Maruike-sama Pond | A Sacred Emerald Spring Hidden in the Forest of Yamagata
Deep in the forests of Yuza, Yamagata Prefecture, lies a mystical blue-green spring known as Maruike-sama (丸池様) — a place of silence, purity, and spiritual calm.
Its name, meaning “Sacred Round Pond,” reflects how locals have long worshiped it as a dwelling of divine spirits.
The pond’s water glows with an almost unreal shade of emerald, changing its hue with the light and season.
It’s not just a scenic spot — it’s a sacred mirror where nature reveals her quiet magic.
🌿 Where Light and Water Breathe Together
The spring water of Maruike-sama flows directly from Mt. Chokai, filtering through the earth before rising pure and clear into the pond.
Because of the minerals and the clarity of the water, sunlight penetrates deep, creating luminous shades of turquoise, jade, and sapphire that shift throughout the day.
In early summer, fresh green trees reflect on the surface; in autumn, golden leaves float gently on the still water — each season painting a different dreamlike scene.
Even without wind, the water seems alive — softly rippling as if it were breathing.
📸 A Spiritual Sanctuary for Photographers
Photographers and travelers come here not for grandeur, but for serenity.
The pond’s stillness and color make it a natural artwork — best captured on calm mornings when mist lingers above the surface.
A short forest walk leads you there, surrounded by moss, bird songs, and the faint scent of cedar.
It’s a place where you lower your voice without thinking — as if the forest itself is listening.
🗺️ Access & Basic Info
Name: Maruike-sama Pond (丸池様)
Location: Yuza Town, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
Type: Natural spring pond
Best season: May–October (green reflections), October–November (autumn colors)
Official Info: https://www.yuzachokai.jp/
Access:
- 🚗 By car: About 10 min from JR Yuza Station
- 🚶 Walk: 5 min from the parking area through a small forest path
- ⚠️ Tips: Visit early morning for calm reflections. Please respect this sacred site — no swimming or touching the water.
✨ Maruike-sama isn’t just a pond — it’s a living spirit of water and light, where silence feels sacred and nature speaks in color.
