Kagami-numa Pond: The Dragon Eye of Hachimantai

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Witness the mystical Dragon Eye of Hachimantai: A seasonal spectacle of nature's artistry in a stunning volcanic landscape.

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Kagami-numa pond (Hachimantai Dragon Eye)

Kagami-numa Pond, also known as the Hachimantai Dragon Eye, is a stunning natural phenomenon located near the summit of Mount Hachimantai. For a short period between late May and early June, the melting snow forms a distinctive 'dragon eye' shape, attracting visitors from across the globe.

A brief summary to Kagami-numa pond (Hachimantai Dragon Eye)

Tazawako Tamagawa, Semboku, Tazawako Tamagawa, Akita, 014-1205, JP
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Monday 10 am-8 pm
Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
Thursday 10 am-8 pm
Friday 10 am-8 pm
Saturday 10 am-8 pm
Sunday 10 am-8 pm

Local tips

Visit between late May and early June for the best chance to see the Dragon Eye formation.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress warmly, as there may be snow and slippery conditions.
Check the weather forecast before visiting for clear skies to enhance the viewing experience.
Bring your own snacks and drinks, as food options at higher elevations can be limited and expensive.

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Getting There

Bus

From Morioka Station, take the JR Hanawa Line to Obuke Station (about 35 minutes). From Obuke Station, transfer to a Northern Iwate Transportation bus to the 'Hachimantai Mountain Hotel' bus stop (approximately 30 minutes). From late April to mid-October, a direct bus operates once daily from Morioka Station to the Hachimantai-chojo bus stop near the summit (110 minutes, around ¥1700). From the Hachimantai-chojo bus stop or summit parking lot, it is a 15-20 minute walk to Kagami-numa Pond. Bus routes and timetables may vary seasonally. A one-day free pass to travel between scenic spots in the Hachimantai area costs ¥1600 for adults.
Car

From the Matsuo-Hachimantai Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, it's approximately a 40-minute drive to the summit area of Mount Hachimantai. Follow the Hachimantai Aspite Line, a scenic road that leads close to the summit. From the summit parking lot, it's a 15-20 minute walk to Kagami-numa Pond. Note that the Hachimantai Aspite Line is typically closed from early November to late April due to snow. Parking fees may apply at the summit parking lot.

Discover more about Kagami-numa pond (Hachimantai Dragon Eye)

Kagami-numa Pond, often called the Hachimantai Dragon Eye, is a captivating crater lake near the peak of Mount Hachimantai, straddling the border between Akita and Iwate prefectures. The pond is part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park and is renowned for a unique natural phenomenon that occurs annually in late spring. As the snow melts from late May to early June, the remaining ice and snow create a circle of blue water with a white island in the center, strikingly resembling a dragon's eye. The timing and clarity of the 'dragon eye' vary each year depending on snowfall, snowmelt, and weather conditions. The surrounding area features several other crater lakes and marshes, including Megane-numa (dubbed 'Tears of the Dragon'), Hachiman-numa, and Gama-numa, offering scenic hiking trails and panoramic views. Local legends add to the mystique of Kagami-numa, with tales of dragons in love using the lake as their meeting place. The pond's reflective surface mirrors the surrounding landscape, enhancing its beauty and earning it the name 'Kagami,' meaning mirror in Japanese. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and explore the area's diverse plant life and volcanic landscape.