Maruike-sama Pond

Maruike Shrine, a branch shrine of Chokaizan Omonoiimi Shrine, is located in Yuza Town, Yamagata Prefecture. Since ancient times, the pond itself has been revered as a sacred object and is affectionately known as Maruike-sama. Filled with spring water sourced from underground streams flowing from Mt. Chokai, the pond boasts a diameter of 20 meters and a depth of 3.5 meters. In 2008, it was designated a National Historic Site as an important historic place related to Mt. Chokai worship. Primitive forest surrounds the pond and is also designated as a town Natural Monument.

The biggest highlight of Maruike-sama is its magical emerald-green surface. The highly clear water shows off a beautiful color, and you can also see water bubbling up from the bottom of the pond. The water temperature stays constant at Approx. 11°C throughout the year, and because the water is continuously refreshed, submerged fallen trees are said to remain without rotting away. Go see this mysterious world woven by nature.