Lake Pirika Dam in the upper reaches of the Shiribeshitoshibetsu River is called Lake Pirika. The name means “good” or “beautiful” in the Ainu language, and it is a very cute nickname. On this day, I arrived early in the morning, and the morning mist was shimmering, harmonizing with the surrounding scenery of autumn leaves, making it a perfect place for the name Pirika.
Nearby is the National Historic Site Pirika Culture Museum. Stone tools and other artifacts discovered during the preliminary survey for the dam are on display, making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
(I took photos in mid-October, 2019)

 

Lake Pirika at sunrise

Pirika Dam, the longest crest of dam in Japan

Lake Pirika with morning mist and autumn leaves

Autumn at Lake Pirika with red roof house

National Historic Site Pirika Culture Museum