Yamagata Prefecture
Forest Kayaking in Yamagata
With drastically alternating seasons and vast mountain ranges, Yamagata has a constantly rotating offering of outdoor splendor with countless experiences to discover.
In recent years, one such adventure has been buzzing among the locals here that has exploded in popularity and even started to draw people from abroad. This is the submerged forests of the Iide high up in the mountains of Yamagata promising guests a one of a kind experience kayaking and canoeng through green forests that emerge from deep below the waterline.
Kayaking and Canoe Experience in Yamagata
What's Included
All rental equipment
English speaking outdoor instructors
Approximately 1.5 hours of kayaking
Online support with getting to the lake
Cost
8,000 yen per person
Experience Availability
Early April to Late May
Average Duration
Approximately 1.5 hours
Meeting Location
Shirakawa Lake
Important notes
Experience availability may vary. Reserve to confirm availability.
A taxi ride or rental car is required to get here from the nearest JR station.
The Submerged forests of Yamagata
This surreal phenomena is the result of a unique collaboration between the local farmers of the town of Iide and Mother Nature. In preparation for the planting season of the vast rice fields below, the local dams in the mountains swell with freshly melted snow to their capacity for release later in May.
During a brief one month period, these reservoirs fill up high enough to submerge sections of parks and forests surrounding the dams. Short enough not to damage the trees and just enough time for outdoor enthusiasts to flock to what is quickly becoming one of the entire Tohoku Region’s premier outdoor experiences.
This course is fully guided by outdoor guides who will lead you through the forests before making your way out onto the Shirakawa Lake for some open water kayaking.
Reservation for the kayaking and canoe experience
You can send a booking inquiry for your experience below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email.
We also highly recommend a stay at the mountain lodge right next to the kayaking area which serves up Japanese cuisine with traditional Japanese rooms and hot spring baths.
Cancelation policy
Our general cancelation policy for our experiences is below. Cancelation fees may vary according to exceptional circumstances.
2 weeks before date of experience
Free
2 weeks of less before date of experience
30% of total price
1 week or less before date of experience
50% of total price
3 days of less
100% of total price
