What Is the Statue of Tatsuko?
The Statue of Tatsuko (Tatsuko-zō) is a bronze statue of Princess Tatsuko (Tatsuko-hime) standing near the shore of Lake Tazawa (Tazawa-ko) in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture.
According to the Semboku City guide, it is introduced as a statue of Princess Tatsuko, who, as legend has it, became the goddess of the lake while wishing for eternal youth and beauty, and it is one of the most iconic sights representing Lake Tazawa.
Created by sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi, this golden bronze statue was unveiled on May 12, 1968 (Showa 43).
Basic Facts to Know Before You Visit
Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan, with a maximum depth of 423.4 meters.
The Tatsuko Statue, standing against the backdrop of the lake's deep blue waters, is more than just a commemorative monument; it is a place where you can experience the scenery and legend of Lake Tazawa at the same time.
According to the Semboku City and tourism association guides, the statue is located at Katajiri, Saimyoji, Nishiki-cho. It can be reached from JR Tazawako Station via the Ugo Kotsu bus "Tazawako Isshusen" (Lake Tazawa loop line); get off at the Katajiri bus stop and it is about a 1-minute walk.
The bus ride from Tazawako Station takes about 30 minutes, so knowing how to get there in advance makes it easy to add to your Lake Tazawa sightseeing itinerary.
There is a lakeside space in front of the Tatsuko Statue, making it an outdoor spot that is easy to stop by.
The impression also changes during early morning and evening hours, when the light on the lake's surface shifts most dramatically.
The Legend of Princess Tatsuko Behind the Statue
When standing before the Tatsuko Statue, the first thing to know is the legend of Princess Tatsuko.
According to the folklore introduction by Semboku City, Tatsuko wished to preserve her youth and beauty forever, and she offered prayers to Okura Kannon for 100 days and 100 nights.
On the final night of her prayers, she received a divine message saying, "If you drink the water from a spring that wells up to the north, your wish will come true." Tatsuko continued drinking the spring water and eventually transformed into a great dragon, becoming the guardian spirit of Lake Tazawa.
Once you know this story, looking at the statue reveals a deeper layer behind its quiet figure, one that gives the lake itself a sense of mystery.
Beyond its visual beauty, understanding "why the statue stands here" is part of what makes the Tatsuko Statue so appealing.
How to Enjoy the Tatsuko Statue Together with the Lake
Up close, the Tatsuko Statue has a strong presence as a figure, but its true charm comes through when viewed alongside the vast expanse of Lake Tazawa.
Official guides also highlight the figure set against the clear blue waters of the lake, and the impression deepens when seen within the lakeside scenery.
How to Enjoy Photos and Scenery
If you are visiting for the first time, rather than framing only the statue in close-up, it is better to include the lake surface and distant mountain ranges in your view.
Lake Tazawa is introduced as a place whose appearance changes with the four seasons, so the way the scene transforms with the season and weather is part of the fun of this location.
On sunny afternoons, the lake shimmers a cobalt blue, and the contrast between the golden statue and the blue water photographs especially well.
In the slanted morning and evening light, the bronze shadows become emphasized, allowing you to capture photos with a more subdued, atmospheric mood.
Etiquette and Precautions When Visiting
While you can walk right up to the Tatsuko Statue, please avoid climbing on the pedestal or the statue itself, or using it for support, and take care not to damage the surrounding vegetation or lakeshore.
When using a tripod or taking photos during crowded times, be considerate of other visitors.
Combine Your Visit with Lake Tazawa Sightseeing
Rather than seeing the Tatsuko Statue on its own, stopping by as part of a broader Lake Tazawa itinerary deepens your appreciation.
According to the Semboku City guide, Lake Tazawa is a nearly circular lake with a circumference of about 20 kilometers, and its shores offer a wide variety of activities such as driving, cycling, sightseeing boat tours, SUP, and camping.
Planning Your Itinerary
For example, if you want to spend plenty of time viewing the lake, taking in the Tatsuko Statue as the focal point of the scenery and then moving along the lakeshore helps you grasp the size and atmosphere of Lake Tazawa.
Thinking of it as two separate experiences, "a place to see the statue" and "a place to feel the lake," leaves a stronger impression even on a short visit.
If you have extra time, taking the Tazawako Isshusen bus or cycling around the lake lets you experience how the color of the water changes from different angles.
Nearby Places to Explore the Princess Tatsuko Legend
After seeing the Tatsuko Statue, if you would like to learn more about the legend of Princess Tatsuko, Gozanoishi Shrine (Gozanoishi-jinja) is another good option.
Located at Ainaigata, Hinokinai, Nishiki-cho in Semboku City, Gozanoishi Shrine takes its name, according to guide materials, from an episode in 1650 (Keian 3) when Akita domain lord Yoshitaka Satake sat down to rest at this spot while touring Lake Tazawa.
Around the shrine grounds, there are several landmarks tied to the Princess Tatsuko legend, including the "Nanairogi" (a tree said to have seven different kinds of trees growing from a single trunk), the "Katagashira no Reisen" (sacred spring said to be the one Tatsuko drank from before becoming a dragon), and the "Kagami-ishi" (Mirror Stone, said to have reflected Tatsuko's own image).
How to Get to Gozanoishi Shrine
From JR Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kotsu "Tazawako Isshusen" bus for about 40 minutes, get off at "Gozanoishi-jinja-mae," and it is about a 1-minute walk.
From the Tatsuko Statue, you can travel along the lakeshore by the Tazawako Isshusen bus or by car, making it easy to fit into a half-day itinerary.
Things to Check in Advance
Gozanoishi Shrine is reported to have variable closing hours during the winter season.
Since how you approach the visit can differ depending on the season, it is a good idea to check the latest information at the Semboku City Tazawako Tourist Information Center "Foleyke" (TEL: 0187-43-2111) when combining it with the Statue of Tatsuko.
Practical Information Before Visiting the Tatsuko Statue
Best Time to Visit and Climate
Because the Tatsuko Statue is outdoors, the scenic impression changes dramatically from the fresh greenery of early summer to the autumn leaves that color the lake.
In winter, the area around the Tatsuko Statue is hit by heavy snow and intense cold, so warm winter clothing and non-slip footwear are essential.
Time Needed and Nearby Facilities
A visit to the Tatsuko Statue itself, including photography, typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and combining it with Gozanoishi Shrine and other lakeside spots can comfortably be done in half a day.
The Katajiri area has rest facilities and parking nearby, making it a convenient stop during a drive or cycling tour around Lake Tazawa.
Summary: What to Know Before Visiting the Statue of Tatsuko
The Tatsuko Statue is a place where you can enjoy views of Lake Tazawa while experiencing the Princess Tatsuko legend in a tangible form.
By taking in the beauty of the statue itself, the vastness of the lake, the fact that Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan at 423.4 meters, and the surrounding legend-related sites together, your appreciation of this region will deepen significantly.
Especially for first-time visitors, rather than ending your trip at the statue alone, try to experience Lake Tazawa and the Princess Tatsuko legend as a single, unified scene.
