Izu-numa (Lake Izu)

Overview

Izu-numa is a lake spanning Tome and Kurihara cities in Miyagi Prefecture, covering an area of 369 hectares. Known as a wintering ground for migratory birds from autumn to winter, it hosts a large number of geese and ducks, including bean geese (Magan) and lesser white-fronted geese (Hishikui). To protect the habitat of these waterfowl, it was designated a National Natural Monument in 1967 as the "Izu-numa and Uchinuma Birdlife and Habitat". In 1982, it was further designated as a nationally designated Izu-numa Bird Sanctuary (mass migratory bird area). Furthermore, in 1985, it was registered under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands, becoming the second site in Japan to receive this designation. Izu-numa is shallow, allowing aquatic plants to thrive even in the central parts of the lake. From July to August, lotus flowers cover the lake's surface. Other plants like Nuphar japonica and Nymphoides indica can also be seen, along with insects such as the dragonfly (Uchiwa-yanma) and the butterfly dragonfly (Chou-tonbo). The area surrounding Izu-numa is a vast expanse of rice paddies, and the lake serves as a source of irrigation water while also playing a role in flood control. Izu-numa is a precious location where you can connect with nature, observing waterfowl and appreciating aquatic plants. The sound of bean geese taking flight in unison at dawn and dusk has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes, offering visitors a truly awe-inspiring experience.