[Yamagata Okitama] Electric Pottery Wheel Experience Amidst the Spring-Limited Spectacle "Shirakawa Lake Submerged Forest"! "Arcadia Pottery Retreat Vol. 4" Held on May 16 & 17

A stunning view. Electric pottery wheel experience with "submerged forest view" The Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau (Yamagata Prefecture) will hold the "Electric Pottery Wheel Experience Blending into the Submerged Forest | Arcadia Pottery Retreat Vol. 4" on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026. This experience takes place in a location overlooking the "Shirakawa Lake Submerged Forest," a spectacular, limited-time natural wonder that appears for only two months in Shirakawa Lake, Iide Town, Yamagata Prefecture. When the lake reaches full capacity with spring snowmelt, the white willow trees appear to grow directly out of the water, creating the fantastical "Shirakawa Lake Submerged Forest." This plan offers a casual "pottery time" for a short duration, allowing participants to enjoy the scenery right before their eyes, particularly during the "green submerged forest" period when fresh greenery deepens. What is Arcadia Pottery Retreat? The Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture. In the Meiji era, British travel writer Isabella Bird, who traveled this land, called it "Arcadia of the East (Shangri-La)." Unlike in cities, time flows gently here. Life operates in harmony with nature, adapting to the changing seasons. A quiet and rich "time" and "landscape" still breathe here. In spring, enveloped by the murmuring of snowmelt. In summer, listening to the sound of leaves swaying in the shade, amidst the sound of waterfalls and cool breezes. In autumn, gazing at a sea of clouds from a mountain peak surrounded by ripe fields and autumn leaves. In winter, feeling the warmth of hands and the softness of clay in the silent snow. The "Arcadia Pottery Retreat" is an experience program that brings "pottery wheels and clay" into such scenery, allowing participants to immerse themselves solely in "facing the earth." Listening to the sound of the wind, the chirping of birds, and the murmuring of the river. Simply placing oneself in nature, entrusting one's heart to the rotating pottery wheel, facing the clay, and quietly facing oneself. It might be a time to unwind and rediscover oneself. "A healing journey" born from the encounter between this land's nature and the time of pottery. The "Arcadia Pottery Retreat" delivers such a unique experience. Latest information: Arcadia Pottery Retreat Official Instagram First Edition: Mikaeri Waterfall Pottery Retreat Second Edition: Juuichi-yama Pottery Retreat About this plan "Vol. 4 | Electric Pottery Wheel Experience Blending into the Submerged Forest" The stage for the fourth edition is Shirakawa Lake, Iide Town, Yamagata Prefecture. In spring, when the lake is filled with snowmelt, the "Shirakawa Lake Submerged Forest," where trees appear to stand out of the water, is a spectacular, limited-time view that attracts photographers and travelers from across the country. Especially during mid-May, the period of this event, the white willows are budding, and the color of the lake surface shines even more vividly green, becoming the "green submerged forest." We have set up electric pottery wheels in a location overlooking the submerged forest, offering a 30-minute pottery experience for a "moment of pause during your journey." Each session is 30 minutes, limited to 2 people per session, so even first-timers can participate with confidence with the support of an instructor. Tour Details & Application The two-month-only scenery "Shirakawa Lake Submerged Forest," what is the "Green Submerged Forest"? Once a year, the earth's art floats on the lake. When the Shirakawa Lake fills with spring snowmelt and reaches full capacity, the fresh green white willows create a fantastical sight, as if growing out of the water. It is truly the earth's art floating on the lake. This scenery can be enjoyed only for about two months, from late March to mid-May. Especially in the mornings, the air is clear, and the reflection on the water surface stands out, showing a more impressive expression. Furthermore, from mid-April to mid-May, the white willows begin to bud, and the color of the lake surface shines an even deeper green, becoming the "green submerged forest." You can calmly enjoy the scenery while listening to the chirping of river birds. In late May, around rice planting season, the water level gradually drops, the ground emerges from the lake, and it transitions to the summer appearance of Shirakawa Lake. *For details on highlights, recommended activities, access, etc., of the Shirakawa Lake Submerged Forest, please refer to the portal site. Electric Pottery Wheel Experience Blending into the Submerged Forest Electric Pottery Wheel Experience (30 minutes per session) You will create one piece using an electric pottery wheel while viewing the submerged forest up close. You can also experience "kneading clay" before pottery making. This time, mug making (usually an additional charge) is also available at no extra cost. Please be assured that an instructor will support first-timers. ■Dates: May 16 (Sat), 17 (Sun), 2026 ■Location: Shirakawa Lake Shore Park (Shirakawa Lake Campsite) / BBQ House Tyrolean Lake Side Space 218-1 Kazuma, Iide-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata 999-0424 ■Hours: ①10:00～10:30／②11:00～11:30／③12:00～12:30／④13:00～13:30／⑤14:00～14:30／⑥1