Lake Torinoumi

Overview

Lake Torinoumi is a bay-like brackish lagoon along the Pacific coast of Watari in Miyagi Prefecture. Set just south of the mouth of the Abukuma River, it covers about 1.29 square kilometers, measuring 2.3 kilometers east to west and 1.2 kilometers north to south, making it the largest of the small lakes scattered along Sendai Bay. Linked to the Pacific by a short channel through which seawater flows with the tides, it is a distinctive wetland chosen among Japan's 500 Important Wetlands by the Ministry of the Environment.

Highlights

• ●A brackish lagoon where seawater ebbs and flows with the tides
• ●A haven for migratory birds among Japan's 500 Important Wetlands
• ●Tidal flats and the island of Hiruzuka revealed at spring tide
• ●The largest of the small lakes along the Sendai Bay coast

History

Lake Torinoumi is a lagoon formed when the former mouth of the ancient Abukuma River was sealed off by sediment. Fresh water flows in from several channels including the Abumi River drainage, while seawater enters and leaves through a short channel to the Pacific, nurturing a brackish environment where fresh and salt water mingle. This valuable wetland has been recognized as one of Japan's 500 Important Wetlands, though in recent years the deterioration of its natural environment has been noted as a concern.

Map

38.0333, 140.9139 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive at the shore south of the Abukuma mouth for a full view
2. 2Walk the embankment to watch waterfowl and brackish-water life
3. 3At spring tide, seek out the creatures of the tidal flats
4. 4Enjoy the view toward Hiruzuka island and circle the shore

Did you know?

💡 The water is very shallow, only about 1 to 3 meters deep, so at spring tide the entire shoreline and the eastern side of the floating island of Hiruzuka turn to tidal flats, giving this lake a face that shifts with every tide.

Nearby spots