An Emerald Green Sacred Pool Holding Only Chokaisan's Spring Water
About this spot
A small spring-fed pool approximately 20 meters in diameter and 3.5 meters deep, sourced solely by buried stream water from Chokaisan Mountain. The pond itself has long been revered as a deity and is known as "Marui Pond (丸池様)," with Marui Shrine standing nearby. What is remarkable is its transparency and color—shifting from emerald green to cobalt blue depending on the light, with sunken logs on the pond bottom clearly visible, preserved intact by the cold spring water. This mysterious landscape is said to be created because the cold water prevents the logs from rotting. When sunlight filters through the trees and dances on the water's surface, the beauty is truly breathtaking. The nearby Ushiwatari River (牛渡川) is a pristine stream where Japanese bistorta flowers sway, and a leisurely walk around the pond allows you to feel the blessings of Chokaisan's waters throughout your being.
Tips
About 5 minutes by car from JR Fukiura Station; there is a parking area for visitors near the Minowa Salmon Hatchery. It's a short walk from the parking area to the pond, but the walking path is unpaved, so wear comfortable shoes. As this is a sacred deity's pond, touching the water or throwing objects into it is strictly prohibited. The area is often damp and surrounded by trees, so exercise extra caution after rain.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour. A clear, sunny morning when sunlight filters through the trees provides the most vibrant colors.
Access & map
〒999-8525 Yamagata Prefecture, Akumi District, Yusa Town, Fukiura Shichisori Ase Higashi Naoshi Arakawa 57
Model course featuring this spot
Yusa: Tour of Marui Pond and Scenic Spring Waters of the Chokaisan Foothills
Yamagata
Explore features & model courses
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