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Lake Shirakawa Submerged Forest

The peak season has ended for this year. We look forward to welcoming you again next season.

The Earth's art floating on the lake.

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Once a year, the Art of the Earth floats on the lake.

The mystery that you can see only spring .

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.

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Within Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park, facilities such as a park golf course and an auto campground are also available.In addition to canoeing experiences (reservations can be made here), you can easily enjoy the outdoor activities. Also, about a 3-minute drive from the lakeside park is the Genryu no Mori Center, where you can enjoy pottery classes and wreath-making experiences. about a 3-minute drive from the lakeside park is the Genryu no Mori Center, where you can enjoy pottery classes and wreath-making experiences.

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Best Viewing Time for the Submerged Forest

Every year, from late March to mid-May, for about two months.

This is a view that is limited to about two months every year, from late March to mid-May.

Golden Week is expected to be very crowded, so the weekdays immediately after Golden Week are the most recommended.

MAP

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Request to Visitors

・Please check in at the reception before driving into paid facilities (auto campsites and free sites).

・Littering cigarette butts and empty cans is strictly prohibited.
・Please take responsibility for any trash you bring in and take it home with you.

  • Until when can I see the submerged forest at full water level?
    The water level gradually decreases around May 15th every year. Additionally, in order to release irrigation water for use in rice cultivation, the water level drops over a period of about 10 days and returns from the lake to the river. You will be able to see the beautiful submerged forest until around May 20th.
  • What time can I see the morning misut over the submerged forest?
    The morning mist over Lake Shirakawa is a natural phenomenon, so if weather conditions and temperature differences are suitable, you can see it from around 4:00 am to 7:00 am. However, please note that morning mist does not occur every day.
  • Can I park in the parking lot to see the submerged forest even at night or early morning?
    Regarding the hours when you can enter and exit the parking lot, including the temporary one at Shirakawa Dam Lakeshore Park, you can virtually enter and exit the parking lot for 24 hours. However, since there is a campground within the park, there are concerns about noise such as noise from late night hours when people are asleep, headlights shining, and long periods of idling. If you are planning to enter the venue late at night or early in the morning, please be especially aware of the above. <About parking cooperation funds> During the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, we will ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time.
  • Can I visit the submerged forest using public transportation?
    Regarding public transportation to the submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa, unfortunately there is no bus service. Regarding trains, due to heavy rain on the JR Yonezaka Line, buses are currently being used for some sections between Imaizumi and Sakamachi station. *The nearest station is Tenoko Station. <About time changes to the Yonezaka Line substitute bus and temporary timetable from Saturday, March 18th (timetable)>  https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2022/niigata/20230301_ni01.pdf  JR Tenoko Station As for taxis, we generally do not wait. We will mainly call you by phone, so we recommend that you make a reservation in advance, specifying when and where you would like us to pick you up. Taxi company (Mezami Kotsu) TEL : 0238-72-2137 If you are planning to use the taxi from Tenoko Station, please make a similar reservation. Taxi fares are expected to be around 5,000 to 8,000 yen one way. Please note that Golden Week is expected to be extremely crowded, and taxi fares may increase significantly if you are stuck in traffic jams until you arrive. If you still have time to consider it, we sincerely recommend that you come on a date other than consecutive holidays, such as during Golden Week.
