Hot Air Balloon Flight: A View of the White and Green Submerged Forest from Above
[Limited Dates: Mar 22, Apr 4~5, 11~12, May 18, 25] Experience the miracle of Lake Shirakawa’s "Submerged Forest" from a breathtaking perspective in the sky. For a short time each spring, as snowmelt from the Iide Mountains fills the lake, the water turns a mystical emerald green and willow trees begin to bud from beneath the surface. Our project was born from a simple wish: to let you witness this stunning view with your own eyes—a sight previously only visible through drone footage. From your "special seat" 20 meters above, you can enjoy a panoramic view of nature’s seasonal transition. Discover the silent, snow-covered "White Forest" from March to early April, or the vibrant, life-filled "Green Forest" from mid-April through May. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial adventure where every moment becomes a treasure to remember! ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー Dates: Only 7 days (Mar 22, Apr 4~5, 11~12, May 18, 25) Weather Policy: Flights are not possible in rain or strong winds (above 3m/s). Flight Confirmation: We will email all participants between **12:00 PM and 1:00 PM the day before to confirm if the flight will proceed. Please check your email or this page. ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Q: Can we fly if the weather is bad? For safety, flights are cancelled in rain or winds exceeding 3m/s. Sudden weather changes may cause delays or mid-session cancellations. Please note that even with a reservation, some guests may not be able to fly if conditions change abruptly. Q: Will I get a refund if the flight is cancelled? If we cancel the flight due to weather or safety reasons, a full refund will be issued. The refund is processed automatically to your credit card (please note it may take 1-2 months depending on the card company). Cancellation fees apply for guest-side cancellations or late arrivals. Q: Who can participate? Any healthy person from age 0 (must be in a baby carrier). If you have a fear of heights, all you need is a spirit of challenge! Please consult us in advance if you have health concerns. Q: Can I book alone? Yes! While you will share the basket with 3–5 other people, solo reservations are welcome. Q: What should I wear? Please wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting slightly wet (rarely, condensation from the burner may drip). It can be very cold around the snow-covered lake, so please bring warm winter layers. Q: How high does the balloon go? Approximately 20 meters. It’s a perfect height to enjoy a panoramic view of the forest and the mountains. Q: How long is the flight? The actual time in the air is approximately 5 minutes. Q: What is the flow of the day? Please check in at the reception desk first. Guests will be guided to the hot air balloon flight experience in order. You can take commemorative photos with the balloon before and after the flight. Feel free to try fun “trick photos” as well.After the experience, guests are free to depart. Q: Is there parking? Yes. Please note that a parking fee will be charged from April 18th to May 17th. Parking fees are not included in the tour price. Q: Is there a minimum number of participants? Yes, at least 10 participants are required. If we do not reach this number 3 days prior, we will notify you of the cancellation via email. For Guests with Dogs This may be your dog's first flight! The loud noise and heat from the burner might surprise them. Participation is at the owner’s responsibility. We do not provide insurance for pets. ・Pet Option: 1,000 JPY (Under 20kg, limit 1 dog per adult). ・Private Charter: 20,000 JPY (Required for dogs over 20kg or 2+ dogs per person. Max 1-4 people). ※For safety reasons, a staff member may join the flight in addition to the pilot, even for private bookings. ※Please bring your own harness or sling.
Days of Week
Sun,Mon,Sat
Duration
3 hours
Adult (ages 18+)
JPY 4,000
Children (ages 18 & under)
JPY 2,000
Charter flight (1 to 4 people)
JPY 20,000
Outline
Pickup / Checkin
Checkin Times / Locations
6:00
Location:Within the campsite Parking is available behind the Shirakawaso building, near the canoe launch area. Address: 218-1 Kazuma, Iide Town, Nishiokitama District, Yamagata 999-0424, Japan
Add-ons / Transportation
Add-ons
1 pet accompanying
[Description]One dog under 20kg per adult is allowed. If you are traveling with two or more dogs, or your dog is over 20kg, please book a charter flight.[Price]Per-BookingJPY 1,000
2 pets accompanying
[Price]Per-BookingJPY 2,000
Plan Information
What's Included
- Flight experience fee
- 保険料(賠償保険)
- Consumption tax
What to Bring
- For infants and toddlers who need to be held, please bring a baby carrier. For safety reasons, a baby carrier is required during the flight.
- Please dress warmly. It will be chilly in the morning.
Cancellation Policies
0%
4 days before to 17:00
30%
1 day before to 17:00
After 17:00, 1 day before
100%
Participation Date
Reviews
Average Rating
5.0(4)
5-star
4
4-star
0
3-star
0
2-star
0
1-star
0
Family
5(2)
Couple
0(0)
Friend
0(0)
Solo
5(2)
Work
0(0)
Customer Reviews
素敵な時間
ふ
ふうこ
Posted Date: 2025/05/22
Reply from YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE
5
Participation Date: 2025-05
Solo
人生初の熱気球
ヤ
ヤマダジツオ
Posted Date: 2025/05/20
Reply from YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE
5
Participation Date: 2025-05
Family
参加して良かったです!!
る
るっちーズママ
Posted Date: 2025/05/20
Reply from YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE
5
Participation Date: 2025-05
Solo
得難い経験
山
山ちゃん
Posted Date: 2025/05/20
Reply from YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE

















5
Participation Date: 2025-05
Family