The Green Submerged Forest
Light-Up
Canoe Tour
Camping and lodging
The White Submerged Forest
Live Camera
Access
Information
Latest information
Sustainability
Once a year, the Art of the Earth floats on the lake.
When the snowmelt from early spring flows into Lake Shirakawa and the lake fills with water, you can see the fantastical sight of fresh green white willows growing out of the water.
It's a work of art made of the earth floating on the lake. Please come and see this mystical sight, which is only available for about two months from late March to mid-May. The view is especially recommended in the early morning.
The White Submerged Forest
From late March to mid-April, before the trees of Shirakawa Lake's submerged forest begin to sprout, a serene world blanketed in white, accompanied by the remaining snow on the lakeshore, unfolds. This season is known as the "White Submerged Forest." It is a time when the blue of the sky reflected on the water's surface and the silhouettes of snow-capped mountains are particularly beautiful. A highlight of this season is the canoe tours that navigate through the ice remaining on the lake's surface.
The Green Submerged Forest
From mid-April to mid-May, as the white willows begin to sprout, the lake takes on a deeper green hue, transforming into the "Green Submerged Forest." You can peacefully enjoy the scenery while listening to the chirping of river birds. By late May, as the rice planting season begins, the water level gradually decreases, revealing the ground from beneath the lake, and the scenery transitions into the summer appearance of Shirakawa Lake.
Submerged Forest Light-Up
The submerged forest of Shirakawa Lake is captivating even at night. On calm nights with little wind, the illuminated white willows are beautifully reflected on the lake's surface, creating a fantastical sight. Being right in front of the campsite, you can relax and enjoy the light-up while sitting by the campfire. Additionally, on weekends and holidays, the Submerged Forest BAR is open. It offers a perfect chill space where you can enjoy drinks while gazing at the sparkling submerged forest over the counter.
Canoe Tour
The Iide Canoe Club tour takes you on a canoe trip through a lake surrounded by nature. With blue skies, white clouds, and the chirping of birds, you can enjoy a leisurely lake stroll that feels like a little adventure. Even if you have no experience, whether you are a beginner, a family, or an elderly person, you can enjoy the experience safely and pleasantly as we carefully teach you how to paddle.
There are various ways to enjoy the tour, such as an early morning tour to savor the special moment of sunrise or a more relaxing experience with Chair SUP.
Camping, Accommodation, Hot Springs
Shirakawa Lakeside Campground - Cottage Village Mokorikan
There are 30 auto sites and free sites where you can drive your car. You can set up a tent right in front of the submerged forest for a special camping experience. For beginners or those who are anxious, staying in a cottage is also recommended.
Shirakawaso
A prime location where the submerged forest greets you when you open the window. Enjoy meals made with local ingredients from each season in Iide town, Nakatsugawa. Don't miss out on our homemade doburoku (unrefined sake), soft-serve ice cream, and ramen made with doburoku.
Hot Springs
Shirakawaso's Shirakawa Onsen is renowned for its beautifying effects. Surrounded by nature, you can enjoy bathing while feeling the beauty of nature in every season.
Park Golf
We have a park golf course with 4 courses and 36 holes. With the submerged forest and the Iide mountain range as a backdrop, you can enjoy playing freely. Various rentals are also available, so you can enjoy without bringing anything.
Forest of the Source
Located a 15-minute walk from Shirakawa Lakeside Park, this facility offers over 40 nature experiences such as athletics, forest classrooms, and craft classes.
Access and Park Map
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From Yamagata Shinkansen Akayu Station to Shirakawa Lake is about a 40-minute drive.
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From Yonesaka Line Tenoko Station to Shirakawa Lake is about a 20-minute drive (approximately 5,000 yen by taxi).
※We recommend taking Route 4 from National Route 113 and passing in front of Tenoko Elementary School. When setting Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park on your car navigation system, you may be guided through "Suganuma Pass" via Kawakita Town. The area around Suganuma Pass has narrow roads and many curves, making it difficult for large vehicles to pass each other. Please exercise caution when traveling from the direction of Yonezawa or Kawakita.
駐車場
駐車場は白川湖岸公園の駐車場をご利用下さい。
Various Information and FAQs
■Regarding Photography
Please refrain from entering paid facilities for photography.
■Regarding Parking and Various Cooperation Fees
During the period of the submerged forest (busy season), we request cooperation fees from customers using the parking lots within the Shirakawa Lake Park for purposes such as temporary parking lot setup, canoe dock cleaning and facility enhancement, and deployment of guides to alleviate traffic congestion, in addition to promoting tourism. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
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General Parking Cooperation Fee: April 27th to May 6th, 2024 (8:00 to 17:00) Automobile: ¥1000 / Motorcycle: ¥500
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Light-up Tour Cooperation Fee: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April 20th to May 18th, 2024 (17:00 to 21:00) @ ¥1000
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Lake Use Cooperation Fee (Canoe use, etc.): April 20th to May 25th, 2024 @ ¥1000
※ Parking on the roadside is extremely dangerous, so please refrain from doing so.
※We provide route guidance to the submerged forest in Shirakawa Lake via our official YouTube channel.
※ When returning from Shirakawa Dam Lake Park, it is expected to be crowded when exiting onto National Route 113. We kindly ask for your cooperation in alleviating congestion by referring to this map.
※ Discarding cigarette butts and empty cans is strictly prohibited.
※ Please clean up after your pets responsibly.
■FAQ
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
The submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa is a unique landscape created by the delicate balance between the "blessings of nature," such as the Mt. Iide and snowmelt water, and the "activities of humans," including rice cultivation and water utilization by dams. To preserve this delicate balance and protect the beautiful submerged forest, we are engaged in conservation activities led by local volunteers.
For travel agencies
