[Yamagata, Iide Town] Visit the Spring-Only Scenic 'Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa' during Golden Week! Special Shuttle Bus from Akayu Station
The Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau will operate a special shuttle bus connecting JR Akayu Station and the 'Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa' in Iide Town during the 2026 Golden Week. The service aims to improve access for Shinkansen users while reducing local traffic congestion and CO2 emissions.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 18:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 10:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 16:18 (6h 16m after Collected)
## Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa: The Symbol Tree
The Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau will operate a shuttle bus to and from JR Akayu Station for four days, from Saturday, May 2, to Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (a public holiday), to the spring-only scenic spot 'Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa' in Iide Town, Yamagata Prefecture.
The Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa is one of Yamagata's leading spring scenic spots. As snowmelt flows into Lake Shirakawa in spring, the water level rises, making the trees appear as if they are floating on the water's surface, creating a mystical landscape.
Heavy crowds are expected around Lake Shirakawa during the Golden Week period. By providing secondary transportation from Akayu Station, a stop on the Yamagata Shinkansen line, this shuttle bus service aims to encourage visitors to come without their own cars, thereby reducing local traffic congestion and contributing to CO2 reduction.
### The Enchanting Spring Scenery
At Lake Shirakawa in Iide Town, the arrival of spring brings an influx of snowmelt. The lakeside trees become submerged, creating a fantastical landscape where the forest seems to float on the lake. The silhouettes of the swaying trees, the reflection of the sky and clouds on the water, and the changing light in the morning and evening attract photographers and nature lovers alike. This is a special view unique to Iide Town that can only be seen during a limited period in spring.
### Convenient Access from Akayu Station for Shinkansen Users
The shuttle bus is a special service for the GW period (May 2–5, 2026), connecting Akayu Station, where the Yamagata Shinkansen stops, with the Submerged Forest area. It is designed to be an easy access method for those visiting by Shinkansen from the Tokyo metropolitan area, those staying at Akayu Onsen for sightseeing, and travelers not using a car.
On the return trip, the bus is scheduled to stop at the popular roadside station 'Iide Mezami-no-Sato Tourism and Industry Hall.' This allows visitors to enjoy local specialties and flavors of Iide Town in addition to the submerged forest.
*Arrival times may be delayed, and stops may be shortened or canceled depending on traffic conditions.
### Events and Activities during Golden Week
Various activities and events are planned around Lake Shirakawa during the shuttle bus operation period to further enhance the spring scenery experience. These include:
- 'Submerged Forest Canoe Tours' exploring the forest from the lake.
- Day-trip hot springs and accommodation at Shirakawa-so.
- 'Mountain Paella' supervised by Orange Page.
- 'SUN & NIGHT PLAZA' overlooking the forest.
- Light-up events and the 'Submerged Forest BAR' to enjoy the trees at night.
By utilizing the shuttle bus, you can enjoy a slow journey savoring the spring charms of Iide Town and the Okitama area. For details, please check the Lake Shirakawa Submerged Forest portal site: https://www.iikanjini.info/suibotsurin
*Please check the information from organizers for availability, fees, and reservation methods for each activity.
*Fees for activities like canoe tours are not included in the shuttle bus fare.
### Shuttle Bus Operation Summary
- **Operation Dates:** May 2 (Sat) – May 5 (Tue, Holiday), 2026
- **Route:** Akayu Station East Exit Bus Pool ⇔ Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa (in front of Shirakawa-so)
- **Fares:** Adult: 3,000 yen (tax included, one-way); Child: 2,000 yen (tax included, one-way)
- Preschoolers who do not use a seat are free.
- Preschoolers who use a seat require a child ticket.
- **Capacity:** Up to 14 people per trip. (Same-day booking available on the official EC site if seats are available.)
- **How to Apply:** Advance reservation preferred. Apply via the Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau official EC site.
- **Payment:** Credit card only.
- **Bus Company:** Aozora Kanko Bus
### Schedule
**Outbound: Akayu Station → Lake Shirakawa**
- Trip 1: Depart Akayu 8:40 → Arrive Lake Shirakawa 9:30 (Scheduled)
- Trip 2: Depart Akayu 10:50 → Arrive Lake Shirakawa 11:40 (Scheduled)
- Trip 3: Depart Akayu 14:15 → Arrive Lake Shirakawa 15:05 (Scheduled)
**Notes:**
- Check-in starts 5 minutes before departure.
