Fan of Loch Ness? Discover Japanese Lakes with Loch Ness-like Lore

Throughout millennia, humans have resided in close proximity to lakes, where they have engaged in activities such as fishing and fetching water, resulting in the creation of numerous mythical stories associated with lakes. 

I personally live near a lake and am fascinated by it. For me, observing the diverse wildlife that thrives in and around the lake is always a mesmerizing experience. 

The tranquil atmosphere of Japanese lakes has inspired artists for centuries

People have long believed in the supernatural powers of lakes, attributing healing properties to their waters and viewing them as portals to other worlds. Even today, lakes continue to hold a mystical allure, drawing in visitors who seek to experience the magic and wonder that have inspired countless tales and legends.

According to legends, the lake's inhabitants are not only ordinary animals but also legendary creatures. Every country probably has a creature believed to reside in one of its lakes. One of the most well-known creatures is the Loch Ness Monster, believed to live in the waters of Loch Ness in Scotland. Nevertheless, many people do not know that there are similar stories of lake monsters in Japan, a country shaped by volcanic eruptions with many lakes.

Loch Ness of Japanese lakes

These lake creatures, often described as dragon-like in appearance, have been the subject of countless legends throughout Japanese history. They are believed to possess immense power and are often associated with the elements of fire and water. Many stories depict them as guardians of the natural world, protecting forests, rivers, and mountains from harm. Despite their fearsome reputation, some tales also portray them as wise and noble beings, capable of great acts of kindness and compassion.

The Legendary Issie of Lake Ikeda

Lake Ikeda with Volcano Mt. Kaimon in the distance

One of the most notable is Issie, believed to live in Lake Ikeda on Kyushu island. The creature is depicted as having a length exceeding 30 feet with a body resembling a serpent and a head reminiscent of a dragon. Fishermen have been sighting it for hundreds of years, turning it into a well-known local tale.

Stories of Issie probably originated in the Edo era to frighten children and prevent them from swimming in Lake Ikeda, a crucial water and fish resource surrounded by a densely populated area. However, in 1961, the first documented sighting of the contemporary era was reported by a group of fishermen who spotted a massive unidentified serpent-like creature in the lake. Since that time, there have been many additional sightings and reports, as well as multiple photos and videos supposedly depicting Issie in action.

What mysterious creature hides in the calm waters of this Japanese lake?

One hypothesis proposes that Issie may belong to a prehistoric species like the plesiosaurs, long-necked marine reptiles from the Jurassic period, believed to be extinct. 

Another suggestion is that Issie might actually belong to a misidentified category of eels or perhaps a different aquatic species that has not yet been identified.

In 1978, a group of scientists from Kyoto University journeyed to Lake Ikeda to uncover the truth. Sonar and underwater cameras were utilized in an attempt to explore the lake's depths, yet no evidence of Issie was discovered. 

Despite this result, the researchers continued to believe in the existence of Issie and urged for more investigation into the creature.

According to the reports, Issie is similar to a huge eel

In 1981, a bunch of college students reported spotting Issie while camping close to the lake. The monster was like a massive eel, with a lengthy, slender body and a petite head, believed to exceed 40 feet in length, showcasing a dark, splotchy hue.

Lately, there have been numerous fresh sightings and reports. In 2012, a resident from the area reported spotting the creature in the lake and was able to take a picture of it. Even though doubts have been raised about the authenticity of this photo, it has sparked renewed curiosity in the story of Issie.

Although there are numerous accounts of Issie, there is limited solid proof confirming its reality. Many scientists think that the creature is merely a myth or fable. Nevertheless, some individuals think that there might be some validity to these observations.

The monsters of Lake Biwa, Tazawa and Kussharo

Did the tranquil atmosphere of Lake Tazawa hide some mysterious being?

Apart from Issie, there are numerous other creatures rumored to live in the lakes of Japan. Cesarari is believed to inhabit the waters of Lake Biwa, which is the biggest freshwater lake of the country, and is characterized as a large serpent-like creature with a turtle-like head. 

The legend tells of a different creature called Tatsuko, residing in Lake Tazawa in Japan's Akita prefecture, who used to be a lovely princess known as Tatsuko. It is rumored that she was locked in the lake for striking a deal with a demon for everlasting youth. As a penalty for her arrogance, she turned into a dragon that lives in the lake's depths and occasionally appears to fishermen.

The alleged monster in Lake Tazawa was once a princess punished for her pride

Lake Kussharo, situated in Eastern Hokkaido, is not only the largest caldera lake in Japan but also the highest. It is believed to be the dwelling place of the Kushi, a monster rumored to live in its waters. The Kushi, like Issie, is said to be an animal that can reach lengths of up to 66 feet.

Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido

The creature in Kussharo Lake is rumored to have a lengthy body like a snake or eel, blending well with the dark waters. Unlike Loch Ness's Nessie, this monster only surfaces occasionally, causing ripples witnessed by locals and visitors.

Certain scientists propose that the alleged sightings on lake Kussharo might be caused by natural occurrences like big fish, abnormal wave formations, or even sunken logs.

Misidentified aquatic animals?

Returning from the world of myths to real life, the dark waters of lakes in Japan provide ample opportunity for misidentification. Unclear testimonies from witnesses, combined with a tendency to associate strange sightings with unidentified sea creatures, raise questions about the credibility of these water beings.

These mysterious creatures could actually be common lake inhabitants, like eels or large catfish, that are commonly misidentified. Moreover, logs floating on the lake with protrusions could be mistaken for a monster peeking out of the water.

Distinguishing between myth and truth can be challenging since the lines between folklore and reality frequently blur in today's society craving sensationalism.

Just like the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland,  sea monsters also generates a significant amount of income through visitors seeking something extraordinary.

Apart from unverified lake monsters, Japanese lakes harbor one genuine water monster. The Japanese Giant Salamander is the biggest living creature found in Japanese lakes and is often referred to as a real-life sea monster that is just as fascinating as any mythical creature.

Find additional information about the Japanese Giant Salamander here

Regardless of their actual existence, these beings remain an intriguing aspect of Japanese folklore, and the enchantment surrounding these legendary creatures still captivates the minds of many.