Picnic-and-boating shoreline on Lake Yamanakako's eastern shore, home to the Swan Lake pleasure-boat pier.
Shiratori Beach, known locally as Swan Beach, sits on Lake Yamanakako's eastern shore and is best known as the departure point for the lake's Swan Lake pleasure boats — pedal-powered swan-shaped boats and a larger motorized cruise boat that circles the lake in about 20 minutes, offering passing views of Mount Fuji from the water without requiring anyone to swim. The beach itself is a mix of grassy picnic areas and a narrower sand-and-gravel shoreline, making it more of a boating and picnicking destination than a dedicated swimming beach, though wading and casual dips are common on hot summer days. Rental shops near the pier offer both the swan pedal boats and standard rowboats, and a handful of cafes and casual restaurants cluster around the pier area for a snack or drink between boat rides. Because Yamanakako is the highest and most exposed of the Fuji Five Lakes, afternoon winds can pick up and create light chop on the water, so mornings tend to offer calmer conditions for both boating and any swimming. The surrounding lakeshore path connects easily to Hirano Beach a short distance to the north for those wanting to combine both stops in one visit.
Amenities
- Swan Lake pleasure-boat pier, picnic areas, nearby cafes and rental shops
Good to know
- Best for
- Boating, picnicking, and casual lakeside relaxation rather than serious swimming
- Water
- Calm mornings, with light afternoon chop from wind; freshwater lake with no tidal movement
- Facilities
- Boat rental pier, picnic lawns, nearby cafes and rowboat/swan-boat rental shops
Location
Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0500
35.4179, 138.8745 View on map
Highlights
- Departure pier for the Swan Lake pleasure boats, including pedal swan boats and a larger cruise boat
- Grassy picnic areas alongside a narrower sand-and-gravel shoreline
- Cafes and rental shops clustered near the boat pier
- Easy lakeshore walk connecting to nearby Hirano Beach
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning for calmer water before afternoon winds pick up
- Ride the Swan Lake cruise boat for lake and Fuji views even without swimming
- Bring a picnic to make use of the grassy shoreline areas near the pier
- Combine a visit with a walk north along the shore to Hirano Beach
When to visit
Morning hours for the calmest water and quietest boat pier.
Accessibility
The pier area and picnic lawns are level and generally accessible, though the immediate shoreline is uneven gravel in places.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Shiratori Beach mainly for swimming or boating?
It functions primarily as a boating and picnic spot, home to the Swan Lake pleasure-boat pier, though casual wading and swimming happen on hot days.
How long is the Swan Lake boat ride?
The full pleasure-boat route around the lake takes about 20 minutes.
Does the lake get choppy?
Yamanakako is the highest and most exposed of the Fuji Five Lakes, so afternoon winds can create light chop; mornings are generally calmer.