The 'Dragon Eye' appearance is caused by the central ice remaining thick while the water depth increases around the edges during the rapid snowmelt period.
The phenomenon typically only lasts for a few weeks between late May and mid-June, depending on seasonal snowfall.
The pond reaches a diameter of approximately 50 meters.
The water clarity changes significantly as the surrounding snow continues to melt throughout the season.
It is located at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters above sea level.
Kagami-numa pond is a small alpine water body atop Mount Hachimantai in northern Japan, renowned for a rare natural phenomenon known as the 'Dragon Eye.' The phenomenon occurs during the spring snowmelt when the ice in the center of the pond remains, while the surrounding snow melts and fills with water, creating a ring that resembles a large reptile eye. The pond is situated within the Hachimantai National Park, near the border of Akita and Iwate prefectures. The visual effect depends entirely on the specific snow accumulation and temperature conditions of the current year. Access to the pond requires a short hike from the Hachimantai Summit Rest House parking area. It is a seasonal attraction typically visible only during the late spring thaw.
The highest point of the boardwalk overlooking the pond, which provides a direct top-down view of the circular eye shape.
Check the official Hachimantai tourism website for current 'Dragon Eye' progress reports before traveling to ensure the phenomenon is visible.
Bring polarized sunglasses to better view the colors of the water and ice through the surface reflection.
Prepare for rapid weather changes and lingering snow patches on the trails, even in late spring.
Visiting too early in the spring when the trail is still covered in deep, hazardous snow, or too late in the summer when the pond has fully melted and the 'eye' shape disappears.
The site is only accessible during the open season of the Hachimantai Aspite Line, generally from late April through early November; the Dragon Eye phenomenon is limited to the spring snowmelt window.
Stay on the designated wooden boardwalks to protect the sensitive alpine vegetation and prevent erosion of the pond banks.
