Overlooking the vast rural landscape of 1200h
Rural scattered village landscape
This is a dedicated contact point for tourism inquiries in Iide, providing information on tourism in Iide Town, Yamagata Prefecture.
We are also certified as a foreign partner tourist information center, so please feel free to contact us.
Album No.1
Spring/flood time
Album No.2
Summer/fresh green season
Album No.3
Winter/time of ink painting
About the landscape of scattered settlements
A landscape of scattered rural villages spread over 1,200 hectares in the former Toyohara district of Iide Town (currently Hagiu district and Naka district). The dense Yashikibayashi forest that surrounds the village is a way of life that protects houses from the northwest winds that are often felt during the winter. This landscape is the prototype of an eco-friendly house, with coniferous trees that do not drop their leaves on the west side and deciduous trees that shed their leaves on the south side, keeping the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
This mansion forest has been used for many purposes in rural life, such as cutting off the branches and using it as fuel in a process known as ``kagekiri,'' or using it as a ``rice hanger'' for hanging bundles of rice harvested in the fall. This has been inherited to the present day and has formed the beautiful landscape of today.
In 1993, it received the highest award, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, at the 1st Japan Beautiful Village Landscape Contest. Please take a look at the assets that we are proud of and that we would like to leave behind for future generations.
About the observation deck
There are two viewpoints from which you can view the dispersed settlements:
the Hotokeyama Viewpoint, which allows for a wide panoramic view, and the Yurien Viewpoint, which can be accessed by private vehicles from within the grounds of the Donden-daira Lily Garden.
The Hotokeyama Viewpoint is equipped with a dedicated parking lot, and after about a 10-minute walk, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Okitama area.
In addition, at the Yurien Viewpoint, it is possible to drive directly by private car to a nearby waiting area (parking available) close to the viewpoint.
For this reason, it is especially recommended for those who would like to casually enjoy viewing the dispersed settlements.
Access to the Yurien Viewpoint requires entering the grounds of the Donden-daira Lily Garden. During the paid opening period of the lily garden (from the second Saturday of June to the third Sunday of July), please notify the lily garden office.
Reaching the Hotokeyama Viewpoint requires approximately a 10-minute walk (via a dedicated trail). For those with limited mobility or who are not confident in their physical strength, the Yurien Viewpoint is recommended.
About the best time to see
[Spring: Small Islands Floating on the Lake] – Early June
Around late May, when the best viewing period of the submerged forest of Shirakawa Lake comes to an end, rice planting begins in earnest in the surrounding flat farmlands.
The sight of small islands floating on the lake reflected upside down like a mirror image in the rice fields is truly a fantastical scene.
The morning glow is especially recommended.
[Summer: A Deep Blue-Green Carpet] – Late July
From July to early August, when the rice plants have grown lush and green.
This is also the season when the vast farmlands, covering an area of 1,200 hectares, feel most like a vivid green carpet.
[Autumn: Ears of Rice Swaying in the Wind] – Early September
This is the season just before harvest, when the rice ears ripple gently in the breeze.
A faint scent of autumn fills the air.
The autumn dispersed settlement landscape of the rice fields is the staff’s top recommendation.
[Winter: Like an Ink Wash Painting] – Early February
The winter dispersed settlement landscape is the least commonly seen scenery.
The monochrome contrast of white and black looks just like an ink wash painting.
Its powerful presence overwhelms viewers and resonates with the people of Iide, who have endured and overcome many harsh winters.
During the winter season (from November to March), vehicles are not allowed to enter the area.
*When visiting Hotokeyama ObservatoryPrivate parking lotplease use.
*Lily Garden Observation DeckSummit shelterPlease park in the parking lot.
*Please refrain from riding off-road bikes, snowmobiles, etc. to the observation deck during the winter.
*Littering of cigarette butts and empty cans is strictly prohibited.
*Please cooperate in taking your trash home.
