IIDE, Yamagata -- The annual beauty of a sunken forest has appeared amid a valley of fresh green at the Shirakawa Dam lake in Iide, Yamagata Prefecture.
Every spring, the shiroyanagi willows that grow in clusters at the lake side are submerged from snow meltwater, which raises the water level of the lake.
The impressive sight is especially popular with photo enthusiasts because of the Iide mountain range with its lingering snow in the background. Others enjoy rowing out in canoes and kayaks to get a close-up view of the willows.
According to the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry's Shirakawa Dam management branch office, the sunken forest is best viewed until around the middle of May.
The office is offering free tours on board its patrol boats this weekend.
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