A severe rain shortage during Golden Week has caused critical drought conditions across Japan, exposing a submerged village and fueling forest fires [1, 2].

These environmental extremes highlight the vulnerability of Japan's water infrastructure and natural landscapes during prolonged dry spells. The lack of precipitation has simultaneously impacted tourism at major landmarks and forced residents from their homes in northern regions.

In Iwate Prefecture, a forest fire that started on April 22, 2026 [1], affected two locations in Ouchi town [1]. The drought dried out vegetation, which worsened the fire's spread and complicated containment efforts. Residents struggled to manage the flames; Shiori Takeuchi said she spent nights patrolling and watering areas because the fire would not go out [1].

Local officials partially lifted evacuation orders on April 29, 2026 [1], one week after the blaze began. The decision came after officials determined there was no longer a risk of the fire spreading to private homes [1]. One resident said they felt relieved that the orders were lifted [1].

Meanwhile, the water shortage has visibly altered the landscape in other regions. At Kegon Falls in Nikko, Tochigi, the usual powerful torrent has been reduced to a trickle [2]. Tourists visiting the site during the holiday period found the water flow significantly diminished due to the lack of rain [2].

Similar conditions occurred at the largest dam in the Tokyo metropolitan area [2]. The water levels dropped so low that a village previously submerged by the reservoir became visible again [2]. This rare occurrence allowed former residents of the submerged village to see their previous homes, and community structures emerging from the reservoir [2].

“The water levels dropped so low that a village previously submerged by the reservoir became visible again.”

The convergence of forest fires in Iwate and extreme water level drops in the Tokyo region suggests a widespread climatic anomaly during the 2026 Golden Week period. The visibility of the submerged village serves as a stark indicator of the severity of the drought, while the delayed containment of the Ouchi town fires demonstrates how dry vegetation increases the risk and duration of wildfires in rural Japan.