Lake Tazawa, Akita Prefecture Complete Guide | The Charm of Japan’s Deepest Lake and Thorough Explanation of Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Lake Tazawa, located in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, is a mysterious lake with the record of being Japan’s deepest at 423.4 meters in water depth. Its beautiful cobalt blue water surface continues to captivate visitors. As a scenic spot selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Landscapes and as the core of the Tazawa Lake Dakigaeri Prefectural Natural Park, we will introduce you comprehensively to the charm of Lake Tazawa, which displays different faces with each season, along with surrounding tourist attractions.
Basic Information and Characteristics of Lake Tazawa
Japan’s Deepest Lake: Lake Tazawa
Lake Tazawa is a freshwater lake in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, belonging to the Omono River system, a first-class river. Its maximum water depth of 423.4 meters boasts the top position among all lakes and marshes in Japan. This depth is deeper than Tokyo Tower (333 meters), truly a miracle created by nature.
The lake has an area of approximately 25.8 square kilometers, making it the 19th largest lake in Japan. With a circumference of approximately 20 kilometers, a driving tour or cycling around the lake has become a popular activity.
The Mysterious Lapis Lazuli and Cobalt Blue Water Surface
The greatest charm of Lake Tazawa is its beautiful lapis lazuli and cobalt blue water surface. This unique blue is born from the depth of Lake Tazawa and the high transparency of its water. Light reaches the deep lake bottom, and only blue light reflects, creating this mysterious color.
The color of the water surface changes with the season, time of day, and weather. On sunny days during midday, it displays vivid cobalt blue, at dusk it turns crimson or purple, and on cloudy days it reveals a deep indigo. This changing appearance is one of the pleasures of visiting Lake Tazawa.
History and Geological Characteristics of Lake Tazawa
Lake Tazawa is believed to have been formed approximately 100,000 years ago. It is not a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, but a structural lake formed by crustal deformation. The lake bottom topography is complex, with the deepest point located on the eastern side of the lake.
In the past, Lake Tazawa was home to “Kunimasu,” a fish species endemic to the region. However, in the 1940s, acidic water from the Tamagawa River was diverted into Lake Tazawa, acidifying the lake water, and Kunimasu was believed to have become extinct. However, in 2010, the survival of Kunimasu was confirmed in Lake Nishi in Yamanashi Prefecture, becoming a major topic of interest. Currently, projects to improve water quality in Lake Tazawa and bring Kunimasu back are underway.
Access Methods to Lake Tazawa
Access by Train
For train access to Lake Tazawa, JR Akita Shinkansen “Tazawa Lake Station” is the nearest station.
- From Tokyo: Akita Shinkansen “Komachi” in approximately 3 hours
- From Sendai: Akita Shinkansen in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- From Akita: Akita Shinkansen in approximately 40 minutes
From Tazawa Lake Station to the lake shore, use the Ugo Transport Bus “Lake Tazawa Circuit Line.” The bus makes a circuit around the main tourist spots on the lake shore, arriving at the lake shore in approximately 15 minutes. The number of buses varies by season, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Access by Car
Car access is convenient via the following routes.
- Tohoku Expressway: Approximately 1 hour from Morioka IC via National Route 46
- Akita Expressway: Approximately 1 hour from Omagari IC via National Routes 105 and 46
Multiple free parking lots are installed around Lake Tazawa, and you can park near major tourist spots. In particular, there are large parking lots near the “Tatsuko Statue” on the lake shore and near Gozaishi Shrine.
Access by Airplane
When using Akita Airport, the “Akita Airport Liner” is convenient. A direct bus operates from Akita Airport to the Lake Tazawa area, with a travel time of approximately 100 minutes. However, as the number of services is limited, it is recommended to check the operation schedule in advance.
Must-See Tourist Spots at Lake Tazawa
Tatsuko Statue (Tatsu Statue) – The Symbol of Lake Tazawa
If you visit Lake Tazawa, you must stop at the golden Tatsuko statue standing on the lake shore. This bronze statue is derived from the “Tatsuko Princess Legend” passed down at Lake Tazawa.
The Tatsuko Princess Legend tells of a beautiful maiden named Tatsu who wished for eternal beauty and youth. Upon the guidance of Kannon, she drank water from a mountain spring, transformed into a dragon, and became the master of Lake Tazawa. From this legend, Lake Tazawa is also known as the “Lake of Beauty” and a “power spot for love and romance.”