  • I would like to experience canoeing. Can I make a reservation?
    The canoe experience is a special plan sponsored by the "Iide Canoe Club", so please make a reservation below. Please contact Iide Canoe Club directly if you wish to check your reservation status on the day, if you are going to be late for the experience, or if you wish to cancel your reservation. In addition, the experience will be held even in rainy weather, unless the instructor determines that it is impossible to ensure the safety of the customers. <Iide Canoe Club Official Reservation Page> https://www.iide3.net
  • I would like to bring my own canoe. Is it possible?
    IIf you would like to bring your own canoe, etc., there is no need to make a reservation, and you can use it as is by submitting the Shirakawa Dam lake usage notification below. For details on submitting the notification, please refer to this page. https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/apply/shirakawa-apply.html It is also important to consider canceling if the weather is not good. Please be sure to enjoy safe and secure outdoor activities.
  • I would like to take aerial photographs using a drone. Do I need to take any necessary procedures?
    If you wish to fly a drone near a submerged forest or try canoeing on your own, you must submit a lake usage notification to the Shirakawa Dam Management Office in advance. Please report it properly and have a safe and secure experience. [Shirakawa Dam Management Office] TEL: 0238-75-2131 https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/application/shirakawa-lake-apply.html Due to the revised Civil Aeronautics Act, the weight of unmanned aircraft eligible for registration has been changed, so if you want to fly a corresponding drone (total weight of 100g or more), aircraft registration and FISS registration are required. See below for details. [Drone information infrastructure system] https://www.ossportal.dips.mlit.go.jp/portal/top/ *In order to ensure the safety of visitors, canoeists, and users of auto campgrounds, etc., drone aerial photography within Shirakawa Lakeside Park and around the submerged forests of Lake Shirakawa is subject to the Civil Aeronautics Act from the perspective of accident prevention. "Flights of unmanned aircraft that may violate the regulations" are strictly prohibited. [Drone aerial photography available hours] 8:00 a.m. to before sunset *Please refrain from taking aerial photographs by drone early in the morning (even if you have night flight permission from the Tokyo Civil Aviation Bureau), as it may cause inconvenience to campers using the auto campground or free site.
  • I want to go to Golden Week, but how many parking spaces are there?
    Please be assured that there are approximately 150 parking spaces, including temporary parking spaces. In addition, if you are an elderly person, you can park your car in the parking lot below and walk for about 5 minutes. <Parking lot near the symbolic single willow tree> https://goo.gl/maps/N3zxz9XfPGMupgMV8 However, if you are unavoidably directed to the parking lot below, you will need to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes. We kindly ask for your understanding. <Parking lot a little far away> https://goo.gl/maps/aZGLSCtTZ6k5QyNt5 <About parking cooperation fee> Limited to the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time. [Cooperation Fee period] April 29th - May 7th [Car] 1000 yen [Motorcycle] 500 yen *Parking donation is not based on an hourly basis but is a flat amount.
  • Where should I aim when using navigation or Google Maps?
    It would be a good idea to set Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso, which is adjacent to Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park. Name: Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso Address: 218-1 Kazuma, Iide-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture Phone: 0238-77-2124

