Lake Shirachi

What it is

• The only natural lake in Nagasaki Prefecture and a UNESCO Global Geopark site.
• Formed in 1792 when groundwater filled a depression caused by the Mount Mayuyama landslide.
• Considered the smallest depression lake in Japan at 200 meters long and 70 meters wide.
• Fed by approximately 40,000 tons of groundwater that well up daily.

What to see

• The Catholic Shimabara Church located on the eastern shore of the water.
• Shirachiko Ryokudo Park situated along the western shore for public access.
• The Otonashi River which was excavated to drain the lake's overflow.
• Residential areas that directly surround the perimeter of the lake.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.