Japan’s Hidden Crater Lake 🌿 Where Myths and Reflections Meet – Miike

Japan’s Hidden Crater Lake 🌿 Where Myths and Reflections Meet – Miike

Today, I’d like to introduce Lake Miike — a beautiful crater lake located about 68 km west of Miyazaki City. Lake Miike was formed when groundwater filled the caldera left by a volcanic eruption around 4,600 years ago. That eruption is said to have been one of the most powerful in the entire Kirishima mountain range. According to a 19th-century illustrated guidebook of famous places and local legends (1843), a divine dragon with nine heads once lived in this lake and presented a sacred jewel to the monk Shōkū. (Image: Wikipedia) Lake Miike is just about a five-minute drive from Ohjibaru Shrine, featured in the previous video, and Sano Shrine from the video before that. This lakeside area is known as Ohjikō(Prince Port). There is also a legend that Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, played here as a young boy. While we were standing by the shore, these adorable ducks came right up to us.♡ They must be used to being fed, because they’re surprisingly friendly for wild animals. We love the open, peaceful atmosphere around Lake Miike, and we’ve visited several times before. Although we couldn’t do it on this day, you can enjoy activities like kayaking and SUP here, and there’s also a campground and a bird sanctuary across the lake. Here’s a photo from when our children were little — we came to Lake Miike and went kayaking together.♪ The sense of openness is incredible.♡ Let’s take a short walk along the lakeshore. Can you see some fish jumping out of the water? As we relaxed and looked out over the lake, the ducks and the migratory duck from earlier came back toward us.♪ Looks like they just spotted something to eat. ♡ You don’t usually see migratory ducks here in early October… but I guess they really like this place.♪ This sign suggests that you can walk all the way around the lake to the opposite shore. …but fallen trees and overgrown brush make it difficult to pass through. A bit of a shame… This is the campground located on the other side of the lake. You can pitch a tent there, or stay in a cottage. (Image: Takahara Town) The view from the campground is lovely as well. Next time, we’d love to visit the nearby bird sanctuary too.♡ (Image: Takahara Town) Right next to the lakeshore, there are chairs and tables set out like this. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery. Of course, we had a picnic too.♡ Just as we started eating, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds — perfect timing. It’s a place that warmly embraces all who visit… A place where mythology and graceful nature live side by side — that is Lake Miike. (Image: Miyazaki Prefecture)

🌿 Experience Miyazaki, the “Land of Sun and Myth,” through hidden gems, mystical shrines, and stunning nature — with no narration, only calming nature sounds and original healing BGM.
Perfect for travel, relaxation, meditation, and enjoying the beauty of Japan.

Lake Miike is a mythic volcanic crater lake nestled within the deep forests of Takahara, long associated with ancient legends.✨

It is said that Emperor Jimmu, Japan’s first emperor, spent his early childhood near these tranquil waters, surrounded by sacred silence and untouched nature.

The lake’s still surface, Mt. Takachiho standing majestically before us, and the presence of adorable waterfowl create a healing atmosphere where time seems to slow down.

Here, myth and nature coexist quietly — not as a story to be told, but as a feeling to be experienced.

Enjoy a peaceful walk along this serene lakeside sanctuary, where ancient folklore meets deep natural calm.💫

🎵 No narration / Nature sounds + original relaxing BGM by Rinaldo & Satomi
✨ Let yourself unwind and enjoy this peaceful journey through one of Japan’s hidden gems.

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📍Location map:
Lake Miike(Takaharu, Miyazaki)
https://www.google.com/maps/place/御池/@31.8839253,130.9701607,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x353f22b25f098df1:0xc4fd4670cb6783e9!8m2!3d31.8829057!4d130.9700455!16s%2Fm%2F047d5hd?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTAyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Timestamps:
0:00 – Opening
0:35 – Arrival at Lake Miike
1:41 – Adorable Ducks and a migratory duck
2:57 – Walking along the Lake Miike
3:40 – Adorable Ducks and Duckling again

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