The Biggest Draw Is the Mysterious Scenic Wonder, Hachimantai Dragon Eye! A Travel Guide to Kagami-numa

Kagami-numa is located near the summit of Hachimantai, a mountain on the border between Akita and Iwate prefectures.
The biggest attraction of Kagami-numa is the elusive scenic wonder called the Hachimantai Dragon Eye.
Buried under snow in winter, Kagami-numa begins to thaw from both the edges and the center in spring, creating a donut-like shape.
Combined with the emerald-green shimmer of the water’s surface, it becomes a mysterious and beautiful sight.
Because it looks like a dragon’s eye, this phenomenon was named the Hachimantai Dragon Eye.
Another part of its appeal is that it looks different depending on the weather and time of day when you visit.
If you visit Kagami-numa, plan your schedule well and go see this mysterious moment created by Hachimantai’s great natural landscape.

The Hachimantai Dragon Eye can only usually be seen from late May to early June.
Depending on conditions such as snowfall, snowmelt, and weather, there are some years when it cannot be seen.
Because Kagami-numa is located at an elevation of Approx. 1,500 m, it is cold even from late May to early June, with temperatures around 50°F, and there can be a temperature difference of Approx. 15 degrees compared with the plains.
So even though it may be warm enough for short sleeves in lower areas, it is recommended to bring a warm outer layer so you do not get cold.
Snow still remains around Kagami-numa, so waterproof shoes such as rain boots are also useful.

Here is how to get there from Akita Airport, a starting point for sightseeing in Akita.
If you are accessing Kagami-numa from Akita Airport, the travel time is as follows.
However, from Morioka Station in Iwate, it takes Approx. 2 hours by bus. From JR Kazuno-Hanawa Station in Akita, you can get there in Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by taking a reservation-only sightseeing bus.
Try to include Kagami-numa in your travel plans so you can keep travel time to a minimum.

There is a possibility of bears appearing on the mountain trail to Kagami-numa, so be sure to take proper bear precautions, such as bringing a bear bell.
Also, ropes have been set up around Kagami-numa, so do not go inside them. There is a danger that the snow could collapse and cause you to fall into the pond.

Hachimantai Summit Rest House is about a 10-minute walk from Kagami-numa.
Inside, you’ll find a light meal corner, souvenir shop, rest area, and restrooms, making it a recommended place to take a break before or after sightseeing.
There is also the Hachimantai Observatory nearby, where you can take in sweeping views of the magnificent natural scenery.
If you visit Hachimantai Summit Rest House, be sure to enjoy the view from the observatory as well.

After seeing the Hachimantai Dragon Eye, be sure to visit nearby Megane-numa as well.
Its name comes from the way it looks like a pair of glasses together with Kagami-numa.
Because it looks like a tear spilled from the Hachimantai Dragon Eye, it has recently also been called the Dragon’s Tear.
The emerald-green surface of the pond is very beautiful and dreamlike.
In the surrounding area, you can also see various other ponds, including Hachiman-numa, the largest pond in Hachimantai, and Gama-numa, known for its beautiful cobalt-blue surface.
Don’t just stop at Kagami-numa, be sure to explore the other ponds as well.

Rising to 1,613 m, Hachimantai is, as its name suggests, a flat-topped mountain.
You can hike from the trailhead to the summit and back in Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes, so even beginners can enjoy hiking here casually.
If you go hiking, you can enjoy a wide variety of beautiful natural scenery in Hachimantai even outside the season when the Hachimantai Dragon Eye can be seen.
From spring to summer, colorful flowers bloom in abundance, creating a natural flower field.
It is also popular as a spot for autumn leaves, and the dynamic scenery colored in crimson and orange is spectacular.
In winter, a fantastical world spreads out with rows of “snow monsters,” trees frozen by moisture such as water vapor blowing onto them.
Please enjoy not only the area around Kagami-numa, but also the many other charms of Hachimantai.

Toushichi Onsen Saiunso is a hot spring about a 40-minute walk from Kagami-numa, making it a great place to visit after sightseeing or hiking.
At an elevation of 1,400 m, it is the highest hot spring in the Tohoku region, and bathing in its open-air baths surrounded by great nature offers an exceptional sense of openness.
From the baths, you can enjoy natural views such as the forest of Aomori fir stretching out before you and Mt. Iwate, the highest peak in Iwate Prefecture.
At night, a star-filled sky spreads overhead, offering an atmosphere different from the daytime.
Another attraction is that the baths use water drawn directly from the source, allowing you to enjoy hot spring water with 100% natural spring components.
The operating period is from late April to late October. It is closed in winter, so please keep that in mind.
Also, roads may be closed at night, so it is better to visit during daylight hours.

We’ve introduced the appeal of the Hachimantai Dragon Eye seen at Kagami-numa, along with nearby sightseeing spots.
Be sure to enjoy the spectacular view created by the Hachimantai Dragon Eye and the surrounding nature.
There’s no doubt that this miraculous scenic wonder in the great outdoors will soothe your soul.
Don’t forget to also visit attractive nearby spots such as Megane-numa, Hachiman-numa, rest areas, and hot spring facilities.
Beyond Kagami-numa, Akita Prefecture is home to many more appealing sightseeing spots.
This article introduces some of the best places to visit in Akita Prefecture, so be sure to check it out as well.