Canoe the Submerged Forests of Yamagata

When the local dams block the snowmelt, you’ll find a unique landscape ideal for canoeing.

Lake Shirakawa sits at the foot of Yamagata Prefecture’s Iide mountain range, surrounded by nature. It is particularly appealing over the month-long period from Late-March to mid-May, when the snowmelt from the mountains flows into the dam lake, submerging the surrounding forest, and creating a unique landscape. In the rice planting season, the dam releases water to flood the rice fields.

Now you can experience this amazing phenomenon up close, on this open-water canoeing tour. The trunks of the willow trees rise out of the still waters of the lake, creating a magical sight. You’ll see the reflection of the snow-clad peak of Mount Iide rising beyond the pale green of the budding trees, as guides lead you in canoes through the forest and onto the lake.

It is a stunning experience for anyone interested in new and unusual outdoor activities. 

Access: It takes about 2 hours from Tokyo Station to Yonezawa Station by Shinkansen bullet train, and about 45 minutes from Yonezawa Station to meeting site by car.

YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE: Forest Kayaking/Canoeing