Snowshoe Tour Through the Snow-Covered Submerged Forest | The Story of Shirakawa Lake’s Submerged Forest Begins in Winter【One Private Group per Day】

【Available for a Limited Time: March 1–15】 The story of Lake Shirakawa's submerged forest begins in winter. Every spring, a magical “submerged forest” appears at Lake Shirakawa. In winter, you can put on snowshoes and walk through the very same place on foot. Experience the joy of walking across deep snow while imagining the spring that lies ahead. This nature tour invites you to discover the seasonal story connecting snow, forest, and water. No snowshoeing experience is required. Your guide will show you how to put on and use the snowshoes and teach you how to walk safely on the snow. During the tour, you will also enjoy a relaxing tea break with a warm drink while surrounded by the beautiful winter scenery. Dogs are welcome to join the tour, too! Walk together across the pristine snowfields and watch your dog run and play in the snow. Enjoy a special winter adventure with your beloved companion at Lake Shirakawa. Six Reasons to Choose This Tour 1. Walk through the spring submerged forest in winter In spring, the trees stand surrounded by water. In winter, you can explore the very same place on snowshoes. Discover a winter landscape completely different from the scenery seen on our spring canoe tours. 2. Enter a quiet, snow-covered forest Walk along the snow-covered lakeshore and through the surrounding forest. The stillness of winter allows you to experience the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Shirakawa and the beauty of its pristine snowy landscape. 3. Discover how the submerged forest is created The snow that accumulates throughout winter melts in spring and flows into Lake Shirakawa. As the water level rises, it surrounds the trees and creates the magical springtime submerged forest. During the tour, your guide will explain the seasonal changes at Shirakawa Lake and the natural process behind this unique landscape. 4. Enjoy tea time in a snowy landscape Take a relaxing break with a warm drink surrounded by snow. Enjoy a peaceful and memorable moment while admiring the quiet winter scenery of Lake Shirakawa. 5. Perfect for first-time snowshoers No special skills or previous experience are required. Your guide will carefully explain how to use the equipment and how to walk comfortably and safely on the snow. 6. Explore the snowy forest with your dog Dogs are welcome to join the tour. Walk together across the pristine snowfields or let your dog enjoy running and playing in the snow. It is a wonderful opportunity to create special winter memories with your beloved companion. “I walked through this forest in winter. Next time, I want to return and explore it by canoe in spring.” Beyond the snowy forest, spring is waiting. Your journey through the seasons of Lake Shirakawa begins here. Tour Itinerary After check-in and an equipment briefing, you will put on your snowshoes and head out onto the snowfield. As you walk through the snow-covered forest, your guide will explain the natural process that creates Lake Shirakawa’s submerged forest in spring, as well as the area’s seasonal environment. During the tour, you will also enjoy a tea break with a warm drink while taking in the beautiful winter scenery. Specialized Equipment Rental The following rental equipment is included in the tour price: ・Snowshoes: ATLAS Helium Snowshoes are specialized equipment worn over winter boots to help you walk on deep snow. Please note that snowshoes are not boots themselves. Clothing and footwear are not available for rent. Please check the “What to Bring” section below and prepare all required items before the tour. What to Bring For your safety, your guide will check your clothing and equipment before departure. If you do not have all the items listed under “Required Items,” you may not be able to participate in the tour. Please prepare everything in advance. If you have any questions about the required clothing or equipment, please feel free to contact us before making your reservation. Required Items ・Warm, waterproof clothing Please wear warm, waterproof outerwear, such as ski wear, including both a jacket and pants. Temperatures may fall below −10°C (14°F), so please prepare sufficiently warm clothing. ・Winter hiking boots High-cut, insulated, and waterproof boots are recommended. Winter rubber boots or snow boots may also be worn, but they must fit securely. If your feet move too much inside the boots, please wear thick socks or two pairs of socks to improve the fit. **Snowboard boots cannot be used because the snowshoes cannot be fitted correctly over them.** ・Warm hat Please bring a knitted or winter hat that covers your ears. ・Warm, waterproof gloves** Ski gloves or similar insulated gloves are recommended. Cotton work gloves and knitted wool gloves cannot be used because they easily become wet and do not provide sufficient wind protection.** ・Drinking water or another beverage Recommended Items ・Gaiters Worn around the ankles to help prevent snow from entering your boots. ・Down jacket or fleece Recommended for staying warm during breaks. ・Disposable hand warmers ・Sunglasses Access and Transportation Please take extra care when driving on snowy or icy roads. During winter, heavy snowfall and icy road conditions can make driving challenging. If you are not comfortable driving in winter conditions, transportation assistance may be available. Please contact us when making your reservation. Transportation availability depends on the day’s operating conditions, your accommodation, and the designated meeting or pickup location. Insurance Coverage Participants are covered by accident insurance for unforeseen accidents occurring during the tour. Insurance provider: Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. Policy type: Event Participant Accident Insurance ・Death or permanent disability: Up to ¥10,000,000 ・Hospitalization benefit: ¥5,000 per day ・Outpatient treatment benefit: ¥3,000 per day If you would like more comprehensive coverage, we recommend purchasing additional personal travel or accident insurance. Changes and Cancellations ・You may change your reservation date once, free of charge, until 5:00 p.m. four days before the tour. ・Any change requested after this deadline will be treated as a cancellation. ・Please refer to the cancellation policy at the bottom of this page for full details regarding cancellation fees. Tour Price This is a fully private tour with one fixed price for a group of up to **three guests and one dog**. If your group includes four or more guests or two or more dogs, please select the appropriate add-on options when making your reservation. ・Additional guest—from the fourth guest onward: +¥10,000 per person ・Additional dog—from the second dog onward: +¥5,000 per dog Please contact us in advance if you would like to participate with six or more guests or three or more dogs.

• Days of Week

  Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat

• Duration

  2h 30m

• Per-Booking

  JPY 36,000

• Add-ons

  • One Additional Dog

    [Description]

    Please select this option for the second dog. For three or more dogs, please contact us in advance.

    [Price]

    Per-BookingJPY 5,000

  • ＋1person

    [Description]

    Please select this option if your group has four guests.

    [Price]

    Per-BookingJPY 10,000

  • 2 person added

    [Description]

    Please select this option if your group has five guests. For groups of six or more, please contact us in advance.

    [Price]

    Per-BookingJPY 20,000

• What's Included

  • Guide Fee
  • Essential Gear Rental (Snowshoes)
  • Consumption tax
  • Insurance

• Requirements

  • Please come prepared with basic cold-weather clothing and suitable footwear for walking on snow.
  • Participants may be refused entry if proper clothing or equipment is not provided.
  • arget age: 3 years old and above

• What to Bring

  • --- Things you definitely need to prepare ---
  • Cold-weather clothing (cold-proof/waterproof tops and bottoms such as ski wear. Please bring warm enough clothing)
  • Climbing shoes (high cut, cold and waterproof. You can also participate in winter boots or snow boots, but you will need to wear thick socks or two layers of socks to prevent your feet from moving too much inside the shoes.)
  • Gloves (warm ones, such as ones for skiing. *Cotton gloves and woolen gloves are not good because they get wet and allow wind to pass through)
  • Knit cap (covers the ears)
  • Drinks
  • --- The following are things that are good to have ---
  • Gator spats (things that are attached to the ankles to prevent snow from getting into the shoes)
  • Down jacket or fleece (for use during breaks)
  • Heat pad
  • Sunglasses

• Cancellation Policies

  • Until 17:00, 8 days prior: 0%
  • Until 17:00, 4 days prior: 10%
  • Until 17:00 the day before: 30%
  • After 17:00 the day before: 100%