About Golden Week

During this period, when returning from Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park, it is expected that there will be heavy congestion when exiting onto National Route 113. Please refer to this map and cooperate in easing traffic congestion.

Regarding photography

There is an auto camping site within Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park. When taking photographs, please be considerate and refrain from entering any paid facilities.

Parking

During the submerged forest period (high season), temporary parking lot setup, canoe dock cleaning and facility enhancement, as well as the deployment of guides for congestion mitigation measures, are planned to be funded by the "Parking and Various Cooperation Fees" from customers using the parking lot at Lake Shirakawa Lakeside Park for the purpose of maintaining and managing lighting equipment. We ask for your understanding and cooperation.

* Street parking is extremely dangerous, so please refrain from doing so.

* We provide a video guide on the official YouTube channel for the route to the submerged forest of Shirakawa Lake.

For travel agencies

FAQ

  • Until when can I see the submerged forest at full water level?
    The water level gradually decreases around May 15th every year. Additionally, in order to release irrigation water for use in rice cultivation, the water level drops over a period of about 10 days and returns from the lake to the river. You will be able to see the beautiful submerged forest until around May 20th.
  • What time can I see the morning misut over the submerged forest?
    The morning mist over Lake Shirakawa is a natural phenomenon, so if weather conditions and temperature differences are suitable, you can see it from around 4:00 am to 7:00 am. However, please note that morning mist does not occur every day.
  • Can I park in the parking lot to see the submerged forest even at night or early morning?
    Regarding the hours when you can enter and exit the parking lot, including the temporary one at Shirakawa Dam Lakeshore Park, you can virtually enter and exit the parking lot for 24 hours. However, since there is a campground within the park, there are concerns about noise such as noise from late night hours when people are asleep, headlights shining, and long periods of idling. If you are planning to enter the venue late at night or early in the morning, please be especially aware of the above. <About parking cooperation funds> During the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, we will ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time.
  • Can I visit the submerged forest using public transportation?
    Regarding public transportation to the submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa, unfortunately there is no bus service. Regarding trains, due to heavy rain on the JR Yonezaka Line, buses are currently being used for some sections between Imaizumi and Sakamachi station. *The nearest station is Tenoko Station. <About time changes to the Yonezaka Line substitute bus and temporary timetable from Saturday, March 18th (timetable)>  https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2022/niigata/20230301_ni01.pdf  JR Tenoko Station As for taxis, we generally do not wait. We will mainly call you by phone, so we recommend that you make a reservation in advance, specifying when and where you would like us to pick you up. Taxi company (Mezami Kotsu) TEL : 0238-72-2137 If you are planning to use the taxi from Tenoko Station, please make a similar reservation. Taxi fares are expected to be around 5,000 to 8,000 yen one way. Please note that Golden Week is expected to be extremely crowded, and taxi fares may increase significantly if you are stuck in traffic jams until you arrive. If you still have time to consider it, we sincerely recommend that you come on a date other than consecutive holidays, such as during Golden Week.
  • I would like to experience canoeing. Can I make a reservation?
    The canoe experience is a special plan sponsored by the "Iide Canoe Club", so please make a reservation below. Please contact Iide Canoe Club directly if you wish to check your reservation status on the day, if you are going to be late for the experience, or if you wish to cancel your reservation. In addition, the experience will be held even in rainy weather, unless the instructor determines that it is impossible to ensure the safety of the customers. <Iide Canoe Club Official Reservation Page> https://www.iide3.net
  • I would like to bring my own canoe. Is it possible?
    IIf you would like to bring your own canoe, etc., there is no need to make a reservation, and you can use it as is by submitting the Shirakawa Dam lake usage notification below. For details on submitting the notification, please refer to this page. https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/apply/shirakawa-apply.html It is also important to consider canceling if the weather is not good. Please be sure to enjoy safe and secure outdoor activities.
  • I would like to take aerial photographs using a drone. Do I need to take any necessary procedures?
    If you wish to fly a drone near a submerged forest or try canoeing on your own, you must submit a lake usage notification to the Shirakawa Dam Management Office in advance. Please report it properly and have a safe and secure experience. [Shirakawa Dam Management Office] TEL: 0238-75-2131 https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/application/shirakawa-lake-apply.html Due to the revised Civil Aeronautics Act, the weight of unmanned aircraft eligible for registration has been changed, so if you want to fly a corresponding drone (total weight of 100g or more), aircraft registration and FISS registration are required. See below for details. [Drone information infrastructure system] https://www.ossportal.dips.mlit.go.jp/portal/top/ *In order to ensure the safety of visitors, canoeists, and users of auto campgrounds, etc., drone aerial photography within Shirakawa Lakeside Park and around the submerged forests of Lake Shirakawa is subject to the Civil Aeronautics Act from the perspective of accident prevention. "Flights of unmanned aircraft that may violate the regulations" are strictly prohibited. [Drone aerial photography available hours] 8:00 a.m. to before sunset *Please refrain from taking aerial photographs by drone early in the morning (even if you have night flight permission from the Tokyo Civil Aviation Bureau), as it may cause inconvenience to campers using the auto campground or free site.
  • I want to go to Golden Week, but how many parking spaces are there?
    Please be assured that there are approximately 150 parking spaces, including temporary parking spaces. In addition, if you are an elderly person, you can park your car in the parking lot below and walk for about 5 minutes. <Parking lot near the symbolic single willow tree> https://goo.gl/maps/N3zxz9XfPGMupgMV8 However, if you are unavoidably directed to the parking lot below, you will need to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes. We kindly ask for your understanding. <Parking lot a little far away> https://goo.gl/maps/aZGLSCtTZ6k5QyNt5 <About parking cooperation fee> Limited to the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time. [Cooperation Fee period] April 29th - May 7th [Car] 1000 yen [Motorcycle] 500 yen *Parking donation is not based on an hourly basis but is a flat amount.
  • Where should I aim when using navigation or Google Maps?
    It would be a good idea to set Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso, which is adjacent to Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park. Name: Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso Address: 218-1 Kazuma, Iide-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture Phone: 0238-77-2124

Access

The landmark is Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso, adjacent to Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park.

Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso 
Address: 218-1 Kazuma, Iide-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture 
Phone: 0238-77-2124

Inquiry

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