Once a year, the Art of the Earth floats on the lake.
When the snowmelt from early spring flows into Lake Shirakawa and the lake fills with water, you can see the fantastical sight of fresh green white willows growing out of the water.
It's a work of art made of the earth floating on the lake. Please come and see this mystical sight, which is only available for about two months from late March to mid-May. The view is especially recommended in the early morning.
The White Submerged Forest
From late March to mid-April, before the trees of Shirakawa Lake's submerged forest begin to sprout, a serene world blanketed in white, accompanied by the remaining snow on the lakeshore, unfolds. This season is known as the "White Submerged Forest." It is a time when the blue of the sky reflected on the water's surface and the silhouettes of snow-capped mountains are particularly beautiful. A highlight of this season is the canoe tours that navigate through the ice remaining on the lake's surface.
The Green Submerged Forest
From mid-April to mid-May, as the white willows begin to sprout, the lake takes on a deeper green hue, transforming into the "Green Submerged Forest." You can peacefully enjoy the scenery while listening to the chirping of river birds. By late May, as the rice planting season begins, the water level gradually decreases, revealing the ground from beneath the lake, and the scenery transitions into the summer appearance of Shirakawa Lake.
Submerged Forest Light-Up
The submerged forest of Shirakawa Lake is captivating even at night. On calm nights with little wind, the illuminated white willows are beautifully reflected on the lake's surface, creating a fantastical sight. Being right in front of the campsite, you can relax and enjoy the light-up while sitting by the campfire. Additionally, on weekends and holidays, the Submerged Forest BAR is open. It offers a perfect chill space where you can enjoy drinks while gazing at the sparkling submerged forest over the counter.
Canoe Tour
The Iide Canoe Club tour takes you on a canoe trip through a lake surrounded by nature. With blue skies, white clouds, and the chirping of birds, you can enjoy a leisurely lake stroll that feels like a little adventure. Even if you have no experience, whether you are a beginner, a family, or an elderly person, you can enjoy the experience safely and pleasantly as we carefully teach you how to paddle.
There are various ways to enjoy the tour, such as an early morning tour to savor the special moment of sunrise or a more relaxing experience with Chair SUP.
Camping, Accommodation, Hot Springs
Shirakawa Lakeside Campground - Cottage Village Mokorikan
There are 30 auto sites and free sites where you can drive your car. You can set up a tent right in front of the submerged forest for a special camping experience. For beginners or those who are anxious, staying in a cottage is also recommended.
Shirakawaso
A prime location where the submerged forest greets you when you open the window. Enjoy meals made with local ingredients from each season in Iide town, Nakatsugawa. Don't miss out on our homemade doburoku (unrefined sake), soft-serve ice cream, and ramen made with doburoku.
Hot Springs
Shirakawaso's Shirakawa Onsen is renowned for its beautifying effects. Surrounded by nature, you can enjoy bathing while feeling the beauty of nature in every season.
Park Golf
We have a park golf course with 4 courses and 36 holes. With the submerged forest and the Iide mountain range as a backdrop, you can enjoy playing freely. Various rentals are also available, so you can enjoy without bringing anything.
Forest of the Source
Located a 15-minute walk from Shirakawa Lakeside Park, this facility offers over 40 nature experiences such as athletics, forest classrooms, and craft classes.
Access and Park Map
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From Yamagata Shinkansen Akayu Station to Shirakawa Lake is about a 40-minute drive.
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From Yonesaka Line Tenoko Station to Shirakawa Lake is about a 20-minute drive (approximately 5,000 yen by taxi).
※We recommend taking Route 4 from National Route 113 and passing in front of Tenoko Elementary School. When setting Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park on your car navigation system, you may be guided through "Suganuma Pass" via Kawakita Town. The area around Suganuma Pass has narrow roads and many curves, making it difficult for large vehicles to pass each other. Please exercise caution when traveling from the direction of Yonezawa or Kawakita.
Park Map
Various Information and FAQs
■Regarding Photography
Please refrain from entering paid facilities for photography.
