Mishaka Pond
御射鹿池 · Chino, Nagano
The model for Higashiyama Kaii's 'Green Echo': fresh green reflected in an acidic pond
Know before you go
- Taboos: trampling pondside vegetation to photograph the reflection, and making noise in the car park.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Why it’s popular
An irrigation reservoir of just 0.1 hectares, hidden deep in the Tateshina Highlands at 1,540 m. Although it became legendary among photographers because the great Nihonga painter Higashiyama Kaii based his 1972 masterpiece 'Green Echo' on it, and it has appeared in TV adverts, it's remote with no direct public transport, and visitors remain few.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Built in 1933 to supply irrigation water, it solved the problem of acidic cold spring water that was unsuitable for farming — satoyama wisdom of 'people overcoming nature'; the pond's name comes from Suwa Taisha's 'Misayama Mikari' hunting rite — this was once 'Kamino', the gods' hunting ground; in 2010 it was chosen as one of the Ministry of Agriculture's '100 Selected Ponds'.
Local customs
- The pondside trail has fences to prevent falls — don't climb over
- the water is strongly acidic at around pH 4, so going in or playing in the water is strictly forbidden
- keep quiet and don't disturb the waterbirds and dragonflies.
Religion & beliefs
- Shinto roots — the pond's name is connected with rites of Suwa Taisha
- nearby Suwa Taisha Kamisha is the ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Shinano Province. Follow shrine etiquette when visiting.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
Taboos: trampling pondside vegetation to photograph the reflection, and making noise in the car park.
Locals appreciate DO
Chino City and the landholders' association appreciate visitors who 'come early in the morning and speak softly'
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Fresh green in early summer (June) and autumn leaves (mid-October) are most beautiful, and the reflection in early-morning mist is dreamlike |
|---|---|
| Getting there | From JR Chino Station take a bus to 'Meiji Onsen Iriguchi' and walk, or drive via the 'Yume no Kaidō' (Route 152) |
Travel tips
- Fresh green in early summer (June) and autumn leaves (mid-October) are most beautiful, and the reflection in early-morning mist is dreamlike
- access: from JR Chino Station take a bus to 'Meiji Onsen Iriguchi' and walk, or drive via the 'Yume no Kaidō' (Route 152)
- there's no admission fee, and the car park is small
- combine with Tateshina Onsen and Lake Shirakaba for a day trip.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
There's no food at the pond — eat in Tateshina or Chino
Must-try
- Shinshū soba
- Highland-vegetable dishes
- Venison
Shinshū soba, highland-vegetable dishes, venison (gibier at licensed restaurants, in season), apple / blueberry desserts, Yatsugatake milk soft-serve
| Where to eat | Restaurants and cafés in the Tateshina Highlands, canteens in front of Chino Station, roadside stations |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | The pond is a source of agricultural water — entering it, feeding wildlife or picnicking (polluting the water) is strictly forbidden; keep quiet by the road |
| Typical price per person | JPY 1,800–3,000 ≈ CNY 81–135 |
| Tips | If driving, have lunch at a restaurant by Lake Tateshina on the way; for early-morning photography, get breakfast at a convenience store beforehand. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
FotoosVanRobin · CC BY-SA 2.0
Photos
Photos
TAKAO_Tsushima · CC BY 4.0
TAKAO_Tsushima · CC BY 4.0
Junpei Abe · CC BY 2.0
Sources & verification notes
- In-depth research on Japanese sights (2026-10-15). Sources: Wikipedia
- Nagano Prefecture official materials.
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