The Tatsuko statue was created in 1968 by sculptor Yasuteru Funakoshi and stands chastely against the backdrop of the clear blue lake water, making it Lake Tazawa’s premier photo spot. The statue can also be viewed from the pleasure boat, and the view from the lake is equally spectacular.
Location: Eastern side of Lake Tazawa shore
Parking: Available (Free)
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Tazawa Lake Station
Gozaishi Shrine – The Contrast of a Red Torii Gate and the Lake
Gozaishi Shrine is located on the northern side of Lake Tazawa and enshrines the Tatsuko Princess. The contrast between the vermillion torii gate facing the lake and the cobalt blue water surface is extremely beautiful and is an excellent photo spot.
In the shrine grounds, there is a “Mirror Stone” upon which Tatsuko is said to have reflected her image before transforming into a dragon, and a “Wish Bridge” where Tatsuko’s wishes are said to have been granted. It is believed to bring benefits for love and romance and beauty, and is especially popular with female visitors.
Nearby the shrine is the “Gozaishi Stone,” where the dragon-transformed Tatsuko is said to have sat down, allowing visitors to tour places connected to the legend.
Address: 1 Aiuchi Kata, Hikagi, Nishi-Moku, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
Visiting Hours: Open to the public
Parking: Available (Free)
Kansagū (Ukikki Shrine) – A White Wooden Shrine for Matchmaking
Kansagū, also known as “Ukikki Shrine,” is a shrine on the Lake Tazawa shore. It is characterized by its beautiful white wooden main hall and is also a place connected to the Tatsuko Princess legend.
According to legend, after transforming into a dragon, Princess Tatsuko met and was united with Hachirō Tarō, the master of Lake Towada. From this legend, Kansagū is known as a shrine for matchmaking, attracting many couples and those wishing for love to come true.
The shrine’s name is said to have originated from driftwood washing ashore on the lake bank, leading to it being called “Ukikki Shrine.” The shrine standing quietly on the lake shore is enveloped in a mysterious atmosphere.
Address: Aiuchi Kata, Hikagi, Nishi-Moku, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
Visiting Hours: Open to the public
Access: Within walking distance from Gozaishi Shrine
Lake Tazawa Pleasure Boat – A Spectacular Experience from the Lake
To fully enjoy Lake Tazawa’s beauty, a pleasure boat lake cruise is recommended. The pleasure boat departs from the Lake Tazawa Shore Rest House and takes approximately 40 minutes to circumnavigate the lake.
From the boat, you can view the Tatsuko statue from angles not visible from land, and also enjoy the scenery of the mountains surrounding the lake. Especially during the new green season and autumn leaves, the mountains are colored, and the reflection of the scenery on the lake surface is spectacular.
On the pleasure boat, there are audio guide announcements about Lake Tazawa’s history and the Tatsuko Princess legend, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of Lake Tazawa.
Operating Period: Mid-April to early November (Closed in winter)
Fare: Approximately 1,200 yen for adults, 600 yen for children (varies by period)
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Boarding Location: Lake Tazawa Shore Rest House
Tourist Spots Around Lake Tazawa
Mountain Honey Shop & Pizza Workshop – A Gourmet Spot
If you visit Lake Tazawa, be sure to stop by the “Mountain Honey Shop & Pizza Workshop.” You can enjoy various products using locally-produced honey and authentic pizza baked in a wood-fired oven.
Especially popular are sweets made with plenty of honey and pizza using local ingredients. In the shop, you can learn about beekeeping, and honey tasting is also available. It is an ideal rest spot for Lake Tazawa sightseeing.
Address: 163-3 Ishigami, Okunaito, Tazawa Lake, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00～17:00 (varies by season)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Katamaeyama Forest Park – Enjoy Outdoor Activities
For those who love outdoor activities, Katamaeyama Forest Park is recommended. Located approximately 15 minutes by car from Lake Tazawa, it has a campground, barbecue facilities, and athletic facilities.
Walking paths are also maintained in the park, allowing you to enjoy forest bathing while taking a leisurely walk. It is ideal for family picnics and group outdoor activities. Because it is at a high elevation, it remains cool even in summer, which is also an attraction.