■Regarding Parking and Various Cooperation Fees
During the period of the submerged forest (busy season), we request cooperation fees from customers using the parking lots within the Shirakawa Lake Park for purposes such as temporary parking lot setup, canoe dock cleaning and facility enhancement, and deployment of guides to alleviate traffic congestion, in addition to promoting tourism. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
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General Parking Cooperation Fee: April 27th to May 6th, 2024 (8:00 to 17:00) Automobile: ¥1000 / Motorcycle: ¥500
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Light-up Tour Cooperation Fee: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April 20th to May 18th, 2024 (17:00 to 21:00) @ ¥1000
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Lake Use Cooperation Fee (Canoe use, etc.): April 20th to May 25th, 2024 @ ¥1000
※ Parking on the roadside is extremely dangerous, so please refrain from doing so.
※We provide route guidance to the submerged forest in Shirakawa Lake via our official YouTube channel.
※ When returning from Shirakawa Dam Lake Park, it is expected to be crowded when exiting onto National Route 113. We kindly ask for your cooperation in alleviating congestion by referring to this map.
※ Discarding cigarette butts and empty cans is strictly prohibited.
※ Please clean up after your pets responsibly.
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Until when can I see the submerged forest at full water level?The water level gradually decreases around May 15th every year. Additionally, in order to release irrigation water for use in rice cultivation, the water level drops over a period of about 10 days and returns from the lake to the river. You will be able to see the beautiful submerged forest until around May 20th.
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What time can I see the morning misut over the submerged forest?The morning mist over Lake Shirakawa is a natural phenomenon, so if weather conditions and temperature differences are suitable, you can see it from around 4:00 am to 7:00 am. However, please note that morning mist does not occur every day.
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Can I park in the parking lot to see the submerged forest even at night or early morning?Regarding the hours when you can enter and exit the parking lot, including the temporary one at Shirakawa Dam Lakeshore Park, you can virtually enter and exit the parking lot for 24 hours. However, since there is a campground within the park, there are concerns about noise such as noise from late night hours when people are asleep, headlights shining, and long periods of idling. If you are planning to enter the venue late at night or early in the morning, please be especially aware of the above. <About parking cooperation funds> During the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, we will ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time.
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Can I visit the submerged forest using public transportation?Regarding public transportation to the submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa, unfortunately there is no bus service. Regarding trains, due to heavy rain on the JR Yonezaka Line, buses are currently being used for some sections between Imaizumi and Sakamachi station. *The nearest station is Tenoko Station. <About time changes to the Yonezaka Line substitute bus and temporary timetable from Saturday, March 18th (timetable)> https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2022/niigata/20230301_ni01.pdf JR Tenoko Station As for taxis, we generally do not wait. We will mainly call you by phone, so we recommend that you make a reservation in advance, specifying when and where you would like us to pick you up. Taxi company (Mezami Kotsu) TEL : 0238-72-2137 If you are planning to use the taxi from Tenoko Station, please make a similar reservation. Taxi fares are expected to be around 5,000 to 8,000 yen one way. Please note that Golden Week is expected to be extremely crowded, and taxi fares may increase significantly if you are stuck in traffic jams until you arrive. If you still have time to consider it, we sincerely recommend that you come on a date other than consecutive holidays, such as during Golden Week.
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I would like to experience canoeing. Can I make a reservation?The canoe experience is a special plan sponsored by the "Iide Canoe Club", so please make a reservation below. Please contact Iide Canoe Club directly if you wish to check your reservation status on the day, if you are going to be late for the experience, or if you wish to cancel your reservation. In addition, the experience will be held even in rainy weather, unless the instructor determines that it is impossible to ensure the safety of the customers. <Iide Canoe Club Official Reservation Page> https://www.iide3.net
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I would like to bring my own canoe. Is it possible?IIf you would like to bring your own canoe, etc., there is no need to make a reservation, and you can use it as is by submitting the Shirakawa Dam lake usage notification below. For details on submitting the notification, please refer to this page. https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/apply/shirakawa-apply.html It is also important to consider canceling if the weather is not good. Please be sure to enjoy safe and secure outdoor activities.
