Lake Ikeda

Lake Ikedacaldera lakeMt. Kaimongiant eelIssie

Kagoshima · Ibusuki

31.1936°N, 130.5769°E

Lake Ikeda (池田湖) is a volcanic caldera lake — the largest lake in Kyushu at 15km circumference — with Mt. Kaimon (開聞岳, 924m), a perfectly conical volcano, rising from the shore. The lake is famous for two things: giant eels (up to 2 meters long, weighing 20kg) that inhabit the deep water, and persistent rumors of a lake monster called Issie (à la Loch Ness Monster).

The lakefront has rental swan boats, eel observation tanks, and flower fields (nanohana in January, sunflowers in summer).

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Lakefront 24 hours (free access). Swan boats and eel viewing tanks approximately 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Closed: Outdoor access always available. Boat rental and viewing facility hours vary.

Entrance Fee

Lakefront free. Swan boats ¥700/30 min. Giant eel observation tanks free. Mt. Kaimon trailhead parking ¥200.

Best Season

January for nanohana (canola flowers) along the lakeshore; summer for sunflowers; clear days any season for the best view of Mt. Kaimon's perfect cone

Visit Duration

1.5–2 hours for lake viewpoints and eel observation; add 4 hours for the Mt. Kaimon round-trip hike

Getting There

Access Information

Ikeda, Ibusuki City. A drive from Ibusuki Station. Free access. Swan boats: ¥700/30 min. Giant eel tanks at Ikeda-ko Pa-ku (free viewing). Mt. Kaimon hiking: 4-hour round-trip from lake area.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Mt. Kaimon hike:** The volcano's perfect cone shape makes it Kagoshima's 'little Fuji.' The hiking trail ascends 900m in 2.5km (one-way) — steep but well-maintained with chains on exposed sections. Summit provides 360° views: Lake Ikeda to the north, Pacific Ocean to the south, Sakurajima to the north. Start early (7:00am) to avoid midday heat. Trailhead parking ¥200. **Giant eel observation:** The 'Ikeda-ko Pa-ku' facility has viewing tanks with live giant eels — they're nocturnal so relatively inactive during the day, but their size (1.5–2m) is impressive. Free entry, souvenir shop sells eel-themed goods. Live eels can be seen in the lake itself from rental boats if you're lucky, though sightings are rare. **Issie legend:** No credible evidence exists, but the tourism board embraces the legend — statue and cutesy mascot character at lakefront. Take it as seriously as you wish.

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