Lake Ikeda
Information
MAP
Basic information
Please note that the information and photos provided here might be outdated, so always confirm before your visit.
| Address | Ikeda, Ibusuki, Kagoshima 891-0312, Japan |
| Access | Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes from Kagoshima Airport by car (using expressway). Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kagoshima City by car. 25 minutes from JR Ibusuki Station by car. |
| Phone | TEL 0993-22-2111（Ibusuki City Tourism Division） |
| Website | Japanese Website |
| Recommended flowers | Rape blossoms: late December to early February |
| Highlights | Lake Ikeda is 15 km in circumference. Because of its mild climate, rape blossoms begin to bloom from early in the year. Near the lake rises Mt. Kaimondake, which looks much like Mt. Fuji, and visitors can enjoy the calm and beautiful spring scenery. |
Photos
Guide to Enjoyment
Ikedako, or Lake Ikeda, majestically situated in Kagoshima Prefecture, is the largest freshwater lake in Kyushu and a destination steeped in natural beauty and local legends. Its serene waters set against the backdrop of lush landscapes and nearby volcanic peaks make it a picturesque spot worth exploring.
Introduction to Lake Ikeda
Lake Ikeda spans approximately 11 square kilometers and boasts depths reaching up to 233 meters, making it the deepest lake in Kyushu. Formed by volcanic activity over 6,000 years ago, its waters harbor rich biodiversity and play a pivotal role in local ecosystems.
Natural Wonders and Legends
The lake is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its legendary inhabitant, “Issie,” a creature often compared to Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster. While the existence of “Issie” remains a mystery, the tales add an element of intrigue to the lake’s allure.
Highlights of Lake Ikeda
Picturesque Panoramas
– The lake, with its calm waters reflecting the skies and surrounding greenery, offers splendid photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Wildlife Watching
– The lake and its surroundings are home to various bird species, making it a favored spot for bird-watching enthusiasts.
Visitor’s Guide
Reaching Lake Ikeda
Easily accessible by road, Lake Ikeda is a short drive from Ibusuki, a town known for its unique sand baths and hot springs.
Activities around the Lake
Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the lake’s perimeter, engage in fishing, or partake in boat rides to experience the lake from a different perspective.
Nearby Attractions
Ibusuki Onsen
– A renowned hot spring area where visitors can experience sand baths, a unique geothermal therapy where bathers are buried in naturally heated sand.
Mount Kaimon
– Often referred to as “Satsuma Fuji” due to its conical shape resembling Mount Fuji, it offers hiking trails with panoramic views from its summit.
