TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Lake Tazawa, located in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, is the deepest lake in Japan (maximum depth approximately 423m), a caldera lake with a striking crystal clear deep blue color. Formed by volcanic activity, the water is extremely clear and has a beautiful hue known as "Lake Tazawa Blue." On the lakeside stands a bronze statue called "Tatsuko Statue," and the local legend that a young girl who wished for eternal beauty became the goddess of the lake has made it a popular tourist spot. Surrounded by hot springs and mountains, it is a scenic spot that shows different faces in each of the four seasons.
Highlights
- Tatsuko Statue: A symbol of the lakeside and a great photo spot. The impression changes depending on the light, morning or evening, so it's best to choose a time to visit.
- Lakeside promenade and observation spot: There are observation decks and walking paths that offer panoramic views of the lake, so you can enjoy just a leisurely stroll.
- The color of Lake Tazawa's water: When the weather is nice, the blue color is particularly vivid and makes for a great photo opportunity. Another highlight is how the color changes with the seasons and time of day.
- Hot Springs (Lake Tazawa Onsen): There are hot spring inns scattered around the lake and nearby. Many of these facilities accept day-trip bathers, making it easy to stop by after sightseeing on the lake.
- Hiking and cycling: There are trails and cycling routes along the lakeside and in the surrounding plateau, allowing you to fully enjoy nature.
- Autumn leaves and winter scenery: The autumn leaves and the snow-covered lake in winter are beautiful, and you can enjoy different spectacular views in each season.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train: Get off at JR Akita Shinkansen "Tazawako Station". From Tazawako Station, take a bus or taxi to the lakeside (approximately 10-20 minutes, number of buses varies depending on the time of day).
- By car: Accessible via the Tohoku Expressway, Akita Expressway, and national highways. It usually takes about an hour by car from Morioka or Akita (depending on your starting point), so renting a car is convenient if you want more freedom when sightseeing. There is a parking lot by the lake (it gets crowded during peak season).
- Bus: Depending on the season, tourist buses and shuttles for hotel guests may operate. For details, please check the tourist information for Akita Prefecture and Semboku City.
- From Tokyo: Approximate travel time is 3+ hours to 3.5 hours on the direct Akita Shinkansen (Komachi) (depending on train type and connections).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short tour: Walking around the lakeside and taking photos of the Tatsuko statue takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Leisurely sightseeing: Half a day (3-4 hours) including a tour of the observation deck, a stroll along the lakeside, and a day trip to the hot springs.
- Enjoy sightseeing and the surrounding area: If you plan to stay at a hot spring and visit nearby tourist spots (Kakunodate, Nyuto Onsenkyo, etc.), a stay of one to two nights is ideal.
Nearby spots
- Kakunodate Samurai Residences: A preserved street of samurai residences, also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot (approximately 30-40 minutes by car).
- Nyuto Onsenkyo: A historic hot spring resort where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a hidden hot spring (approximately 30-60 minutes by car, overnight stay recommended).
- Dakikaeri Valley: The highlights are the walking trails and the beautiful steep valley (approximately 20-30 minutes by car).
- Tazawako Highlands Ski Resort (seasonal activities): Enjoy skiing in the winter and hiking in the highlands in the summer.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: During Golden Week, summer vacation, and the autumn foliage season, the number of tourists increases, and parking lots and roads become congested. Visiting early in the morning or in the evening will be less crowded.
- Water temperature and swimming: Lake Tazawa is deep and cold, so swimming outside of permitted swimming areas is dangerous. Please refrain from diving or entering deep waters.
- Seasonal road conditions: In winter, roads may be covered in snow and freeze, so chains or winter tires may be required. Please also check the operation status of public transportation in advance.
- Protect the natural environment: The lake is highly transparent and a delicate environment. Please take your trash with you and refrain from using fires or collecting plants outside of designated areas.
- Facilities and opening hours: Tourist facilities, restaurants, and bus services vary depending on the season and day of the week. Smaller facilities in rural areas may have fixed closing days, so we recommend checking in advance.
- Photography etiquette: At popular spots, there will be waiting times to take photos. Please be considerate and not get in the way of other tourists or people passing by.
Recommended ways to enjoy the lake: The standard plan is to photograph the Tatsuko statue and the blue of the lake in the quiet morning hours, stroll along the lakeside in the afternoon, and relax at a hot spring inn in the evening. You can enjoy it on a day trip, but your stay will be even more fulfilling if you stay at a hot spring inn and enjoy the quiet of the early mornings and evenings.