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I would like to take aerial photographs using a drone. Do I need to take any necessary procedures?If you wish to fly a drone near a submerged forest or try canoeing on your own, you must submit a lake usage notification to the Shirakawa Dam Management Office in advance. Please report it properly and have a safe and secure experience. [Shirakawa Dam Management Office] TEL: 0238-75-2131 https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/application/shirakawa-lake-apply.html Due to the revised Civil Aeronautics Act, the weight of unmanned aircraft eligible for registration has been changed, so if you want to fly a corresponding drone (total weight of 100g or more), aircraft registration and FISS registration are required. See below for details. [Drone information infrastructure system] https://www.ossportal.dips.mlit.go.jp/portal/top/ *In order to ensure the safety of visitors, canoeists, and users of auto campgrounds, etc., drone aerial photography within Shirakawa Lakeside Park and around the submerged forests of Lake Shirakawa is subject to the Civil Aeronautics Act from the perspective of accident prevention. "Flights of unmanned aircraft that may violate the regulations" are strictly prohibited. [Drone aerial photography available hours] 8:00 a.m. to before sunset *Please refrain from taking aerial photographs by drone early in the morning (even if you have night flight permission from the Tokyo Civil Aviation Bureau), as it may cause inconvenience to campers using the auto campground or free site.
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I want to go to Golden Week, but how many parking spaces are there?Please be assured that there are approximately 150 parking spaces, including temporary parking spaces. In addition, if you are an elderly person, you can park your car in the parking lot below and walk for about 5 minutes. <Parking lot near the symbolic single willow tree> https://goo.gl/maps/N3zxz9XfPGMupgMV8 However, if you are unavoidably directed to the parking lot below, you will need to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes. We kindly ask for your understanding. <Parking lot a little far away> https://goo.gl/maps/aZGLSCtTZ6k5QyNt5 <About parking cooperation fee> Limited to the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time. [Cooperation Fee period] April 29th - May 7th [Car] 1000 yen [Motorcycle] 500 yen *Parking donation is not based on an hourly basis but is a flat amount.
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Where should I aim when using navigation or Google Maps?It would be a good idea to set Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso, which is adjacent to Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park. Name: Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso Address: 218-1 Kazuma, Iide-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture Phone: 0238-77-2124
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Until when can I see the submerged forest at full water level?The water level gradually decreases around May 15th every year. Additionally, in order to release irrigation water for use in rice cultivation, the water level drops over a period of about 10 days and returns from the lake to the river. You will be able to see the beautiful submerged forest until around May 20th.
-
What time can I see the morning misut over the submerged forest?The morning mist over Lake Shirakawa is a natural phenomenon, so if weather conditions and temperature differences are suitable, you can see it from around 4:00 am to 7:00 am. However, please note that morning mist does not occur every day.
-
Can I park in the parking lot to see the submerged forest even at night or early morning?Regarding the hours when you can enter and exit the parking lot, including the temporary one at Shirakawa Dam Lakeshore Park, you can virtually enter and exit the parking lot for 24 hours. However, since there is a campground within the park, there are concerns about noise such as noise from late night hours when people are asleep, headlights shining, and long periods of idling. If you are planning to enter the venue late at night or early in the morning, please be especially aware of the above. <About parking cooperation funds> During the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, we will ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time.
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Can I visit the submerged forest using public transportation?Regarding public transportation to the submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa, unfortunately there is no bus service. Regarding trains, due to heavy rain on the JR Yonezaka Line, buses are currently being used for some sections between Imaizumi and Sakamachi station. *The nearest station is Tenoko Station. <About time changes to the Yonezaka Line substitute bus and temporary timetable from Saturday, March 18th (timetable)> https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2022/niigata/20230301_ni01.pdf JR Tenoko Station As for taxis, we generally do not wait. We will mainly call you by phone, so we recommend that you make a reservation in advance, specifying when and where you would like us to pick you up. Taxi company (Mezami Kotsu) TEL : 0238-72-2137 If you are planning to use the taxi from Tenoko Station, please make a similar reservation. Taxi fares are expected to be around 5,000 to 8,000 yen one way. Please note that Golden Week is expected to be extremely crowded, and taxi fares may increase significantly if you are stuck in traffic jams until you arrive. If you still have time to consider it, we sincerely recommend that you come on a date other than consecutive holidays, such as during Golden Week.
