Lake Ikeda’s Cryptic Creatures and Colorful Cosmos

Lake Ikeda is Kyushu's largest caldera lake, formed about 5,700 years ago by volcanic eruptions that created a crater now 15 kilometers in circumference and 233 meters deep. Its waters are home to giant mottled eels that can reach 1.8 meters and weigh up to 20 kilograms, designated a Natural Monument by Ibusuki city. Local legend also claims a large creature named Issie, similar to Nessie, patrols the depths. Along the shore, colorful flowers including cosmos, sunflowers, and poppies grow year-round, and in January rapeseed fields create a yellow carpet around the lake.