2026 Iide Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

The Shirakawa Lake Submerged Forest Illumination Event is a seasonal event held every spring at Shirakawa Lakeside Park in Iide Town, Yamagata Prefecture. This event highlights a unique natural phenomenon: due to the snowmelt from the Iide Mountain Range flooding the area, white willow trees appear to grow directly out of the lake. The submerged forest is illuminated by warm LED lights, creating a tranquil nighttime art installation that contrasts sharply with the daytime scenery. The glowing trees are reflected on the dark water surface, creating a dreamlike atmosphere, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers. Visitors can stop by the "Submerged Forest BAR," which offers drinks and snacks and has seating to enjoy the illuminated views. The submerged forest is only visible for a limited time each spring, making this illumination event a highly anticipated attraction for those seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Shirakawa Lakeside Park is a 20-minute ride from Tenoko Station on the JR Yonesaka Line. This event offers a peaceful and enchanting experience, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and art. 📍Shirakawa Lakeside Park 📅 April 18 to May 17, 2026

𓍯 𝐘𝐮𝐳𝐮 𝐘𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐤𝐮 🥩🔥 | Thong Lo A premium Japanese BBQ spot with luxurious vibes—meat lovers, you can't miss this! Listen up, besties~ If you're a hardcore carnivore, this place is absolute heaven 😭✨ Yuzu Yakiniku is a super trendy yakiniku joint in the Thong Lo area. The ambiance is phenomenal—think cool, luxury minimal vibes with stunning lighting that makes every angle Insta-worthy 📸💭 The restaurant offers great privacy and comfortable seating, making it perfect for a date night or a super special meal 🤍 Using authentic Japanese grills, grilling your own meat is so much fun and just hits different 🔥 🥩 The beef is the absolute star of the show! The Wagyu has gorgeous marbling and is literally melt-in-your-mouth tender, no cap 🥹 Just a quick sear and it's incredibly juicy, aromatic, and beyond satisfying. 🍽️ Here’s what we ordered: 🥩 Wagyu Set (a selection of premium cuts) 🥓 Beef Tongue (thickly sliced, perfectly crunchy, so good!) 🥢 Yuzu Sauce Grilled Beef (fragrant and refreshing, perfectly cuts through the richness) 🥢 They have various dipping sauces, but honestly, the meat is top-tier—it's delicious even on its own! 🍹 The drink menu features both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. If you're not drinking booze, there are plenty of mocktails and other choices for you. 💰 It's a bit on the pricey side, but quality + vibes = 100% worth it. Ideal for celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself 💸✨ 📍 Location: Thong Lo (super convenient to get to) 🚗 Parking available Trust me, this is a "must-try at least once" spot for meat enthusiasts. You'll finally understand what "melts in your mouth" truly means 🫠💖

Lake Shirakawa is located deep in the mountains of Iide Town, Yamagata Prefecture. Lake Shirakawa is an artificial lake created by damming the Shirakawa Dam. When spring arrives and a large amount of meltwater from the Iide mountain range flows into the dam lake, the white willow trees appear submerged, creating the "submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa." The best season is from March to mid-April, when the lake shore is enveloped in the white of the white willow trees before they sprout, along with the remaining snow on the lake shore. From mid-April to mid-May, the snow melts, the white willows sprout, and the lake turns emerald green. After mid-May, the water in the dam lake is drained for rice planting, and the lake is filled with water. It seems that it will return to its original state. And what never ceases to captivate photography lovers is the time when the night is just beginning to lighten. On a clear, windless morning, as the sun rises, morning mist rises due to radiation cooling. It is the height of mysterious beauty, and it takes your breath away. By the way, some people enjoy canoeing and kayaking through the morning mist. Early morning tours are also held, and some people enjoy it with their own canoes. At this time, the morning mist started to rise before 5:00 and disappeared around 5:40. Please go and see the spectacular view as a reward for getting up early. #tripdomestictravel #yamagataprefecture #spectacularview #lake