-
I would like to experience canoeing. Can I make a reservation?The canoe experience is a special plan sponsored by the "Iide Canoe Club", so please make a reservation below. Please contact Iide Canoe Club directly if you wish to check your reservation status on the day, if you are going to be late for the experience, or if you wish to cancel your reservation. In addition, the experience will be held even in rainy weather, unless the instructor determines that it is impossible to ensure the safety of the customers. <Iide Canoe Club Official Reservation Page> https://www.iide3.net
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I would like to bring my own canoe. Is it possible?IIf you would like to bring your own canoe, etc., there is no need to make a reservation, and you can use it as is by submitting the Shirakawa Dam lake usage notification below. For details on submitting the notification, please refer to this page. https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/apply/shirakawa-apply.html It is also important to consider canceling if the weather is not good. Please be sure to enjoy safe and secure outdoor activities.
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I would like to take aerial photographs using a drone. Do I need to take any necessary procedures?If you wish to fly a drone near a submerged forest or try canoeing on your own, you must submit a lake usage notification to the Shirakawa Dam Management Office in advance. Please report it properly and have a safe and secure experience. [Shirakawa Dam Management Office] TEL: 0238-75-2131 https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/application/shirakawa-lake-apply.html Due to the revised Civil Aeronautics Act, the weight of unmanned aircraft eligible for registration has been changed, so if you want to fly a corresponding drone (total weight of 100g or more), aircraft registration and FISS registration are required. See below for details. [Drone information infrastructure system] https://www.ossportal.dips.mlit.go.jp/portal/top/ *In order to ensure the safety of visitors, canoeists, and users of auto campgrounds, etc., drone aerial photography within Shirakawa Lakeside Park and around the submerged forests of Lake Shirakawa is subject to the Civil Aeronautics Act from the perspective of accident prevention. "Flights of unmanned aircraft that may violate the regulations" are strictly prohibited. [Drone aerial photography available hours] 8:00 a.m. to before sunset *Please refrain from taking aerial photographs by drone early in the morning (even if you have night flight permission from the Tokyo Civil Aviation Bureau), as it may cause inconvenience to campers using the auto campground or free site.
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I want to go to Golden Week, but how many parking spaces are there?Please be assured that there are approximately 150 parking spaces, including temporary parking spaces. In addition, if you are an elderly person, you can park your car in the parking lot below and walk for about 5 minutes. <Parking lot near the symbolic single willow tree> https://goo.gl/maps/N3zxz9XfPGMupgMV8 However, if you are unavoidably directed to the parking lot below, you will need to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes. We kindly ask for your understanding. <Parking lot a little far away> https://goo.gl/maps/aZGLSCtTZ6k5QyNt5 <About parking cooperation fee> Limited to the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time. [Cooperation Fee period] April 29th - May 7th [Car] 1000 yen [Motorcycle] 500 yen *Parking donation is not based on an hourly basis but is a flat amount.
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Where should I aim when using navigation or Google Maps?It would be a good idea to set Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso, which is adjacent to Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park. Name: Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso Address: 218-1 Kazuma, Iide-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture Phone: 0238-77-2124
■FAQ
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
The submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa is a unique landscape created by the delicate balance between the "blessings of nature," such as the Mt. Iide and snowmelt water, and the "activities of humans," including rice cultivation and water utilization by dams. To preserve this delicate balance and protect the beautiful submerged forest, we are engaged in conservation activities led by local volunteers.
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Until when can I see the submerged forest at full water level?The water level gradually decreases around May 15th every year. Additionally, in order to release irrigation water for use in rice cultivation, the water level drops over a period of about 10 days and returns from the lake to the river. You will be able to see the beautiful submerged forest until around May 20th.
-
What time can I see the morning misut over the submerged forest?The morning mist over Lake Shirakawa is a natural phenomenon, so if weather conditions and temperature differences are suitable, you can see it from around 4:00 am to 7:00 am. However, please note that morning mist does not occur every day.
-
Can I park in the parking lot to see the submerged forest even at night or early morning?Regarding the hours when you can enter and exit the parking lot, including the temporary one at Shirakawa Dam Lakeshore Park, you can virtually enter and exit the parking lot for 24 hours. However, since there is a campground within the park, there are concerns about noise such as noise from late night hours when people are asleep, headlights shining, and long periods of idling. If you are planning to enter the venue late at night or early in the morning, please be especially aware of the above. <About parking cooperation funds> During the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, we will ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time.
