HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Imuta-ike, Kagoshima Prefecture
A Ramsar wetland site teeming with natural wonders
Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Imuta-ike, located in Kagoshima Prefecture, is a crater lake and wetland with a circumference of around 4 kilometers. Situated in a prefectural natural park, it is surrounded by volcanic mountains, forming a breathtaking natural landscape. In 2005, Imuta-ike was registered as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Visitors will also marvel at its “floating islands,” a designated Japanese Natural Monument. The lake is a particularly beautiful sight to behold in spring, when the flowers bloom, and in autumn, when the maple trees turn fiery red. The many birds perched on the trees are also a delight to watch.
For those who enjoy outdoor exercise, hiking up the outer ring loop trail is a must for seasoned athletes and beginners alike. About 4.5 kilometers long, the trail takes around four hours to complete, and has several descent points. After completing the hike, be sure to take a dip in the natural hot springs, take a boat ride on Imuta-ike, and go for a bike ride to make the most of your visit. Lively activities like these add a fresh dimension to the serene atmosphere of Imuta-ike. A “plum blossom marathon” run around the lake is held every February, when the plum trees bloom.
How to get there
From Kagoshima Airport (about 2 hours from Haneda Airport), take the Airport bus to the Imuta-Onsen bus stop (about 45 minutes). Imuta-ike is located 3 kilometers from the bus stop, about a 50-minute walk. The lake is also about 50 minutes by car from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
1999-2 Imuta, Kedoin-cho, Satsumasendai-shi, Kagoshima-ken