Address: Hayada, Sotsuda, Tazawa Lake, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
Usage Hours: Daytime (varies by facility)
Parking: Available (Free)
Sashimaki Wetland Mizubasho Colony – Spring’s Spectacular View
A must-see spring tourism spot around Lake Tazawa is the Mizubasho colony in the Sashimaki Wetland. From mid-April to early May, approximately 60,000 Mizubasho plants bloom all at once.
The sight of the wetland covered white with Mizubasho is spectacular, and the delicate appearance of the “spring fairy” as it is called captivates many photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. A walking path is maintained, allowing visitors to observe the Mizubasho up close.
Address: Sashimaki, Tazawa Lake, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
Best Season: Mid-April to early May
Admission: Free
Parking: Available (Free)
Katakuri Colony Village – Japan’s Largest Spring Carpet
Another spring spectacular spot is “Katakuri Colony Village.” It is known as Japan’s largest Katakuri colony, and from mid-April to late April, approximately 20 hectares of slopes are covered with a pale purple carpet.
The sight of millions of Katakuri blooming all at once is truly a spring miracle. Katakuri is also called a “Spring Ephemeral,” and since its blooming period is short, plan your visit so as not to miss the best viewing time.
Address: Sashimaki, Tazawa Lake, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
Best Season: Mid-April to late April
Admission: Approximately 200 yen for adults (varies by period)
Parking: Available (Free)
Memories of Gata Branch School – A Showa Retro Space
“Memories of Gata Branch School” is a tourist facility utilizing the school building of the former Gata Branch School, which closed in 1974. The classroom from the 1950s is preserved as is, allowing visitors to feel as if they have traveled back in time to experience a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere.
In the wooden school building, desks, chairs, textbooks, and other items from that time are displayed, allowing visitors to experience school life of the Showa era. The building has been used as a filming location for movies and dramas and is also popular as a retro photo spot.
Address: Gata, Tazawa Lake, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00～16:00 (varies by season)
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Closed: Winter season
Healing Time at Tazawa Lake Highland Hot Spring Resort
Characteristics of Tazawa Lake Highland Hot Spring Resort
To relax from Lake Tazawa sightseeing fatigue, Tazawa Lake Highland Hot Spring Resort is recommended. Located in the high plateau area at approximately 600 meters elevation in the northeast part of Lake Tazawa, multiple hot spring lodging facilities are scattered throughout.
The spring quality is mainly simple sulfuric spring water, and it is also known as the “beautiful skin hot spring” for its expected beauty effects. Some facilities have open-air baths with views of Lake Tazawa, allowing you to enjoy both spectacular scenery and hot springs simultaneously.
Recommended Hot Spring Facilities
Lake Tazawa Resort is a large resort hotel located on the Lake Tazawa shore. The natural hot spring public bath overlooks the beautiful scenery of Lake Tazawa, and day-visit bathing is also available. The restaurant also offers Akita regional cuisine.
Nyuto Hot Spring Resort is also located approximately 30 minutes by car from Lake Tazawa and is famous nationwide as a secret hot spring. Each of the seven hot spring lodges has its own hot spring source, characterized by milky white sulfuric water. In particular, “Tsuru no Yu Hot Spring” is popular as a historically significant hot spring lodge continuing from the Edo period.
Business Hours: Varies by facility
Day-Trip Bathing Fee: Approximately 500 to 1,000 yen
Access: Bus or car from Tazawa Lake Station
Gourmet Information Around Lake Tazawa
Local Dishes at Lake Tazawa
Around Lake Tazawa, you can enjoy Akita Prefecture’s traditional regional cuisine and dishes made with local ingredients.
Inaniwa Udon: A representative hand-drawn udon noodles of Akita Prefecture, characterized by smooth texture. It is served at various restaurants around Lake Tazawa.
Kiritanpo: Famous as an Akita regional dish, kiritanpo hotpot is especially recommended in winter. It is a dish where mochi rice is mashed and wrapped around a cedar stick and grilled, then simmered together with chicken and vegetables.
Mountain Potato Dishes: The area around Lake Tazawa is also known as a production region for mountain potatoes, and dishes using mountain potatoes with strong stickiness and rich flavor can be enjoyed. Grated potato rice and mountain potato hotpot are popular.
