The 'Forest in the Lake' That Appears Only in Spring: Nishiwaga Town's Submerged Forest Reaches Its Best Viewing Time

In Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture, the magical scenery of the 'Submerged Forest' (Suibotsurin), where trees are submerged in water as the lake's water level rises due to snowmelt, is reaching its best viewing time.

In 2026, the full water state is expected to be maintained until late May, allowing visitors to enjoy this special landscape that only appears in spring.

The 'Submerged Forest', a forest inside a lake that appears only in spring

The submerged forest of Nishiwaga Town is a poetic spring feature unique to heavy snowfall areas, created by the snowmelt from the Ou Mountains.

As the lake's water level rises, the trees on the shore are submerged, creating a fantastic landscape that looks as if a forest has appeared inside the lake.

On windless days, the water surface reflects the scenery like a mirror, and during the hours when it is enveloped in the soft morning mist, it shows an even more mystical expression.

The best season is from late April to late May when fresh greenery sprouts

This year, the full water condition is expected to be maintained until late May, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of the submerged forest for a relatively long period. The latest information on the best viewing times will be updated regularly on the Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association's SNS and other channels.

Latest information is being regularly updated 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 view spots overlooking the submerged forest. You can view the submerged forest from the 'Orose Suspension Bridge' connecting the parking lot and the park. (The suspension bridge is open from May 1st.) Also, there is a cafe '111coffee' within the park, where you can spend a relaxing time looking at the scenery. A campsite is also attached. For children, the athletic facilities and jumbo slider are also popular. - Yakichidai Park: 240-1, 24 Chiwari, Makino, Nishiwaga-machi, Waga-gun, Iwate Prefecture Website: https://yakichidai-park.com

View from the suspension bridge Cafe '111coffee' in the Orose Suspension Bridge Park

(2) Into the forest by Canoe Activities such as canoeing and SUP that advance 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 at one with nature. (Please make reservations through the website of each operator) [Operators] - NISHIWAGA STYLE https://travel.nishiwaga-style.com - Water & Snow SPICE https://55spice.com/1173/ - Nebiraki https://www.nebiraki.com

(3) Touring scenic spots by drive or train Along National Route 107 by Lake Kinshu, spots where you can view the submerged forest are dotted about, allowing you to enjoy the spring-exclusive scenery while driving. Part of the appeal is that it shows different expressions depending on the time of day and the weather. Also, between 'Yuda Kinshuko Station' and 'Hotto Yuda Station' on the JR Kitakami Line, you can view the submerged forest from the train window, making it a highly recommended way to enjoy it unique to train travel. There is no dedicated parking, so please observe traffic rules and drive safely to enjoy it.

Scenic view between 'Yuda Kinshuko Station' and 'Hotto Yuda Station' on the JR Kitakami Line, submerged forest and the red bridge.

Contact Information: Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association https://yamanoideyu.com TEL: 0197-81-1135 FAX: 0197-81-1136