Along Route 368, there is a view point (known locally as “nozoki”) where you can see Tsuruma-ike Pond and its surrounding terrain. This pond sits at an elevation of about 815 m and has a relatively shallow depth of 3.9 m. Made of pooled up spring water, its temperature is stable throughout the year and its surface does not freeze. Because of this, many creatures such as the forest green tree frog (Zhangixalus arboreus) and the Japanese fire-bellied newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) live here, and waterfowl and other small animals tend to gather here as well.

When lava erupted from Mt. Chokai about 440 thousand years ago, it caused a landslide to occur. This created a flat area of land on the mountain’s slope, where spring water and melted snow accumulated to create Tsuruma-ike Pond. This landslide also created steep cliffs that provide the perfect habitat for the Japanese golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos japonica), as well as the pond environment that supports many living things.