Kagami Numa, a mythical Japanese lake, transforms into a giant eye each spring during the thawing process. This is why it’s called Dragon’s Eye Lake.
Kagami Numa lies near Mount Hachimantai, north-eastern Japan. It’s nestled in the middle of a dense forest and turns blue for about one week, from May to June. This is what gave it its unusual nickname, Dragon‘s Eye Lake. This unique appearance of the lake in a circular shape during one week inspired a legend about two lovers (dragons). Apparently they chose this body of water for their rendezvous.
While many believe that the legend of the lake is more convincing than science, there is a plausible explanation. The spring thaw causes snow to accumulate in the middle of the lake due to pressure from its depths, creating a pupil-like structure with a circle of blue water around.
Windy weather causes the snow-covered ice at the center to rotate, creating the illusion of a moving pupil. It is a remarkable natural phenomenon, and many people come from around Japan and abroad to witness it at the end of the spring.
Kagami Numa has become a more popular tourist attraction due to the popularity of Kagami Numa’s popular videos, and photos of Dragon’s Eye Lake shared via social media.
Also read about 8 Things You Didn’t Know About Mt. Fuji