Inquire about traveling to Akita Prefecture in northern Japan and you’ll often hear the word nature dominate that conversation. Being in contact with nature is indeed one of the biggest draws to this part of the Tohoku region, and Lake Tazawa or Tazawako, the deepest lake in Japan is great alternative for those looking to escape the bustle of the city and connect with the rural side of Japan.
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There are several ways to walk away from Lake Tazawa with unforgettable memories. Cycling around the lake, taking in the scenic views of tall mountain peaks contrasting with the water, trying out the restaurants on its shores, and bathing in the popular hot springs around the area make up a part of the list of things to do here. For those who love the water there’s also a chance to enjoy the pristine waters of this volcanic crater either by cruising around the lake, paddling a kayak, taking a leisure ride on one of the cute swan boats, or during the summer months simply by putting on a bathing suit and taking a dip.
![Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa]()
Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa
![Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa]()
Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa
If you are drawn to boat cruises and leisure swan boats, then you need to head to the recreation centre on the eastern shores of the Lake. For 1,200 yen you can hop on the large boat cruise and take the 40 min tour taking passengers across the lake mainly to get a glimpse of the iconic Tatsuko Statue and the red torii gate from the water.
![Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa]()
Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa
An alternative to the boat cruise is walk a few metres to the right of the boat platform, and rent a motorboat exclusively for your party. You won’t be able to get behind the steering wheel, but a professional will take around the lake and to check out the major sites. The price of the motor boat ranges from 8,000 yen to 20,000 yen depending on the size of your group. If you are traveling with kids or are looking for a leisure ride close to the shores, a third option is to rent a rowboat or one of the swan boats and relax on the water while taking in the views of the surrounding mountains.
![Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa]()
Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa
For those looking for a more adventurous water experience, the place to visit is the Tazawako Camping Ground, a 5-minute walk south of the boat rental shop. This lakeside camp offers campers and daytime visitors a mix of outdoor tours which include canoe and kayak half-day tours, sunset tours, and even moonlight tours. The half-day tours are offered twice daily from May 1st to November 5th, while the remaining tours are less frequent and held at specific dates during the warmer months of the year.
![Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa]()
Enjoying the Waters of Lake Tazawa
Even if you have little or no experience canoeing and kayaking, the professional guides at Tazawako Camping Ground give you a quick technical briefing and even a warm-up session to make the experience as smooth as possible. The outdoor tour experience here can go beyond the lake waters here if you wish so; other tours available through the campsite involve white-water rafting and canyoning down nearby rivers.
- Tatsuko statue
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3.5
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- Akita Senboku-shi Nishikicho Saimyoji Katajiri
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- Tazawako Camping Ground
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4.5
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- Akita Senboku-shi Tazawako Tazawa Haruyama 152
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Kashintei Shirahama
145-15 Haruyama, Tazawako, Tazawa Semboku Akita
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