Essential Info

When to Go

The window for this experience, while brief, is fortunately very predictable thanks to the human elements involved. Starting at the end of March, the submerged forests can be seen until early May when the water begins to drain and kayaking quickly becomes impossible in the forests.

Visiting in April is recommended to account for unpredictable weather and to ensure you see the forests when the willow trees have leaves in bloom. An early to mid-April visit will also pair nicely with the cherry blossoms which bloom at the same time (each year is slightly different so be sure to check the forecasts). The water levels of these dams reach peak levels from April to May. For more detailed information on booking tours visit thehiddenjapan/ iide-canoe

Getting There

The easiest way to get to the area is a 2.5 hour ride on the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo Station directly to Akayu Station. From here you can take a local train to Teneko Station followed by a short taxi ride to the dam. There is also plenty of free parking at the Shirakawa Dam for those who can drive there directly.

Places to Stay

Shirakawa Dam has a mountain lodge right next to the lake which offers lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Guests looking to take advantage of Yamagata’s many natural hot springs may also opt for a luxurious stay at onsen ryokan in Akayu Onsen or Kaminoyama Onsen, which are nearby the lake.