-
Can I visit the submerged forest using public transportation?Regarding public transportation to the submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa, unfortunately there is no bus service. Regarding trains, due to heavy rain on the JR Yonezaka Line, buses are currently being used for some sections between Imaizumi and Sakamachi station. *The nearest station is Tenoko Station. <About time changes to the Yonezaka Line substitute bus and temporary timetable from Saturday, March 18th (timetable)> https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2022/niigata/20230301_ni01.pdf JR Tenoko Station As for taxis, we generally do not wait. We will mainly call you by phone, so we recommend that you make a reservation in advance, specifying when and where you would like us to pick you up. Taxi company (Mezami Kotsu) TEL : 0238-72-2137 If you are planning to use the taxi from Tenoko Station, please make a similar reservation. Taxi fares are expected to be around 5,000 to 8,000 yen one way. Please note that Golden Week is expected to be extremely crowded, and taxi fares may increase significantly if you are stuck in traffic jams until you arrive. If you still have time to consider it, we sincerely recommend that you come on a date other than consecutive holidays, such as during Golden Week.
-
I would like to experience canoeing. Can I make a reservation?The canoe experience is a special plan sponsored by the "Iide Canoe Club", so please make a reservation below. Please contact Iide Canoe Club directly if you wish to check your reservation status on the day, if you are going to be late for the experience, or if you wish to cancel your reservation. In addition, the experience will be held even in rainy weather, unless the instructor determines that it is impossible to ensure the safety of the customers. <Iide Canoe Club Official Reservation Page> https://www.iide3.net
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I would like to bring my own canoe. Is it possible?IIf you would like to bring your own canoe, etc., there is no need to make a reservation, and you can use it as is by submitting the Shirakawa Dam lake usage notification below. For details on submitting the notification, please refer to this page. https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/apply/shirakawa-apply.html It is also important to consider canceling if the weather is not good. Please be sure to enjoy safe and secure outdoor activities.
-
I would like to take aerial photographs using a drone. Do I need to take any necessary procedures?If you wish to fly a drone near a submerged forest or try canoeing on your own, you must submit a lake usage notification to the Shirakawa Dam Management Office in advance. Please report it properly and have a safe and secure experience. [Shirakawa Dam Management Office] TEL: 0238-75-2131 https://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/mogami/visit/application/shirakawa-lake-apply.html Due to the revised Civil Aeronautics Act, the weight of unmanned aircraft eligible for registration has been changed, so if you want to fly a corresponding drone (total weight of 100g or more), aircraft registration and FISS registration are required. See below for details. [Drone information infrastructure system] https://www.ossportal.dips.mlit.go.jp/portal/top/ *In order to ensure the safety of visitors, canoeists, and users of auto campgrounds, etc., drone aerial photography within Shirakawa Lakeside Park and around the submerged forests of Lake Shirakawa is subject to the Civil Aeronautics Act from the perspective of accident prevention. "Flights of unmanned aircraft that may violate the regulations" are strictly prohibited. [Drone aerial photography available hours] 8:00 a.m. to before sunset *Please refrain from taking aerial photographs by drone early in the morning (even if you have night flight permission from the Tokyo Civil Aviation Bureau), as it may cause inconvenience to campers using the auto campground or free site.
-
I want to go to Golden Week, but how many parking spaces are there?Please be assured that there are approximately 150 parking spaces, including temporary parking spaces. In addition, if you are an elderly person, you can park your car in the parking lot below and walk for about 5 minutes. <Parking lot near the symbolic single willow tree> https://goo.gl/maps/N3zxz9XfPGMupgMV8 However, if you are unavoidably directed to the parking lot below, you will need to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes. We kindly ask for your understanding. <Parking lot a little far away> https://goo.gl/maps/aZGLSCtTZ6k5QyNt5 <About parking cooperation fee> Limited to the Golden Week period from April 29th to May 7th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We ask for your cooperation in using the parking lot. Due to the difficulty of staff presence and the installation of parking equipment, we would appreciate your cooperation when entering the Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park parking lot during this time. [Cooperation Fee period] April 29th - May 7th [Car] 1000 yen [Motorcycle] 500 yen *Parking donation is not based on an hourly basis but is a flat amount.
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Where should I aim when using navigation or Google Maps?It would be a good idea to set Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso, which is adjacent to Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park. Name: Shirakawa Onsen Shirakawaso Address: 218-1 Kazuma, Iide-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture Phone: 0238-77-2124