Tazawa Lake

Tazawa Lake is Japan's deepest lake, located in Sennoku City, Akita Prefecture, with a maximum depth of 423.4 meters. This nearly circular lake, with a circumference of approximately 20 kilometers, is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity about 2 million years ago, and due to its depth, it never freezes completely even in winter. The mysterious lapis lazuli-colored surface of the lake, which changes hue subtly with depth, is called "Tazawa Lake Blue" and is one of Japan's top 100 scenic spots, representing an iconic landscape of the Tohoku region.

The symbol of Tazawa Lake is the "Tatsuko Statue" standing on the western shore of the lake. This golden bronze statue, created in 1968 by sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi, is modeled after Tatsuko, a legendary beauty who was transformed into a dragon while seeking eternal beauty and youth. The contrast between the Tatsuko Statue standing as if to immerse its feet in the lake and the cobalt blue water spreading behind it has made it a beloved photo spot symbolizing Tazawa Lake. Especially during sunrise and sunset, the golden statue is enveloped in soft light, displaying a divine beauty.

A scenic drive around the lake takes about 40 minutes, with multiple points of interest along the way. The "Gozaishi Shrine" on the northern shore of the lake is a shrine associated with the Tatsuko legend, and the sight of the vermillion torii gate reflected in the water is an excellent photo spot. Also known as a power spot for matchmaking and beauty, the area features scattered mystical attractions such as the Mirror Stone and the sacred spring of Katashira. Along the southern shore of the lake, there is an area with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local Akita specialties such as Hinai chicken, Inaniwa udon, and miso tanboku while overlooking the lake.

Tazawa Lake offers a variety of activities. Taking a sightseeing cruise allows you to enjoy hidden spectacular views of Tazawa Lake from the water. Paddling through the highly transparent lake water by kayak or SUP lets you experience a mysterious sensation as the color of the lake surface deepens. In summer, a lake bathing beach opens, offering the rare experience of swimming in Japan's deepest lake. In winter, winter activities such as skiing and snowshoeing are abundant, and Tazawa Lake Ski Resort is popular as a spectacular slope where you can ski while overlooking Tazawa Lake.

The area surrounding Tazawa Lake is rich with hot springs. In particular, the Nyuto Onsen area is nationally famous as a hidden hot spring village with seven individual inns scattered throughout. "Tsuru no Yu Onsen" is a charming hot spring where milky-white open-air baths blend into the deep snow of winter, considered a sacred place for hot spring enthusiasts. Since each inn has different spring water quality, you can also enjoy hot spring hopping. Mizusawa Onsen and Tazawa Lake Kogen Onsen also have good access, and many facilities offer day-use bathing.

The beauty of Tazawa Lake changes with the seasons. In spring, fresh greenery and the snow-capped Akita Komagatake are reflected in the lake, creating a refreshing landscape. In summer, the blue color of the lake water shines most vividly, with a gradient from emerald to sapphire that takes your breath away. In autumn, the foliage of the surrounding mountains is reflected in the lake, and the sight of red, yellow, and green brocade blending with the blue water is magnificent. In winter, snow-covered Tazawa Lake is enveloped in silence, and the bare winter trees and white earth create a landscape like a sumi-e painting.

Access is approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Akita Shinkansen "Tazawa Lake Station." From Tokyo, it's approximately 3 hours via the Akita Shinkansen. It's also close to Kakunodate, about 20 minutes by car, and the standard plan is to visit both together with Kakunodate's samurai residences district. Please witness the mysterious blue of Japan's deepest lake with your own eyes.