Lake Shirakawa Submerged Forest (Shirakawa Lakeside Park)

A park on the shores of Shirakawa Lake in Iide Town, Yamagata Prefecture, surrounded by lush, green mountains. Many tourists gather to view the rare sight known as the “submerged forest,” which appears only during the snowmelt season from late March to mid-May.

As snowmelt flows into Shirakawa Lake and it becomes full, you can see a dreamlike scene where fresh-green Shirayanagi willows look as if they’re growing out of the water. The late-blooming double-flowered cherry blossoms that open in early May are also stunning, and the beautiful contrast of cherry blossoms, the remaining snow on Mt. Iide, and the submerged forest is truly breathtaking. From late April to mid-May, the area is also illuminated, making the nights feel even more mysterious.

The park also has an auto campground, plus plenty of activities such as park golf that you can enjoy empty-handed thanks to rentals, and canoe experiences where you can blend into the quiet submerged forest. After getting active, refresh at the nearby hot spring lodging facility, Shirakawa-so. In addition to day-use bathing, you can enjoy specialties like doburoku soft-serve made with the local unfiltered sake, ramen and set meals loaded with local mountain vegetables, and spend a relaxing time.