5 Lakes in Miyagi worth your time

A vibrant volcanic crater lake on Mount Zao known for its shifting colors and dramatic high-altitude scenery.

What it is

• A volcanic crater lake located on Mount Zao near the Miyagi and Yamagata border.
• Also known as Goshikinuma, meaning five-colored pond, due to its changing appearance.
• The water is highly acidic with a pH of 3.5 and contains no living organisms.
• A popular natural landmark attracting approximately 300,000 visitors every year.

What to see

• Water colors that shift between different shades depending on volcanic activity.
• A deep crater reaching a maximum recorded depth of 63 meters.
• Views of the surrounding Goshikedake and Katta-dake mountain peaks.
• The rugged volcanic landscape of the Zao mountain range.

When to go

• Accessible via the Zao Echo Line road from April through November.

Getting there

• Public buses run to the site from Shiroishi-Zao and Yamagata stations.
• The Zao High Line road leads directly to a nearby parking area.

Read more about Okama

A protected Ramsar wetland in Miyagi famous for massive winter bird migrations and expansive summer lotus flower blooms.

What it is

• A 369-hectare marsh serving as a vital wintering ground for migratory birds
• The second site in Japan registered under the Ramsar Convention in 1985
• A national natural monument designated for its important bird habitat
• A shallow water source for local rice paddies with a maximum depth of 1.6 meters

What to see

• Large colonies of lotus flowers covering the water surface
• Thousands of migratory geese taking flight from the marsh
• Artificial spawning beds used to manage the invasive largemouth bass population

When to go

• July to August to see the lotus flowers in bloom
• Winter months to observe the migratory bird populations
• Early morning to hear the famous sound of geese taking flight

Getting there

• The marsh is a ten-minute walk from JR Nitta Station

Read more about Izunuma

A historic irrigation pond and earth dam in Miyagi Prefecture recognized as one of Japan's top one hundred ponds.

What it is

• An irrigation pond and earth dam constructed approximately four hundred years ago
• A facility owned by Tagajo City with a storage capacity of 270,000 cubic meters
• A site that served as the primary water source for Shiogama City until 1963
• A designated green conservation area spanning sixty-five hectares across three different municipalities

What to see

• Kasenuma Park located on the west side of the water
• Migratory birds that visit the pond during the winter months
• Local wildlife including foxes, raccoon dogs, and squirrels in the conservation area

When to go

• Winter season to observe the arrival of migratory birds

Read more about Lake Kasenuma

A highly acidic volcanic lake in Kurikoma Quasi-National Park known for its shifting emerald and blue water colors.

What it is

• A highly acidic volcanic lake located within Kurikoma Quasi-National Park
• A former sulfur mining site that operated until 1968
• A body of water with a pH level of approximately 2.4
• A natural habitat for acid-tolerant midges and diatoms rather than fish

What to see

• Water that changes between emerald and blue depending on the weather
• Fumaroles on the lakebed that emit volcanic gases like hydrogen sulfide
• A walking path that allows visitors to circle the entire lake
• A rest house and rental boats available for use on the water

Getting there

• The lake is located two kilometers from Naruko-Onsen Station

Read more about Katanuma

A scenic inland sea and protected wetland famous for oyster farming, Jomon period ruins, and a historic island shrine.

What it is

• An inland sea spanning Ishinomaki City and Onagawa Town covering 7.4 square kilometers.
• A designated important wetland and part of the Kenjousan Mangokuura Prefectural Natural Park.
• A center for local aquaculture specializing in seaweed and oyster farming.
• A historic site named after a quote by the daimyo Date Tadamune.

What to see

• Tsugaru Island which houses the Tsugaru Shrine and large holly trees.
• Kuroshima Island containing shell mounds dating back to the Jomon period.
• The Urashuku Bridge which opened to the public in March 2022.
• Active oyster and seaweed farms located throughout the inland sea.

Read more about Lake Mangokuura