Discover Nature’s Harmony at Rainbow Lake Roadside Station
Nestled in the scenic heart of Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, Rainbow Lake is a vibrant roadside station where mountain, lake, and farmland converge. More than a pit stop, it’s a gateway to local culture, featuring seasonal events like the Dam Lake Encounter Day, live stage performances, and guided tours of the Shimoise Ishikawa Dam. With picnic areas, BBQ spots, and a charming gift shop, it’s a perfect retreat for families and nature lovers alike.
Why Visit
Visit Rainbow Lake roadside station to experience the only guided tours inside the Shioshige-Ikawa Dam's powerhouse and dam body—offering rare behind-the-scenes access to a functioning hydroelectric facility. During summer, join the exclusive dam light-up events, where the reservoir glows with seasonal blue and summer-themed illuminations, complete with limited-edition dam stamp cards for visitors.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Rainbow Lake roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet rustic charm.
Kitchen Car
キッチンカー
Specialty
Temporary food stalls offering seasonal and local cuisine
Pop-up food stalls that appear during events and weekends, providing a variety of seasonal and local dishes.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and handmade goods at Rainbow Lake roadside station.
Souvenir Shop
おみやげ屋
Sells local souvenirs and themed merchandise related to the dam and surrounding nature.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dam Stamp Sticker
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
Sells fresh, locally grown produce from the region, including vegetables and seasonal fruits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Creamy Potato Soup with Black Stone Vegetables
Dairy and Meat Shop
乳・肉販売所
Offers locally produced dairy and meat products, emphasizing freshness and regional quality.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Beef
Featured Products
Taste signature specialties like creamy vegetable soups and seasonal produce from the fertile lands of Rainbow Lake.
Creamy Potato Soup with Black Stone Vegetables
南八甲田の水で育った黒石産野菜のクリーミーポタージュ
A rich, creamy soup made with vegetables grown in the waters of the Nankakudo region, known for their freshness and flavor.
Dam Stamp Sticker
ダム印シール
A collectible sticker featuring the dam logo, distributed to visitors during seasonal light-up events.
Summer Version Dam Stamp Sticker
夏バージョンダム印シール
A limited-time seasonal sticker released during the summer light-up event, featuring a blue theme.
Water Week Version Dam Stamp Sticker
水の日・水の週間バージョンダム印シール
A special edition sticker released during the water-themed light-up event, featuring a blue color scheme.
Red Amaranth (Foxtail Grass)
コキア
A vibrant red ornamental plant, popular for its striking autumn color and use in landscaping.
Peony Flowers
芍薬
Beautiful pink and white peony flowers that bloom in early summer, known for their large, showy petals.
Azalea Flowers
ツツジ
Colorful azalea blooms that peak in full blossom during late spring, adding vibrant color to the park.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy spacious parking, clean restrooms, picnic areas, and free Wi-Fi at Rainbow Lake roadside station.
Parking Area
A parking area is available for visitors.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors.
Throughout the facility, including near the main hall and picnic area
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility, including the information center and picnic area
Information Center
The information center provides visitor information, maps, and assistance. It is located at the entrance of the roadside station.
At the main entrance of the roadside station
Play Area
A designated play area for children is available, featuring open space and recreational facilities.
Near the picnic area and main hall
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors.
Near the parking area
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Near the restroom and information center
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the main entrance and gift shop
Pet Area
A designated area for pets is available. Pet owners are requested to follow proper hygiene and behavior guidelines.
Near the main parking and entrance
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and guided tours at Rainbow Lake roadside station.
Dam Lake Experience Day
ダム湖ふれあいデー
Participants can enjoy canoe rides, guided tours of the dam embankment and power plant, and attend stage events such as Rice Ball and Alps Otome performances. Food trucks and festival stalls are also available.
Duration
180 min
Stay hydrated and take precautions against heatstroke during hot weather.
Dam Embankment and Power Plant Tour
ダム堤体・発電所見学ツアー
Guided tour inside the dam embankment and power plant. Participants will learn about the structure and operation of the dam.
Duration
60 min
Reservations required about one week in advance.
Canoe Experience
カヌー巡視体験
Participants can enjoy paddling on the dam lake in a canoe, experiencing the natural surroundings and water scenery.
Duration
60 min
Wear appropriate clothing and be prepared for weather changes.
Dam Light-Up Season
ダムライトアップ
Enjoy the illuminated dam and surrounding area during special seasonal light-up events. Visitors receive a commemorative dam stamp upon arrival.
Duration
120 min
Dress warmly as nights are cold; be cautious of bears during evening visits.
Peony Viewing
芍薬(シャクヤク)の見頃
View blooming peony flowers in the park, which typically reach peak bloom in late June to early July.
Duration
60 min
Flower condition may change rapidly; check current status before visiting.
Rhododendron Viewing
ツツジの見頃
Enjoy the blooming rhododendrons at the dam museum, which reach full bloom in early May.
Duration
60 min
Weather may be rainy; bring rain gear.
Cockscomb (Foxtail) Viewing
コキア(ほうき草)の色づき
Observe the vibrant red color of cockscomb plants as they turn color in autumn.
Duration
30 min
Weather becomes cold in the mornings and evenings; dress warmly.
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours and check event schedules for special experiences and seasonal highlights.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on Sundays to join the guided dam堤体 (dike) tour, which requires advance booking and fills up quickly—reserve at least one week in advance by calling 0172-54-2338
- Hidden Gems: At the shallow water area near the dam’s eastern access point, look for the seasonal wildflower displays—shrub roses (シャクヤク) bloom from early June through mid-July, peaking around the first weekend of June
- Weekend Special: On the first Sunday of July, attend the Dam Lake Friendship Day event (now held in early July for heatstroke prevention), which includes a canoe experience, power plant tour, and live performances like "Rice Ball" and "Alps Maiden" at the stage area
- Unique Experience: Visit the dam light-up event from October 17 to November 16, when the dam is illuminated from 4 PM to 9 PM—after viewing, collect a limited-edition dam-themed stamp at the entrance booth by signing your prefecture and number of visitors
- Best Food Deal: Purchase the seasonal sale items at the Shallow River Dam Museum—currently, carrots and tomatoes from the “Black Stone vegetables grown with Nanyakodai water” cream soup line are discounted and available only until June 1st and June 10th respectively
- Practical Tip: Use the BBQ area only between 9 AM and 4 PM, and always ensure your fire is fully extinguished before leaving—no open flames are allowed anywhere else in the park
- Accessibility Note: The dam museum is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, but during winter (December to March), it is only open on weekdays—check the website before visiting during these months for the most accurate schedule
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Tsutsuji blooms in late May, while the roadside station opens April 25, marking the start of seasonal access.
Summer (June-August): Peony flowers peak in early June, and the summer light-up runs from August 1–24.
Autumn (September-November): Red leaves peak in October, with the dam light-up held October 17–November 16.
Winter (December-February): The roadside station closes November 1, and the dam museum is closed December–March.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play areas, kid-friendly events, stroller access, and educational dam tours for children.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local food options, seasonal specialties, fresh produce, and unique artisanal soups.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, basic facilities, and a quiet setting, though overnight stays are not officially promoted.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts scenic lake views, seasonal beauty, photo spots, and a peaceful natural atmosphere.