The seasonal “Dragon Eye” ice-water formation has reappeared this June at Hachimantai mountain on the border of Akita and Iwate prefectures [1, 2].
The return of the phenomenon is significant because the view was unclear last year due to low water levels [1, 2]. This year, snow-melt water refilled the lake, restoring the double-layered ice that creates the distinct eye-shaped appearance [1, 2].
Visitors traveled from across Japan to witness the emerald green waters. One tourist from Nagasaki said it is a very beautiful place [1]. The sight attracts crowds specifically during the summer season when the ice and water align to create the optical illusion [1, 2].
Another visitor described the view as a transparent emerald green and said it was much better than they had imagined [1]. The formation occurs when a layer of melted snow floats atop a layer of remaining ice, creating a circular pattern that resembles a giant eye from an aerial or high-altitude perspective [1, 2].
Local authorities and tourism boards monitor the water levels closely each spring to predict if the formation will be visible. Because the phenomenon depends on specific temperature and precipitation patterns, its appearance varies annually [1, 2]. This year's successful refill ensures that the "phantom view" is available for the peak viewing window [1, 2].
“The seasonal “Dragon Eye,” a double-layered ice-water formation that looks like a giant eye, reappeared this year.”
The reappearance of the Dragon Eye highlights the sensitivity of Japan's seasonal natural landmarks to annual snowfall and melt rates. After a failure to form last year, the 2026 restoration demonstrates how specific hydrological conditions are required to maintain these localized tourism draws.
