Times 24 Introduces Mobile Parking Management at Shirakawa Lake Flooded Forest
In an exciting development for visitors to the beautiful Shirakawa Lake in Yamagata Prefecture, Times 24 is set to roll out its innovative mobile parking management service from April 18 to May 17, 2026. This introduction comes in response to an increasing number of tourists drawn by the stunning scenery of the flooded forest, where willow trees appear to grow from the water’s surface during the melting of snow. The enchanting green waters of this natural wonder attract many early risers and night owls, particularly during the Golden Week period, which has led to severe traffic congestion, with delays stretching up to 3.5 kilometers.
Shirakawa Lake is located in Iide Town, where Mayor Masato Arashi is keen on developing sustainable tourism in the region, which has been experiencing a decline in population. To maintain the area's charm while creating a financing avenue for the community, parking fees will be implemented during peak seasons, despite a large public parking lot being available for free throughout the year. However, an ongoing challenge has been managing human resources required for fee collection, which sometimes leads to additional traffic jams as vehicles line up for payment.
To combat these issues, Times 24’s new “Times Parking Caravan” service will be employed at Shirakawa Lakeshore Park. This innovative parking management solution enables the deployment of necessary equipment, such as cashless payment machines and vehicle number recognition cameras, which will streamline operations during high-demand periods like events. By utilizing this advanced technology, the service reduces the need for on-site personnel, thus alleviating congestion related to vehicle payments and allowing for smoother entry and exit to the parking areas.
The camera-based system will also collect valuable data on vehicle movement, stay duration, and visitor origin. Such information can then be used to inform future operational planning, ensuring continuous improvement in services offered. This initiative aligns perfectly with Iide Town's goal, in partnership with Times 24, of establishing a commendable tourism environment that caters to both visitors and locals alike.
Regarding the parking details, the facility will accommodate up to 165 cars.
Through these efforts, Iide Town and Times 24 aim to enhance accessibility for visitors, streamline parking operations, and ultimately foster a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits both the local community and its guests.
Shirakawa Lake is located in Iide Town, where Mayor Masato Arashi is keen on developing sustainable tourism in the region, which has been experiencing a decline in population. To maintain the area's charm while creating a financing avenue for the community, parking fees will be implemented during peak seasons, despite a large public parking lot being available for free throughout the year. However, an ongoing challenge has been managing human resources required for fee collection, which sometimes leads to additional traffic jams as vehicles line up for payment.
To combat these issues, Times 24’s new “Times Parking Caravan” service will be employed at Shirakawa Lakeshore Park. This innovative parking management solution enables the deployment of necessary equipment, such as cashless payment machines and vehicle number recognition cameras, which will streamline operations during high-demand periods like events. By utilizing this advanced technology, the service reduces the need for on-site personnel, thus alleviating congestion related to vehicle payments and allowing for smoother entry and exit to the parking areas.
The camera-based system will also collect valuable data on vehicle movement, stay duration, and visitor origin. Such information can then be used to inform future operational planning, ensuring continuous improvement in services offered. This initiative aligns perfectly with Iide Town's goal, in partnership with Times 24, of establishing a commendable tourism environment that caters to both visitors and locals alike.
Regarding the parking details, the facility will accommodate up to 165 cars.
- - Address: Kasuba, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
- - Operating Dates: April 18, 2026 (Saturday) to May 17, 2026 (Sunday)
- - Parking Fees: 1,000 yen per car for passenger and light-duty vehicles for a period of 24 hours after entry.
Through these efforts, Iide Town and Times 24 aim to enhance accessibility for visitors, streamline parking operations, and ultimately foster a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits both the local community and its guests.
Topics Travel）
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