At one time, cold damage would often befall the rice fields spread around Kitayama, Chino City, and apparently there were times when 30% of the rice planted failed to ripen to maturity. As a result, in 1930 construction began on a reservoir in the Tateshina Highlands that would hold and warm water. Due to the war, construction was halted in 1944, but in 1946 the reservoir was completed with the help of all the local residents.
Now, the area draws many tourists as one of the prefecture’s main leisure spots.
It is said that the site where Shingen Takeda sat on a throne-like stone for the war council to conquer northern Shinano rests beneath Lake Shirakaba.