🗺️ Izu-numa and Uchi-numa

Registered under the Ramsar Convention (an international treaty concerning wetlands of international importance, especially as waterfowl habitats), Izunuma and Uchinuma are the largest freshwater lakes in Miyagi Prefecture. They are popular spots for birdwatching and aquatic plants. Every winter, 2,000 to 3,000 Whooper Swans migrate from the far east of Russia to spend the winter here. From the embankments of the lakes, visitors can observe the graceful silhouettes of swans flying overhead, as well as see them exposing their backsides above the water while foraging for underground stems (lotus roots) of the lotus plants growing in the lakes. The area is also a wintering ground for the Greater White-fronted Goose, with over 100,000 geese gathering here each year. During the day, the geese forage for rice bran in nearby rice fields, and at night, they rest on the lakes. This is Japan's largest wintering site for geese and ducks, where they stay from October to February. The sight of birds taking flight at sunrise has been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan Worth Preserving," attracting numerous domestic and international tourists. In addition to the aforementioned birds, various seasonal birds can also be observed, including the Eurasian Reed Warbler, Osprey, ducks, and herons. From late July to late August, pink lotus flowers, bright yellow water buttercup flowers, and small white water lilies bloom, adding vibrant colors to the water's surface. Beneath these flowers, there are species such as the Bitterling, the Asian Arowana, and the Mudskipper, attracting many anglers who come specifically to fish for Bitterling and Carp.

In winter, you can see the large swans that come here to escape the cold, along with numerous white-fronted geese. You can also observe other seasonal birds, including the great reed warbler, ospreys, ducks, and herons. To avoid startling the birds, please remain quiet while birdwatching. In summer, the lotus flowers bloom, covering the lake's surface with a soft pink hue. Fish such as the bream, flowerhorn cichlid, and goby can also be seen.