[Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture] The smallest lake in Japan? Lake Hakuryu is in danger of disappearing! Learn about the legend of Lake Hakuryu and its appearance now

Lake Hakuryu, located in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, has long been the site of a legend about a princess

I'm also curious about the legend, and I've heard that the small lake, Lake Hakuryu, may disappear within this century

There are also calls from local residents and some fishing enthusiasts to launch a project to keep the area afloat

I would like to take a closer look at this small lake, Lake Hakuryu, from the past to the present, and the legend of the princess

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A small lake stands alone in the middle of the rural landscape

Looking from the nearby Mount Takatsumuji (Mount Jubunichi), you can see a small lake standing alone in the middle of the rural landscape

Lake Hakuryu is roughly the same size as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo, with a circumference of 3.5 kilometers and an area of ​​only 1.08 square meters . Its current depth is said to be about one meter.

It is a legitimate lake, but it was also called Akayunuma in the past

The area around Lake Hakuryu, located in the northeastern part of the Okitama Basin, is a peat bog covering approximately 1,000 hectares. Known as Oyachi, it has been loved by many people for its unique landscape of rice fields and lakes

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Lake Hakuryu in the middle of a muddy valley

When driving on National Route 13 from Yamagata City towards Fukushima City, you can see it to the lower left as you go down Toriagezaka, and it looks more like a reservoir than a small lake

The area around Lake Hakuryu was originally a peat bog known as Oyachi . If you stepped in, you would sink up to your waist in the mud, making the soil extremely difficult for agriculture, and making it extremely difficult to grow rice.

It is said that the current rural landscape was created through repeated large-scale land improvements, thanks to the efforts of our ancestors

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Nanyo Sky Park overlooking Lake Hakuryu

Jubuichiyama is known as Nanyo Sky Park, one of Japan's leading hang gliding bases, and has even hosted the Paragliding World Championships。

also designated as a southern prefecture natural park , is a place where you can enjoy spectacular views of the four seasons, from the freshly filled rural landscape and Lake Hakuryu surrounded by greenery, to the snowy scenery from autumn to winter.

It seems to be a popular spot for night views as well

You can also try paragliding, so it might be nice to see Lake Hakuryu from above. Instructors will be on hand, so even beginners can enjoy it

INFORMATION

• Address: 2841 Akayu, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture
• Business hours: 9:00-18:00
• Closed: Thursdays
• Price: [Experience fee] Paragliding experience tandem (two-seater) flight: 13,200 yen (insurance fee included)
  *For those with leg disabilities, there is a "Wheelchair Plan (26,400 yen)".
• Accessibility information: Paragliding is possible with a special wheelchair. Seniors can also use the facility (weight restrictions apply).
  Nursing room: Available. First-aid
  room: Available.
  Shuttle service (reservation required): Available.
  Assistance dogs allowed: Allowed.
  Written communication: Available.
• Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Akayu Station
• Parking: Approximately 100 spaces
  (Note) *Reservation required
  *Flights may not be possible depending on weather and wind conditions.
  *Limited to those weighing 40kg to 80kg.
• For inquiries, please contact: Soaring System Paragliding School (1970-4 Kunugizuka, Nanyo City)
• Phone number: 0238-40-2149 Fax number: 0238-27-9427

GOOGLE MAP

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The origin of the name of Lake Hakuryu: "The Legend of Lake Hakuryu"

Among the many legends of Lake Hakuryu, there seems to be one about a tragic love story

"One day, Okitama suffered a drought and no rain fell at all. The lack of water led to violent conflicts breaking out everywhere. The villagers prayed for rain every night, but it didn't look like it would rain. Then a traveling monk came along and felt sorry for the villagers' plight. He chanted sutras to the heavens for three days and three nights, and then suddenly the sky became cloudy and rain began to fall. Then, a rustling wind arose, and a white dragon rose from the lake, holding a scroll in its mouth, and ascended to the heavens." Another legend says that "a village girl who married the dragon god turned into a dragon and ascended to the heavens."
The name Lake Hakuryu is said to have come from such legends.

Source: Yonezawa Plain Land Improvement District website ( https://www.yonezawa-heiya.or.jp/ )

There is also a legend that says, "A young girl fell in love with a young monk from Toshoji Temple in Akayu, and in despair when her feelings were not fulfilled, she threw herself into the lake, and her soul turned into a white dragon and ascended to heaven."

In any case, the lake legend features a white dragon, which is where the name "White Dragon Lake" comes from

INFORMATION

• Address: Akayu, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture
• Access: 10 minutes by car from Akayu Station
• Parking: 10 standard-sized cars (unpaved, may be flooded during rain)
• For inquiries, please contact: Nanyo City Tourism and Products Division
• Phone number: 0238-40-3211
• <Notes>
  • Fish type: carp, crucian carp
  • Period: Yearly
  • Fishing fee (yen): None

GOOGLE MAP

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Lake Hakuryu in danger! Will it disappear within this century?

Due to changes in the surrounding environment and eutrophication of the water, a large amount of water chestnuts grows in the summer, and the lake becomes shallower every year due to the deposition of mud, and the lake surface is shrinking

During the Meiji period, the lake's area was said to be twice its current size and nearly three meters deep, but due to changes in the water quality over the years, aquatic plants began to proliferate and decay, accumulating on the lake bottom, causing a thick layer of sludge and resulting in the lake's shrinkage.

It is feared that if things continue as they are, the lake may disappear within this century, so efforts are underway to remove aquatic plants and prevent the inflow of wastewater containing chemical fertilizers from rice paddies

In order to carry out the "Hakuryu Lake Regeneration Project," Nanyo City is also conducting "crowdfunding" using the "hometown tax" system

Link: [Furusato Choice] - "I want to save my hometown Yamagata's Lake Hakuryu from the threat of extinction!"

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summary

Lake Hakuryu, the smallest lake in Japan, is a beloved lake not only by the people of Nanyo but also by neighboring cities and towns, with many legends being passed down

There are still many legends remaining in Tohoku, such as the mysterious legend of the White Dragon and a tragic love story

In order to cherish and pass on these ancient traditions to future generations, we want to protect the nature around us!

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