Kagamiike Pond is an 8 ha “maar” located in Kaimon Senta in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture. A maar is a volcanic crater that is caused by a phreatomagmatic eruption, an explosion caused by groundwater coming into contact with magma. The maar typically fills with water to form a relatively shallow crater lake.The name comes from a German dialect, which is derived from Latin mare (sea).

Though large trees around the pond were cut down and the water is not very clear at present, Kagamiike Pond used to be a mirror-like clear pond until the early Showa period (1926-1989). It is said that the view of Mt. Kaimon, or popularly called Satsuma Fuji, reflected on the surface of the pond was really beautiful. Even today, when the conditions are met, you may be able to see the reflected image of Mt. Kaimon.

Not so popular as Lake Ikeda or Unagiike (Eel Pond), Kagamiike Pond is a hidden scenic spot in Ibusuki City.

Iwami-tatamigaura is a section of raised coastline located near Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture.

This platform is situated at Kane beach near the town of Kokubun. It is about 25 meters high and formed by wave erosion and by the upheaval of the area by an earthquake over a hundred years ago. There are three layers: the top layer and the lower layer are similar, and are composed of magma and sandstone.

The top layer was once the sea floor, and is now a platform. This vast eroded platform has cracks regularly crisscrossing so that it looks as if many Japanese tatami mats were laid out on the beach.  This is why it is called ‘Tatamigaura’ or ‘Senjoshiki’.

Shell fossils from 15 million years ago as well as fossilised driftwood, whale bones, and other traces of ancient animals are some of the things that can be found at Tatamigaura.

You can also see special landforms such as rifts, sea caves and a chair-like round rock caused by wave erosion. There are many eroded nodules where you can observe the remains of ancient sea creatures.

There is a sea cave called Hole-Kannon and out in the sea is the famous view of the Dog and Cat Islands, which is very popular with tourists.