Nestled in the heart of Iwate Prefecture, Japan, lies Hachimantai, a city surrounded by towering valleys. Hachimantai Peak, a natural marvel at an elevation of 1,613 meters above sea level, has become a magnet for tourists from all corners of the globe. Among its many attractions, one name stands out – Lake Kagami Numa.
Located near the summit of Mount Hachimantai, amidst a dense forest, Kagami Numa appears unremarkable for most of the year, blending in with the volcanic lakes of the region. However, for about a week, from late May to early June, Kagami Numa undergoes a stunning transformation, becoming an impressive giant blue “eye.”
The enchanting sight of Kagami Numa first gained widespread attention in 2016 when a tourist captured a photograph of the lake, revealing a breathtaking turquoise arc, encircled by white arcs resembling an enormous eye. Inspired by this captivating image, everyone began referring to Kagami Numa as Dragon’s Eye Lake, sparking a sensation on tourist forums at the time.
The unique appearance of Dragon’s Eye Lake during this brief period is intricately tied to a local legend of two dragons falling in love and choosing this aquatic locale as their meeting place. Today, some visitors even bring offerings to the dragon gods, in accordance with the ancient legend.
While many choose to embrace the mystical tale surrounding the lake, science provides a more plausible explanation for its eye-like shape. Each winter, a layer of ice forms atop Lake Kagami Numa, with snow accumulating on its frozen surface. As spring arrives and the ice melts, pressure from the depths of the lake causes snow to persist only at its center, giving the lake its distinctive pupil-like appearance.
When the wind blows, the ice-covered central patch rotates, creating the illusion of a moving pupil. It’s a remarkable natural phenomenon, and it’s no wonder that people from around the world flock to Mount Hachimantai in late spring to witness these magical blue eyes firsthand.
To reach Dragon’s Eye Lake, visitors can embark on a 15-20-minute walk along a trail from the parking lot. However, this extraordinary phenomenon occurs just once a year, lasting for a single week from late May to early June, right before the ice completely melts. Therefore, travelers planning to visit Dragon’s Eye Lake should check for updates on the ice-melt status from the mountain’s official website before embarking on their journey.
