Rokkannon Miike, Volcanic crater lake in Ebino, Japan
Rokkannon Miike is a volcanic crater lake on the Ebino Kogen highland in the Ebino area of Japan. It sits inside a volcanic crater rimmed with oaks, maples, and firs, with dark lava rock visible along the shore.
The lake was formed by volcanic eruptions that shaped the crater and then allowed it to fill with water over time. The surrounding highland was built up through the same activity, and steam vents nearby show the ground is still active.
The name Rokkannon Miike refers to a Buddhist deity, Roku Kannon, associated with compassion, giving the lake a quiet spiritual character. Visitors tend to linger at the water's edge in a way that feels more like a pause than a stop.
The trail around the lake is easy to follow and connects to other crater lakes nearby, so it works well as part of a longer walk. The ground can be uneven in spots due to volcanic rock, so sturdy shoes and a layer for changing weather are worth bringing.
The lake was once known as the southernmost natural skating spot in Japan, as it used to freeze solid enough in winter for people to skate on it. Today it rarely freezes due to climate shifts, and a man-made rink nearby has taken over that winter role.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