Recommended Restaurants
Tatsuko Tea House: A dining establishment on the Lake Tazawa shore where you can enjoy Akita regional cuisine and set meals. Dining while viewing Lake Tazawa from the window is exceptional.
Soba Goro: A shop popular for hand-made soba noodles using locally-produced soba flour. Characterized by the simple flavor of country soba and strong-textured noodles.
Lake Tazawa Rest House: Adjacent to the pleasure boat boarding location, it offers a wide variety of menus from light meals to full dining options. Souvenirs can also be purchased here.
Best Seasons for Lake Tazawa Sightseeing
Spring (April to June)
Spring is the season when nature around Lake Tazawa awakens. From mid-April, Mizubasho and Katakuri begin to bloom, allowing visitors to enjoy spectacular flower views. Cherry blossoms on the lake shore are also beautiful, and the contrast between the new green mountains and the blue lake is wonderful.
The temperature can still be chilly on some days, so it is recommended to bring a jacket. The Golden Week period tends to be crowded, so visiting in the early hours is recommended.
Summer (July to August)
Lake Tazawa in summer is ideal as a summer resort. Because it is at a high elevation, it remains relatively cool even in midsummer. The lake surface shines in vivid cobalt blue, showing its most beautiful appearance.
It is an ideal time to enjoy pleasure boats, cycling, camping, and other outdoor activities. However, during summer vacation, the number of tourists increases, so early reservation of accommodations is necessary.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is the season when the autumn leaves around Lake Tazawa are beautiful. From mid-October to early November, the mountains surrounding the lake turn red and yellow, and the scenery of autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface is spectacular.
As the temperature begins to drop, cold-weather precautions are necessary. During the best viewing time for autumn leaves, the area becomes crowded, so visiting on weekdays or in the early morning hours is recommended. Fall flavors can also be enjoyed during this season, and mushroom dishes are delicious at this time.
Winter (December to March)
Winter Lake Tazawa is enveloped in silence with a mysterious atmosphere. Lake Tazawa is known as a non-freezing lake because of its depth, so it does not freeze even in winter. The blue lake surface floating in snow-covered scenery has a different beauty from other seasons.
You can also enjoy winter sports at nearby ski slopes. However, heavy snowfall can make road conditions poor, so winter tires and tire chains are essential. The pleasure boat is closed during winter.
Model Courses for Lake Tazawa Sightseeing
Day Trip Course (approximately 6 hours)
9:00 Arrival at Tazawa Lake Station, move by rental car or bus
9:30 Take photos at the Tatsuko statue
10:00 Lake cruise on pleasure boat (approximately 40 minutes)
11:00 Visit Gozaishi Shrine
12:00 Lunch at Tatsuko Tea House or Soba Goro
13:30 Drive or cycle around the Lake Tazawa shore
14:30 Shop for souvenirs at Mountain Honey Shop & enjoy café time
15:30 Move to Tazawa Lake Station, depart
1 Night, 2 Day Course
Day 1
10:00 Arrival at Lake Tazawa
10:30 Tour Tatsuko statue, Gozaishi Shrine, and Kansagū
12:00 Lunch
13:30 Visit Sashimaki Wetland or Katakuri Colony Village (depending on season)
15:00 Tour the Memories of Gata Branch School
16:30 Check in at a lodging at Tazawa Lake Highland Hot Spring Resort
18:00 Enjoy hot spring bath and dinner
Day 2
8:00 Breakfast, then morning hot spring bath
10:00 Check out
10:30 Explore secret hot springs at Nyuto Hot Spring Resort
12:30 Sightseeing Kakudate Samurai Residence Street (approximately 30 minutes by car)
15:00 Move to Tazawa Lake Station or Akita Airport
Precautions and Advice for Lake Tazawa Sightseeing
Clothing and Belongings
Because Lake Tazawa is at high elevation, the temperature is lower than in plain areas, so clothing appropriate to the season is necessary. Especially in spring and autumn, morning and evening temperatures can be cold, so bring a jacket or windbreaker.
Even in summer, the sun is strong, so a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are handy. When sightseeing on foot, choose comfortable walking shoes.
Choice of Transportation
When using public transportation, the number of buses is limited, so it is important to check the timetable in advance and plan with time to spare. Particularly in winter, the number of bus services decreases.
Using a rental car allows you to efficiently visit surrounding tourist spots and provides greater freedom with your time. However, driving on snowy roads in winter requires caution.
