The cerulean blue Lake Tazawa of the Akita Prefecture is the deepest lake in Japan, and is the 17th deepest lake in the world. It is a perfect place to take in some of the most breathtaking natural views Akita has to offer. With a whopping depth of about 424 meters, combined with its almost perfect circle shape, the lake exudes an air of mystery that attracts countless tourists and local visitors year-round.
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Sitting just south of the Towada Hachimantai National Park, the serenity of Lake Tazawa is a massive draw card for many visitors. This is thanks to the relative underdevelopment of the surrounding area, thus preserving the peace around the place and allowing the natural countryside vibe to shine through. Subsequently, the lake is a big hit with families having picnics and couples looking for a romantic escape to nature – Lake Tazawa is a crowd pleasing destination no matter your background.
![A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa]()
A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa
![A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa]()
A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa
One of the main attractions of Lake Tazawa is the Goza no Ishi Shrine, which is located where the old lords of the area would congregate to admire the great natural scenery afforded by the expansive lake. It is here where you will find the famous torii gate of Lake Tazawa.
![A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa]()
A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa
Another celebrated attraction is the renowned golden statue of a young woman named Tatsuko, located at the western end of the lake. The statue is associated with an old fable that is very well known to locals. It is said that long ago there lived a beautiful young woman who wished more than anything to retain her good looks for eternity, but was instead punished for her vanity with a curse which transformed her into a dragon. Unable to return to her previous life as a beautiful young woman, Tatsuko descended deep into the bottom of the lake, assuming the role of dragon guardian of Lake Tazawa – it is said the dragon still rests deep in the depths today.
![A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa]()
A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa
Although the lake’s surrounding area is relatively underdeveloped, it is by no means baron – ensuring visitors needn’t worry too much about stocking supplies for the long haul. The area around the bus stop to the lake’s east is well equipped with a couple of shops and even a handful of restaurants. Rental bike services are also offered here, as is a special sightseeing boat tour which operates from April to November. The 40-minute leisurely boat ride passes all the main attractions of the lake and costs 1,200 yen.
![A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa]()
A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa
The serene atmosphere, combined with the enticing natural scenery of the lake and its surrounds, ensures visitors keep flocking to the lake, and for good reason. Its crystal blue waters are filled with people swimming and having fun throughout the summer months, whilst the whole lake can be circumnavigated on a bicycle in about two hours. Or why not just sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice cold beer with a backdrop of Japanese nature at its finest.
![A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa]()
A Day Trip Around Lake Tazawa
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