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Lake · Ibusuki, Kagoshima
Lake Ikeda
A crater lake, the largest in Kyushu, with about 15 km of shoreline, from where you can see the cone of Mount Kaimon; known for giant eels and early-year canola flowers.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Lake Ikeda in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Lake Ikeda
Lake Ikeda is a round lake formed in a volcanic crater, about 10 km west of central Ibusuki. With roughly 15 km of shoreline and more than 200 meters deep, it is Kyushu’s largest lake. The water is deep blue, and Mount Kaimon, a nearly perfect 924-meter cone also called Satsuma Fuji, appears on the southern side.
The lake is known for giant eels, the oounagi, which can exceed one and a half meters in length. Some are kept in tanks at the lakeside park, where they can be seen up close. Local legend speaks of a monster in the lake, Issie, who became the region’s mascot.
In early year, generally January and February, fields of canola usually bloom along the shore in yellow with Mount Kaimon in the background. There is a lookout at the north shore park and a road that circles the lake with stopping points.
Mount Kaimon can be climbed by a spiral trail of about 5 hours round trip, with views of the ocean and the islands to the south. Closer to the coast are Cape Nagasakibana, the southernmost point of the Satsuma Peninsula, with a lighthouse and views of the mountain, and Lake Unagi, smaller, where steam from the shoreline hot springs is used by locals to cook vegetables and eggs in stone ovens called sumege.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour in the lakeside park and lookout; half a day with a drive around the lake and a stop at Cape Nagasakibana.
Best time
In the morning, when Mount Kaimon often appears cloud-free. In January and February the canola flowers usually bloom; in summer humidity can hide the cone.
How to get there
It is about 11 km from central Ibusuki, 20 minutes by car or taxi. Local buses from Ibusuki Station serve the lake, with few departures per day; check return times.
Tip
Combine the lake with Cape Nagasakibana and Mount Kaimon in the same outing by car or taxi. To photograph the mountain reflected in the water, prefer the north shore in the morning.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake Ikeda
How to get to Lake Ikeda without a car?
By local bus from Ibusuki Station, with few departures per day, or by taxi in about 20 minutes. Confirm return times before you go.
Can you see the giant eels of Lake Ikeda?
Yes, in tanks at the north shore park where some oounagi are kept. In the lake, they stay at the bottom and rarely appear.
When do the canola flowers at Lake Ikeda bloom?
Generally in January and February, in the fields along the shore, with Mount Kaimon in the background. The timing varies depending on the winter.
Can you climb Mount Kaimon?
Yes, via a trail that winds around the cone in a spiral, taking about 5 hours round trip. The trailhead is near Kaimon Station, southwest of the lake.
Beyond the guide
