Unagi Pond (Unagi-ike)
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Unagi Pond (Unagi-ike)

4.1
·23 reviews·Ibusuki, Japan

Unagi Pond, steeped in legend of a giant eel, offers a serene hot spring town experience with unique steam cooking.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Enjoy the serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Unagi Pond (Unagi-ike)

Unagi Pond (Unagi-ike)

Best Time

Daytime

Enjoy the serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Unagi Pond, steeped in legend of a giant eel, offers a serene hot spring town experience with unique steam cooking.

4.1
(23 reviews)

"Experience the legend and unique steam cooking at this quiet, charming hot spring town."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Own Food!

Pack ingredients like sweet potatoes, eggs, or potatoes to steam cook in the natural vents. :foodie:

Explore the Hot Springs

Discover the quiet hot spring town where steam rises from various spots. 🚂

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.1 · 23 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unagi Pond Legend

Unagi Pond Legend

Discover the tale of the giant eel that once inhabited this serene pond, adding a touch of mystique to your visit.

Sume Steam Cooking

Sume Steam Cooking

Various cooking areas around the pond

Engage in a unique culinary experience by steam-cooking your own ingredients in natural hot spring vents.

Saigo Don Statues

Saigo Don Statues

Dotted around the village

Spot the charming statues of Saigo Don's 13 dogs, a nod to his historical visit to this tranquil hot spring town.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Legend

Unagi Pond is steeped in local legend of a giant, vital eel. While eel farming has ceased, the mystique remains. Explore the quiet hot spring town and its unique steam cooking spots.

Steam Cooking Adventure

Experience 'sume,' the traditional steam cooking method. Bring your own ingredients like sweet potatoes or eggs for a unique culinary adventure. It's a highlight for many visitors.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Enjoy the serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime
Why
Experience unique steam cooking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bring Your Own Food!

Pack ingredients like sweet potatoes, eggs, or potatoes to steam cook in the natural vents. :foodie:

Explore the Hot Springs

Discover the quiet hot spring town where steam rises from various spots. 🚂

Spot the Dog Statues

Keep an eye out for the statues of Saigo Don's dogs scattered throughout the village. 🐕

Enjoy the Views

The observation deck offers a great view of the pond and surrounding area. 📷

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Own Food!

Pack ingredients like sweet potatoes, eggs, or potatoes to steam cook in the natural vents. :foodie:

Explore the Hot Springs

Discover the quiet hot spring town where steam rises from various spots. 🚂

Spot the Dog Statues

Keep an eye out for the statues of Saigo Don's dogs scattered throughout the village. 🐕

Enjoy the Views

The observation deck offers a great view of the pond and surrounding area. 📷

What Travellers Say

4.1
(23 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the unique legend of the giant eel and the tranquil atmosphere of the hot spring town. The 'sume' steam cooking experience is a standout activity, offering a fun and memorable way to enjoy local flavors. The scenic views and historical nods, like the Saigo Don dog statues, add to the charm.

"Eel Pond.

It has a strange name, but a giant eel once lived here.

The frightened villagers butchered the eel, but the eel escaped into the pond, where it continued to live...

The legend goes that this eel had incredible vitality.

Eel farming ceased in 1996, and it is believed that only the legendary giant eel remains today.

And that concludes Manager Otter's bicycle journey."

Katsuaki Nasuno (Racco cycle)

"This is a very quiet pond and hot spring town.
Although the hot springs are small, steam rises from all over the place, and there are several cooking areas that use the steam, called sume.
It is also a place with a connection to Saigo Don, and statues of the 13 dogs he brought with him when he visited are dotted around the village.
Incidentally, Unagi, a Yoshimoto comedian from Ginshari, is said to be from this village."

niri san

"It's like an observation deck with a great view. There's also a large parking lot for tourists. There are new toilets, and the multi-purpose toilet even has a diaper changing station."

ちゅんらるく

What People Like

Unique steam cooking
Legendary mystique
Quiet, serene atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Unagi Pond is located in a quiet hot spring town. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's often reached by car, especially if exploring the region by bicycle as mentioned in some accounts. Consider checking local bus routes if traveling without a vehicle. Reddit

Yes, there is a large parking lot available for tourists, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of admission fees for Unagi Pond itself. It appears to be a natural attraction and a public area within the hot spring town. Reddit

As a natural pond and town area, Unagi Pond is generally accessible at any time. The steam cooking areas are also available for use by visitors. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The pond is named after a legend of a giant, vital eel that once lived here. After villagers butchered it, the eel escaped into the pond and continued to live, symbolizing incredible vitality. Reddit

Absolutely! Unagi Pond features 'sume,' traditional steam cooking areas. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own ingredients like sweet potatoes, eggs, or potatoes to cook. Reddit

While historically home to eels, crucian carp, and carp, current reports suggest the pond is now mostly populated by black bass. Reddit

Yes, there are new toilets available, including a multi-purpose toilet with a diaper changing station, catering to families. Reddit

Unagi Pond and its surrounding hot spring town are described as very quiet and serene, offering a peaceful escape. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the serene beauty of the pond itself, the unique steam rising from the cooking areas, and the charming statues of Saigo Don's dogs scattered throughout the village. The observation deck also provides a great vantage point for scenic shots. Reddit

Yes, photographing the steam cooking process can be a unique and engaging subject, showcasing the traditional method and the natural steam vents. Reddit

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