Discover the Charms of Lake Tazawa, Japan’s Deepest Lake
Lake Tazawa, located in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, is the deepest lake in Japan, with a maximum depth of 423.4 meters.
The scenery changes with the seasons, and the highly transparent lake surface creates a mysterious atmosphere.
At Lake Tazawa, you can enjoy activities such as sightseeing cruises, lakeside walks, and hot spring hopping in the surrounding area, and there are also spots connected to the legend of Princess Tatsuko.
In this article, we explain in detail everything travelers need to know before visiting Lake Tazawa, from access information and activities to recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, and useful travel tips.
What Is Lake Tazawa? One of Akita’s Most Scenic Destinations
Lake Tazawa is a nearly circular caldera lake in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, with a circumference of about 20 kilometers.
The clear water shifts to lapis blue, turquoise, and deep blue depending on the sunlight and viewing angle, changing its appearance with the seasons.
Because the lake is so deep, it is less likely to freeze even in winter, which is another reason you can enjoy the lakeside scenery throughout the year.
One of the charms of Lake Tazawa is the “Princess Tatsuko Legend” associated with the lake.
The story tells of Tatsuko, a young woman who wished for eternal beauty, transformed into a dragon, and became the guardian of Lake Tazawa.
The golden Tatsuko Statue stands by the lakeshore and is a popular photo spot visited by many people as a symbol of Lake Tazawa.
How to Enjoy Lake Tazawa: Nature, Legend, and Hot Springs
1. Lake Tazawa Sightseeing Cruise
If you want to experience the surface of Lake Tazawa up close, a sightseeing cruise is recommended.
The cruise takes about 40 minutes and lets you enjoy views of the surrounding mountains from the water.
Operating periods and timetables vary by season.
2. Tatsuko Statue and Gozaishi Shrine
The Tatsuko Statue, a symbol of Lake Tazawa, is a popular photo spot standing by the lakeshore.
The contrast between the blue lake surface and the statue is especially striking.
Near the Tatsuko Statue is Gozaishi Shrine (Gozaishi Jinja), known as a beautiful photo spot with the lake’s blue water and a vermilion torii gate.
You can also try a water fortune slip (mizu-uranai omikuji) in the shrine grounds.
3. Lake Tazawa Activities: SUP, Kayaking, and Camping
Around the lake, you can enjoy waterside activities such as SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), kayaking, and pedal boats.
At the Lake Tazawa Campground, you can also camp while enjoying lakeside scenery.
A cycling course that circles the lake is also maintained, and riding while enjoying the views is highly recommended.
4. Relax in Hot Springs: Tazawako Kogen Onsen and Nyuto Onsen Village
There are many hot spring areas scattered around Lake Tazawa.
At Tazawako Kogen Onsen and Mizusawa Onsen, you can enjoy bathing while looking out at mountain scenery.
If you travel a little farther, you can visit Nyuto Onsen Village, where seven unique hot spring inns are located.
Tamagawa Onsen is also nearby and is visited by many people as a therapeutic hot spring destination.
How to Get to Lake Tazawa
By Public Transportation
- From Tokyo to Tazawako Station
- About 3 hours on the Akita Shinkansen “Komachi.” You can arrive at Tazawako Station without transfers.
- From Akita Station to Tazawako Station
- About 45–50 minutes on the Akita Shinkansen “Komachi.” If using local trains, go to Ōmagari Station on the JR Ōu Main Line, then transfer to the JR Tazawako Line for Tazawako Station (about 1.5 hours total).
- From Tazawako Station to the lakeshore
- From Tazawako Station, you can take a local bus toward the lakeshore area. Bus service is limited, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
By Car
About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway.
If using the Akita Expressway, it is about 50 minutes from Omagari IC.
Parking lots are available around the lakeshore, making it a great destination for a road trip.
Lake Tazawa Area Gourmet Guide
Around Lake Tazawa, you can enjoy Akita specialties such as kiritanpo hot pot and dishes made with locally harvested mountain vegetables.
Kiritanpo hot pot is one of Akita’s representative local dishes, made by simmering grilled mashed-rice sticks called kiritanpo in broth made with Hinai chicken.
There are also cafes and restaurants along the lakeshore where you can enjoy a meal while looking out over the beautiful lake.
Recommended Restaurant
- Tazawako Rest House
- This rest house near the sightseeing boat pier serves dishes made with local ingredients, including kiritanpo hot pot and Inaniwa udon. Lunch with a view of Lake Tazawa is popular with tourists.
Useful Travel Information for Visitors
- Wi-Fi and mobile signal
- Some areas around Lake Tazawa have weak mobile phone reception. It is a good idea to rent a mobile Wi-Fi device or download offline maps in advance. Wi-Fi is often available at hotels and hot spring facilities.
- Seasons and clothing
- Akita Prefecture is a cold region, and winter (December to March) brings snow and severe cold. Warm clothing and non-slip shoes are essential. Even in summer (July to August), mornings and evenings can be cool, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.
- Tourist information center
- At the tourist information center in front of Tazawako Station, you can get sightseeing maps and brochures, and information on nearby accommodation and activities is also available.
Summary: Fully Enjoy Lake Tazawa, Where Nature and Legend Come Together
Lake Tazawa is a destination where you can enjoy the beauty of a lake shaped by Japan’s greatest depth and scenery that changes with the seasons.
Enjoy a trip where you can taste local cuisine, relax in hot springs, and reflect on the lake’s legends.
It is also easy to access—about 3 hours from Tokyo by Akita Shinkansen—making it a great option for a wider trip combined with Kakunodate or Nyuto Onsen Village.
