5 Lakes in Kagoshima worth your time

A high-altitude crater lake in Kirishima offering a scenic hiking trail and a perimeter path through seasonal foliage.

What it is

• A circular crater lake formed approximately 40,000 years ago in Kirishima City
• The summit reaches 1,412 meters with the water surface at 1,241 meters
• A 630 meter wide lake with acidic water that supports crucian carp
• A natural site featuring a two kilometer circumference and surrounding hiking trails

What to see

• A walking path that circles the entire perimeter of the lake
• Maple and red pine trees that change color during the autumn season
• The frozen surface of the pond during the winter months
• A shelter for twenty-nine people located at the trailhead

When to go

• Autumn for the changing colors of the maple and red pine trees
• Winter to see the pond surface when it is frozen

Read more about Ōnami Pond

A deep coastal lagoon on Kamikoshiki Island separated from the sea by a scenic two-kilometer gravel bar.

What it is

• A coastal lagoon on Kamikoshiki Island belonging to the Koshiki-yonko lake group.
• A body of water separated from the ocean by a long gravel bar.
• A habitat for sea cucumbers introduced during the Satsuma period.
• A saltwater environment where water levels change according to the ocean tides.

What to see

• The Nagame-no-hama gravel bar stretching two kilometers between the pond and sea.
• Dense populations of Akoya pearl oysters growing along the lake shore.
• A narrow channel connecting the lagoon to the neighboring Kaiike Pond.
• Seawater filtering into the pond through gaps between small stones.
• Local fish species including mullet and sillago swimming in the clear water.

Read more about Namako Pond

Kyushu's largest caldera lake features massive eels, volcanic history, and a local legend of a mysterious creature named Issie.

What it is

• The largest caldera lake on Kyushu island, formed approximately 6,400 years ago.
• A subtropical body of water designated as part of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park.
• An active Rank C volcano with a volcanic cone sitting on the lake floor.
• A protected site known for its unique ecosystem and water quality conservation efforts.

What to see

• Large eels inhabiting the waters that are designated as national natural monuments.
• A massive lake surface with a circumference of approximately 15 kilometers.
• Deep waters reaching a maximum depth of 233 meters.
• The location of reported sightings of a mysterious unidentified creature nicknamed Issie.

Read more about Lake Ikeda

A volcanic crater lake and Ramsar Wetland featuring rare peat floating islands and diverse wildlife in a scenic natural park.

What it is

• A volcanic lake formed by lava domes approximately 500,000 years ago.
• Designated as a national natural monument and a protected Ramsar Wetland site.
• A prefectural natural park located in Satsumasendai City within Kagoshima Prefecture.
• A habitat for rare Libellula angelina dragonflies and breeding spot-billed ducks.

What to see

• Unique floating islands made of peat located in the northwest marsh area.
• Mount Imuta-fuji standing prominently on the eastern side of the lake.
• A historic 380-meter tunnel waterway excavated during the 18th century.
• The Higashigawa River where the lake water flows out of the crater.

Read more about Imuta-ike

A circular crater lake in Ibusuki featuring a hot spring village where residents use volcanic steam for daily cooking.

What it is

• A circular crater lake formed approximately 6400 years ago in Ibusuki
• A designated Rank C active volcano with no large rivers flowing in or out
• A former site for eel farming and kaolin mining for Satsuma ware
• A natural landmark named after the giant eels that inhabit the water

What to see

• Surrounding cliffs that range from 10 to 200 meters in height
• Unagi Hot Spring located directly on the lakeshore
• High-temperature volcanic steam vents called sume used by residents for cooking
• A water surface sitting 122 meters above sea level spanning 1.3 kilometers

Read more about Lake Unagi