Tips to Avoid Crowds
The Golden Week, summer vacation, and autumn leaf-viewing weekends tend to be crowded. To avoid crowds, visiting on weekdays or during early morning or evening hours is recommended. In particular, the quiet lake surface in the morning is beautiful and ideal for photography.
Accommodations Reservation
Because the number of accommodations around Lake Tazawa is limited, especially during high season, early reservations are necessary. Popular lodges at Nyuto Hot Spring Resort can be fully booked months in advance.
Nearby Attractions to Visit Along with Lake Tazawa
Kakudate Samurai Residence Street
Approximately 30 minutes by car from Lake Tazawa, Kakudate is a castle town called the “Michinoku Little Kyoto.” The street lined with samurai residences is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings and retains a strong sense of the Edo period.
Especially during the spring cherry blossom season, the weeping cherry blossoms on Samurai Residence Street are magnificent, attracting many tourists. Autumn leaves are also beautiful, and it is a sightseeing destination enjoyable throughout the four seasons.
Dakigaeri Gorge
Located approximately 20 minutes by car from Lake Tazawa, Dakigaeri Gorge is a scenic spot also called the “Tohoku Yabakei.” The landscape of emerald green stream and bizarre rocks and strange stones is spectacular, and with a maintained walking path, visitors can enjoy the gorge scenery up close.
Especially during the new green and autumn leaf seasons the scenery is beautiful, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of natural formations. However, the walking path is closed during winter, so caution is necessary.
Tamagawa Hot Spring
Located approximately 40 minutes by car from Lake Tazawa, Tamagawa Hot Spring is known as Japan’s strongest acidic hot spring. With a pH of 1.2, this strongly acidic hot spring is believed to have various beneficial effects and is popular with hot spring cure guests.
The hot spring area also has places where visitors can enjoy rock bed bathing and experience natural therapy using geothermal heat. However, because of the strong acidity, care is necessary when bathing.
Lake Tazawa Souvenir Information
Recommended Souvenirs
Mountain Honey: Locally-produced pure honey is a representative souvenir of Lake Tazawa. Various honeys from different flowers are available, allowing visitors to enjoy different flavors.
Iburi-Gakko: A traditional Akita pickle where radish is smoked and then pickled. Characterized by its unique smoke aroma and crispy texture.
Inaniwa Udon: A representative hand-drawn udon noodle of Akita Prefecture, popular also as a gift.
Kiritanpo: Set products that allow you to easily enjoy kiritanpo hotpot at home are sold.
Local Sake: Akita is a renowned sake production region, and various local sake can be purchased around Lake Tazawa.
Souvenir Shopping Locations
Lake Tazawa Rest House: Adjacent to the pleasure boat boarding location, it has standard souvenirs from Lake Tazawa.
Mountain Honey Shop: Rich in honey-related products, with tasting available.
Tazawa Lake Station: The station also has a souvenir corner, allowing you to shop before your train departure.
Summary: Fully Enjoy Lake Tazawa’s Charm
Lake Tazawa in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, is a mysterious lake boasting Japan’s deepest water depth of 423.4 meters. Its beautiful cobalt blue water surface, history enriched by the Tatsuko Princess legend, abundant surrounding nature and hot springs, and spectacular views of each season continue to captivate visitors.
Spring’s Mizubasho and Katakuri, summer’s vivid blue lake surface, autumn’s autumn leaves, and winter’s silence and snowy landscape. No matter what season you visit, Lake Tazawa reveals a different face. With tourist attractions such as the Tatsuko statue and Gozaishi Shrine, a lake cruise on a pleasure boat, healing at Tazawa Lake Highland Hot Spring Resort, and delicious Akita gourmet cuisine, the Lake Tazawa area is well-supplied with attractive tourism resources.
Access is convenient using the Akita Shinkansen, taking approximately 3 hours from Tokyo, and the area can be enjoyed in a day trip, but it is also recommended to take 1 to 2 nights to leisurely tour surrounding attractions. There are many charming spots to visit along with Lake Tazawa, such as Kakudate’s samurai residences and Nyuto Hot Spring Resort.
Please visit and experience the mysterious beauty of Japan’s deepest lake, Lake Tazawa, along with Akita’s abundant nature, culture, and gourmet cuisine. It will surely become an unforgettable memory.