- Delays may occur due to road congestion.
The Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau will operate a shuttle bus to and from JR Akayu Station for four days, from Saturday, May 2, to Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (a public holiday), to the spring-only scenic spot 'Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa' in Iide Town, Yamagata Prefecture.
The Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa is one of Yamagata's leading spring scenic spots. As snowmelt flows into Lake Shirakawa in spring, the water level rises, making the trees appear as if they are floating on the water's surface, creating a mystical landscape.
Heavy crowds are expected around Lake Shirakawa during the Golden Week period. By providing secondary transportation from Akayu Station, a stop on the Yamagata Shinkansen line, this shuttle bus service aims to encourage visitors to come without their own cars, thereby reducing local traffic congestion and contributing to CO2 reduction.
### The Enchanting Spring Scenery
At Lake Shirakawa in Iide Town, the arrival of spring brings an influx of snowmelt. The lakeside trees become submerged, creating a fantastical landscape where the forest seems to float on the lake. The silhouettes of the swaying trees, the reflection of the sky and clouds on the water, and the changing light in the morning and evening attract photographers and nature lovers alike. This is a special view unique to Iide Town that can only be seen during a limited period in spring.
### Convenient Access from Akayu Station for Shinkansen Users
The shuttle bus is a special service for the GW period (May 2–5, 2026), connecting Akayu Station, where the Yamagata Shinkansen stops, with the Submerged Forest area. It is designed to be an easy access method for those visiting by Shinkansen from the Tokyo metropolitan area, those staying at Akayu Onsen for sightseeing, and travelers not using a car.
On the return trip, the bus is scheduled to stop at the popular roadside station 'Iide Mezami-no-Sato Tourism and Industry Hall.' This allows visitors to enjoy local specialties and flavors of Iide Town in addition to the submerged forest.
*Arrival times may be delayed, and stops may be shortened or canceled depending on traffic conditions.
### Events and Activities during Golden Week
Various activities and events are planned around Lake Shirakawa during the shuttle bus operation period to further enhance the spring scenery experience. These include:
- 'Submerged Forest Canoe Tours' exploring the forest from the lake.
- Day-trip hot springs and accommodation at Shirakawa-so.
- 'Mountain Paella' supervised by Orange Page.
- 'SUN & NIGHT PLAZA' overlooking the forest.
- Light-up events and the 'Submerged Forest BAR' to enjoy the trees at night.
By utilizing the shuttle bus, you can enjoy a slow journey savoring the spring charms of Iide Town and the Okitama area. For details, please check the Lake Shirakawa Submerged Forest portal site: https://www.iikanjini.info/suibotsurin
*Please check the information from organizers for availability, fees, and reservation methods for each activity.
*Fees for activities like canoe tours are not included in the shuttle bus fare.
### Shuttle Bus Operation Summary
- **Operation Dates:** May 2 (Sat) – May 5 (Tue, Holiday), 2026
- **Route:** Akayu Station East Exit Bus Pool ⇔ Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa (in front of Shirakawa-so)
- **Fares:** Adult: 3,000 yen (tax included, one-way); Child: 2,000 yen (tax included, one-way)
- Preschoolers who do not use a seat are free.
- Preschoolers who use a seat require a child ticket.
- **Capacity:** Up to 14 people per trip. (Same-day booking available on the official EC site if seats are available.)
- **How to Apply:** Advance reservation preferred. Apply via the Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau official EC site.
- **Payment:** Credit card only.
- **Bus Company:** Aozora Kanko Bus
### Schedule
**Outbound: Akayu Station → Lake Shirakawa**
- Trip 1: Depart Akayu 8:40 → Arrive Lake Shirakawa 9:30 (Scheduled)
- Trip 2: Depart Akayu 10:50 → Arrive Lake Shirakawa 11:40 (Scheduled)
- Trip 3: Depart Akayu 14:15 → Arrive Lake Shirakawa 15:05 (Scheduled)
**Notes:**
- Check-in starts 5 minutes before departure.
- Delays may occur due to road congestion.