The Miracle of Snowmelt: Witness the Moment the Dragon Awakens

📝﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏Spot Details

📍 Hachimantai Dragon Eye (Kagami-numa)
📌 Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture / Semboku City, Akita Prefecture (Prefectural Border)
A natural phenomenon observed near the summit of Mount Hachimantai, at an altitude of approximately 1,613 meters, in "Kagami-numa."

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⏱ Best Viewing Period
Every year from mid-May to mid-June, lasting about two weeks
* The timing may vary depending on the snowmelt conditions each year
* In 2025, the best viewing period was from early to mid-June (disappeared by early July)

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💰 Admission Fee
Free entry (as it is a natural exploration area)
* Information is available at places like the Hachimantai Visitor Center

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🚗 Access & Parking
- By car: About 40 minutes from Tohoku Expressway "Matsuo Hachimantai IC" to the Hachimantai Summit Rest House
- Parking: Hachimantai Summit Rest House Parking Lot (Paid / 500 yen per use)
- From the parking lot, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to Kagami-numa (be cautious of slippery conditions during the snowmelt period)

🚌 Public Transportation (Limited Period)
- Sightseeing routes like the "Hachimantai Nature Exploration Bus" operate during the best viewing period (advance confirmation required)

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✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏One-Point Information

- The "Dragon Eye" refers to the dragon-eye-like pattern that appears on the water surface as the snow melts
- The snow edges are fragile, so it’s important not to get too close to the lake surface
- For snowy mountain trails, wearing rubber boots or hiking boots with cold-weather gear is essential
- The lake’s color and shape change daily, offering a different view each time you visit
- Early mornings and sunny days are particularly beautiful, making it perfect for photography 📸✨