Tokimeku Tohoku[Tourism web media of six cities in Tohoku]

Tohoku Diary

Winter Vistas 

Yamagata City/Head to the mountains and valleys in search of fresh greenery while feeling the early summer sunshine.

2023/06/13

Yamagata City/Head to the mountains and valleys in search of fresh greenery while feeling the early summer sunshine.

A mysterious swamp that changes color depending on the sunlight

This time, we would like to introduce you to Dokko-numa, a mysterious pond with blue water surrounded by fresh green beech trees. Dokko Swamp, located on the Zao Central Plateau at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters, is said to have gotten its name from the legend that ''A priest sank a dragon living in the swamp with Dokko.'' Water gushes out from the bottom without drying up, and the circumference is about 350 meters, with an average depth of about 2 meters. The blue water surface changes color from deep green to emerald green depending on the sunlight, creating an even more magical atmosphere.

To access Dokko-numa, be sure to use the Zao Central Ropeway. You can access it directly by getting off at Torikabutsu Station and transferring to the Chuo Daiichi Lift. If you would like to go on foot, there is also a walking course that takes less than 20 minutes from Torikabutsu Station via Mt. Torikabutsu Observation Deck.

There are tables and chairs on the banks of the Dokko Swamp, so you can relax here, or we recommend heading to Fudo Falls, which is known as a power spot on the promenade through the beech forest that leads to the end of the marsh. (approximately 60 minutes round trip)

  • 1
  • 2

About the Writer

writer

Minako Yoshida

Ikuseishimo has written tourism articles for the six prefectures of Tohoku plus α.

My latest craze is machine knitting, and I've started attending classes as well.