Denen Sankyo Village Observation Deck

Denen Sankyo Village, representative scenery of Iide Town in Yamagata Prefecture, consists of houses scattered in the expansive rice fields, with a grove of Japanese cedar trees growing on the northwest side of the houses.The grove was planted to block the strong summer sunlight, to support the Hasekake drying of rice plants during the fall harvest season, and to protect against the harsh northwest winds in winter.The branches were used as fuel, and the large cedar trees were used for house construction.In the northwest, coniferous trees such as cedars were planted, and in the south, broadleaf trees such as plum, maple, apricot, pomegranate, and fig trees were planted to not only enjoy the flowers and fruits, but also to keep cool in the summer and allow the sun to shine in the winter when the leaves had fallen. The people who did this long ago utilized their wisdom and lived extremely logical, eco-friendly lives amidst the harsh environment of the northern region. This scenery, which has been protected, nurtured, and handed down over a long period of time through the activities of the farming community, is a precious landscape asset of the town.There are two observatories in the town where you can enjoy a panoramic view.◆Dondendaira Lily Garden Observation Deck◆Hotokeyama Observation Deck