Horses, Nature, and Family Shaped a Community at Lake Shirakaba
The story of Hope Lodge begins with a love for Western movies. The founder admired scenes of cowboys riding horses, so he started keeping horses as a hobby. That hobby soon grew into a horseback riding business by the shores of Lake Shirakaba in Nagano, Japan.
Hideyuki Kawamura, who now runs Hope Lodge, grew up surrounded by nature. He remembers summer days of fishing and winter days skating on the frozen lake. The ice would get so thick—over 1 meter (about 3 feet)—that even a snowplow could ride across it. For him, this outdoor lifestyle wasn’t exciting or boring—it was just everyday life.
At only 18 years old, Hideyuki joined the family business. He cared for the horses, greeted guests, built barns, and did carpentry work. Before he knew it, nearly 40 years had passed, and Hope Lodge had become a beloved horseback riding ranch for families.
His wife, Yasuko, who moved there from Tokyo, was amazed at life in the highlands. During her first winter, she discovered how heavy the snowfall could be, how water pipes froze in the mornings, and how she had to chop wood to keep the stove burning. It was challenging but fun, and she loved the fresh new experiences.
One thing that surprised her most was the spirit of “making things yourself.” Their home, barns, and even many repairs were built by hand. If something was needed, they didn’t call a repair company—they made it themselves. That do-it-yourself way of life inspired not only their family but also many workers and visitors who later went on to start their own farms, carpentry businesses, and restaurants.
Over the decades, Hope Lodge became a place of memories. Families who first came with children now return with grandchildren. Yasuko says horseback riding is a rare experience for most people, and adding it to a family trip creates fun memories that stay forever.
Lake Shirakaba itself is full of wonders. In summer, people can fish or paddle canoes. In winter, the frozen lake is like a natural ice rink. In spring, fresh green leaves shine, and in autumn, colorful leaves paint the landscape. People can hike, cycle, or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Now, younger generations are starting new businesses and events around the lake, and Hideyuki supports them by using his carpentry skills to help build stages and facilities. The Kawamura family hopes Lake Shirakaba will always remain a place where time feels slow, nature is close, and people can find peace.
Hope Lodge is more than just a ranch—it’s a community where nature, family, and creativity come together. I think it’s amazing how the Kawamura family has built so much with their own hands and shared it with visitors. For kids from the city, riding a horse by the lake, walking around the lake, or breathing in mountain air must feel like stepping into another world. To me, Hope Lodge is special because it shows how adventure, tradition, and simple living can create unforgettable memories.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/LciU8-wQMLY?si=AdouB_n7jV5wLOJW
- https://tsunagite-aj.com/stories/nagano-hideyuki-kawamura/
- https://www.shirakabako.com/experience/hope-lodge/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
- https://chatgpt.com/
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