A "Forest in the Lake" that Appears Only in Spring: Nishiwaga Town's Submerged Forest Reaches Peak Viewing
In Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture, the "submerged forest"—a mystical spring spectacle where trees are flooded by snowmelt—has reached its peak season, running from late April to late May.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 19:28
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 11:01
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In Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture, the magical scenery of the "submerged forest" (Suibotsurin)—where trees are submerged in water as lake levels rise from melting snow—has reached its peak viewing season.
In 2026, the lake is expected to remain at full capacity until late May, allowing visitors to enjoy this special landscape that appears only in spring.
The "Submerged Forest": A forest inside a lake that appears only in spring
The submerged forest in Nishiwaga Town is a seasonal spring spectacle unique to heavy snowfall regions, created by snowmelt from the Ou Mountains.
As the water level of the lake rises, the trees along the shore become submerged, creating a magical landscape that looks as if a forest has appeared right in the middle of the lake.
On windless days, the surface of the water acts like a mirror reflecting the scenery, and during the morning hours when enveloped in soft light, it displays an even more mystical expression.
Best Season: Late April to Late May when fresh greenery sprouts
This year, the lake is expected to maintain its full water level until late May, meaning the submerged forest scenery can be enjoyed over a relatively long period. The latest information on peak viewing times will be regularly updated on the Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association's social media and other channels.
The latest information is continuously shared on the Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association's website and SNS.
3 Recommended Ways to Enjoy Nishiwaga Town's Submerged Forest
1. Scenic Spot "Yakichidai Park" (Parking available)
One of the best viewing spots overlooking the submerged forest. You can view the submerged forest from the "Orose Suspension Bridge" that connects the parking lot and the park. (The suspension bridge is available for use from May 1).
Additionally, there is a cafe named "111coffee" within the park, allowing you to spend a relaxing time while gazing at the scenery. A campsite is also located on the premises. For children, the athletic facilities and jumbo slider are highly popular.
- Yakichidai Park: 240-1, 24 Chiwari, Makino, Nishiwaga-cho, Waga-gun, Iwate Prefecture
Website: https://yakichidai-park.com
View from the suspension bridge
Cafe "111coffee" in Orose Suspension Bridge Park
2. Head into the forest via Canoe
Activities such as canoeing and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) through the submerged forest are also popular.
In a quiet space surrounded by water and trees, you can experience a special time where you feel completely at one with nature.
(Please make reservations through the websites of the respective operators.)
[Operating Companies]
- NISHIWAGA STYLE https://travel.nishiwaga-style.com
- Water&Snow SPICE https://55spice.com/1173/
- Nebiraki https://www.nebiraki.com
NISHIWAGA STYLE
Water&Snow SPICE
Nebiraki
3. Tour scenic spots by drive or train
Along the shores of Lake Kinshu on National Route 107, there are scattered spots where you can view the submerged forest, allowing you to enjoy the unique spring scenery while taking a drive. A key charm is how the scenery changes its expression depending on the time of day and the weather.
Furthermore, between the "Yuda-Kinshuko Station" and "Hotto-Yuda Station" on the JR Kitakami Line, you can see the submerged forest from the train windows, making a train journey another highly recommended way to enjoy the view.
As there are no dedicated parking lots along the road, please observe traffic rules and drive safely to enjoy the scenery.
The spectacular view of the submerged forest and the red bridge between "Yuda-Kinshuko Station" and "Hotto-Yuda Station" on the JR Kitakami Line.
The latest information is continuously shared on the Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association's website and SNS.
Contact Information
Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association https://yamanoideyu.com
TEL: 0197-81-1135 FAX: 0197-81-1136
In 2026, the lake is expected to remain at full capacity until late May, allowing visitors to enjoy this special landscape that appears only in spring.
The "Submerged Forest": A forest inside a lake that appears only in spring
The submerged forest in Nishiwaga Town is a seasonal spring spectacle unique to heavy snowfall regions, created by snowmelt from the Ou Mountains.
As the water level of the lake rises, the trees along the shore become submerged, creating a magical landscape that looks as if a forest has appeared right in the middle of the lake.
On windless days, the surface of the water acts like a mirror reflecting the scenery, and during the morning hours when enveloped in soft light, it displays an even more mystical expression.
Best Season: Late April to Late May when fresh greenery sprouts
This year, the lake is expected to maintain its full water level until late May, meaning the submerged forest scenery can be enjoyed over a relatively long period. The latest information on peak viewing times will be regularly updated on the Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association's social media and other channels.
The latest information is continuously shared on the Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association's website and SNS.
3 Recommended Ways to Enjoy Nishiwaga Town's Submerged Forest
1. Scenic Spot "Yakichidai Park" (Parking available)
One of the best viewing spots overlooking the submerged forest. You can view the submerged forest from the "Orose Suspension Bridge" that connects the parking lot and the park. (The suspension bridge is available for use from May 1).
Additionally, there is a cafe named "111coffee" within the park, allowing you to spend a relaxing time while gazing at the scenery. A campsite is also located on the premises. For children, the athletic facilities and jumbo slider are highly popular.
- Yakichidai Park: 240-1, 24 Chiwari, Makino, Nishiwaga-cho, Waga-gun, Iwate Prefecture
Website: https://yakichidai-park.com
View from the suspension bridge
Cafe "111coffee" in Orose Suspension Bridge Park
2. Head into the forest via Canoe
Activities such as canoeing and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) through the submerged forest are also popular.
In a quiet space surrounded by water and trees, you can experience a special time where you feel completely at one with nature.
(Please make reservations through the websites of the respective operators.)
[Operating Companies]
- NISHIWAGA STYLE https://travel.nishiwaga-style.com
- Water&Snow SPICE https://55spice.com/1173/
- Nebiraki https://www.nebiraki.com
NISHIWAGA STYLE
Water&Snow SPICE
Nebiraki
3. Tour scenic spots by drive or train
Along the shores of Lake Kinshu on National Route 107, there are scattered spots where you can view the submerged forest, allowing you to enjoy the unique spring scenery while taking a drive. A key charm is how the scenery changes its expression depending on the time of day and the weather.
Furthermore, between the "Yuda-Kinshuko Station" and "Hotto-Yuda Station" on the JR Kitakami Line, you can see the submerged forest from the train windows, making a train journey another highly recommended way to enjoy the view.
As there are no dedicated parking lots along the road, please observe traffic rules and drive safely to enjoy the scenery.
The spectacular view of the submerged forest and the red bridge between "Yuda-Kinshuko Station" and "Hotto-Yuda Station" on the JR Kitakami Line.
The latest information is continuously shared on the Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association's website and SNS.
Contact Information
Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association https://yamanoideyu.com
TEL: 0197-81-1135 FAX: 0197-81-1136