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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the serene atmosphere

Unagi Pond (Unagi-ike)
Best Time
Enjoy the serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Unagi Pond, steeped in legend of a giant eel, offers a serene hot spring town experience with unique steam cooking.
"Experience the legend and unique steam cooking at this quiet, charming hot spring town."

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. 🚂

Quick Facts
Rating
4.1 · 23 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Legend
Steam Cooking Adventure
Best Times
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is a large parking lot available for tourists, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
While historically home to eels, crucian carp, and carp, current reports suggest the pond is now mostly populated by black bass.
Yes, there are new toilets available, including a multi-purpose toilet with a diaper changing station, catering to families.
Unagi Pond and its surrounding hot spring town are described as very quiet and serene, offering a peaceful escape.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, photographing the steam cooking process can be a unique and engaging subject, showcasing the traditional method and the natural steam vents.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit