuku Town
Shichikashuku Town, where Elder Lake is located, derives its name from having “seven posting stations.” During the Edo period, it flourished as a posting town on the Ushu Highway (Yamagata Highway), and today historical sites and cultural properties remaining from that time are scattered throughout.
Shichikashuku Town is known as a “town of water and history,” with abundant water resources including Shichikashuku Dam coexisting with the cultural history of a posting town. When you visit Elder Lake, touching upon the town’s history will make your travel memories even deeper.
Conclusion: How to Fully Enjoy the Charm of Elder Lake
Elder Lake in Shichikashuku Town, Miyagi Prefecture, is a quiet lake spreading at the foot of Mount Wasurenaizuki at 500 meters elevation, where the figures of mountains reflected on its 2-kilometer circumference lake surface captivate all visitors. This lake, expanded for power generation, creates a beautiful landscape where human effort and nature harmonize wonderfully.
From spring’s fresh greenery through early summer, summer as a cool retreat, and particularly as a famous autumn foliage destination, Elder Lake offers charm throughout the four seasons. Strolling along the maintained walking paths, boating, and photography provide various ways to enjoy it.
By visiting surrounding spots such as Yamabiko Suspension Bridge in Yokogawa Gorge, Namikaze Falls, and Shichikashuku Dam along with Elder Lake, you can deeply experience the nature and history of Shichikashuku Town.
Car access is most convenient, though you can also visit by public transportation. Be mindful of temperatures due to the high altitude and visit with seasonal appropriate clothing and preparation. The autumn foliage season particularly expects crowds, making early morning visits or weekday use recommended.
Elder Lake is a natural tourist attraction representative of Miyagi Prefecture where you can refresh body and mind away from daily hustle and bustle. The figure of Mount Wasurenaizuki reflected on the lake surface, colors in each season, and time enveloped in silence will provide all who visit a special memory.
On your next day off, please visit Elder Lake and confirm its mystical beauty with your own eyes.
