Located in Oguni Town, Yamagata Prefecture, Mount Kurate offers stunning views of the majestic Iide Mountain Range and is popular for its beginner‑friendly hiking course and breathtaking panoramas. At the foot of the mountain lies Shirakawa Lake, where the famous “submerged forest” appears when melting snow raises the water level.
Often called the “Little Canada of Tohoku,” this spring‑only mystical scenery allows visitors to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. This time, I hiked Mount Kurate and visited the submerged forest at Shirakawa Lake—here’s a photo-filled report of its charm!

What Kind of Mountain Is Kurateyama?

Kurateyama is a 952‑meter mountain located in Oguni Town, Yamagata Prefecture. Although not very high, the view of the Iide Mountain Range from the summit is absolutely overwhelming—so much so that it is often called the “Observation Deck of the Iide Mountains.” Many hikers visit specifically for this spectacular scenery.

The trail is popular as a day‑hike course, but it includes steep sections that offer a satisfying sense of real mountain climbing.
Especially in the first half, the ascent is quite steep, so even beginners should prepare proper hiking gear.

Seasonal scenery—fresh spring greenery, alpine flowers, and autumn foliage—adds to the mountain’s charm, making it a place you’ll want to revisit throughout the year. When you reach the summit and see the vast Iide Range spread out before you, you’ll surely think, “I’m glad I climbed this!”

Let’s Go! Kurateyama Hiking Report

On a clear day in May, I headed out to hike Kurateyama. I enjoyed the powerful views of the Iide Range at a relaxed pace—here’s the report with photos.

A Branching Route Appears: Toward Kurateyama or Toward Iide Mountain

From the parking area near the trailhead, a short walk brings you to the official “Kurateyama Trailhead.” This point serves not only as the start of the Kurateyama hiking course but also as a branching point for the more advanced route toward Mount Iide via the Ishikorobi-sawa area.

Local hikers and climbers aiming for the Iide Range can often be seen here.

Stunning Views of the Iide Mountains Along the Trail

As you progress along the trail, the majestic ridgeline of Mount Iide—one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains—comes clearly into view.

The snow‑capped peaks are far more impressive than expected, and I found myself stopping repeatedly just to admire the scenery.

A Different World: The Mystical Submerged Forest of Shirakawa Lake

After hiking Kurateyama, I visited nearby Iide Town, home to the famous “Shirakawa Lake.” In spring, the lake becomes known for its “submerged forest,” a mystical landscape where trees appear to float in the water.

As melting snow raises the water level, the trunks of the trees become partially submerged, creating an otherworldly scene that feels almost unreal.

When I actually visited the submerged forest of Shirakawa Lake, which appears only during the spring snowmelt season, I found a dreamlike landscape where trees seemed to grow directly out of the water’s surface.

The calm lake and gentle spring scenery were incredibly soothing, and I found myself gazing at the view, forgetting the passage of time. It offers a completely different charm from the panoramic views of Mt. Kurate, so I highly recommend visiting both spots together.

You can also enjoy canoeing at Shirakawa Lake

Many visitors were enjoying canoeing on Shirakawa Lake, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

The canoe experience is offered as a guided tour, and the participation fee is generally around 10,000 yen. Seeing the submerged forest up close from the water offers yet another unique and captivating perspective.

It seems to be extremely popular—on the day I visited, all time slots were fully booked. If you want to try canoeing, make sure to reserve in advance!

Mobile sauna and food stalls also available

Around the venue, a **mobile sauna** was operating, allowing visitors to enjoy a refreshing “totonou” sauna experience in the heart of nature.

In addition, food stalls selling konjac, grilled meat, imoni stew, and more were lined up, adding to the festive atmosphere.
These kinds of stalls always make you want to grab something to eat.

Along the way, I made a small detour to enjoy picking spring mountain vegetables—warabi (bracken). It’s one of the seasonal blessings unique to springtime in Iide Town.

This is the Shirakawa Dam, which supports Shirakawa Lake. Thanks to this dam, the enchanting spring-only scenery of the submerged forest is created.

Access Information for Kurateyama and Shirakawa Lake

Kurateyama’s trailhead is located about 19 km from an unmarked three-way intersection along National Route 113 near the Yamagata–Niigata prefectural border.

Please note that the access road to Kurateyama is closed during winter. Be sure to check road conditions before visiting.

Shirakawa Lake is about a 40-minute drive from Akayu Station on the Yamagata Shinkansen, or about 20 minutes by car from Tenoko Station on the Yonesaka Line.

Canoe tours require advance reservations, so if you wish to participate, be sure to book early. If you want to see the submerged forest, plan your visit between late March and mid-May, when the scenery is at its best.

Summary

Blessed with clear skies, I was able to fully enjoy the magnificent views of the Iide Mountain Range and the enchanting submerged forest of Shirakawa Lake. The snow-capped peaks seen from Kurateyama were far more powerful than I had imagined, reminding me of the sheer scale and beauty of nature.

At Shirakawa Lake, the sight of trees standing as if floating on the water’s surface felt truly mystical—almost like stepping into another world. From mountain vistas and spring scenery to local food and wild mountain vegetables, it was a wonderfully fulfilling day.
It became a memorable trip that allowed me to rediscover the natural charm unique to Iide Town.