Lake Tazawa (田沢湖) is Japan’s deepest lake, located in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture. With a maximum depth of 423.4 meters, it ranks as the 17th deepest lake in the world. This caldera lake was formed by volcanic activity approximately 1.4 million years ago and sits at an elevation of 249 meters above sea level.
One of the lake’s most striking features is its beautiful blue color, which can vary from jade green to indigo depending on light and weather conditions, captivating visitors year-round. Due to its extreme depth, the lake never freezes, even in winter, offering unique scenery throughout the year.
Several attractions surround Lake Tazawa. On the northern shore stands the Goza no Ishi Shrine, while the western shore features the Tatsuko Statue, based on a local legend. From late April to early November, sightseeing boats operate, allowing visitors to enjoy the surrounding scenery from the water.
Popular activities at Lake Tazawa include boat rides, cycling around the lake, and swimming during summer months. The surrounding area is also known for its hot springs, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy onsen while taking in the lake’s scenic beauty.
The lake is associated with the legend of Princess Tatsuko, which tells of a beautiful girl who transformed into a dragon and sank to the bottom of the lake. This legend adds cultural depth to the area’s appeal.
In the past, Lake Tazawa faced environmental challenges due to increased acidity from hydroelectric projects, which affected its ecosystem. Since the 1970s, efforts have been ongoing to restore the lake’s pH balance.
Lake Tazawa is a key tourist destination in the Akita region, often visited in conjunction with nearby attractions such as Nyuto Onsen and Mount Akita-Komagatake. Its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural significance continue to attract many visitors, making it an essential part of Akita’s tourism landscape.
Getting there
By Train
- Take the JR Akita Shinkansen “Komachi” from Tokyo Station directly to Tazawako Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes without transfers.
- The fare from Tokyo to Tazawako Station is approximately ¥16,170 (reserved seat).
- The trip is fully covered by the JR Rail Pass and the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area).
From Tazawako Station to Lake Tazawa
- From Tazawako Station, frequent local buses run to the Tazawa-kohan bus stop on the lake’s eastern shore (about 12 minutes, ¥370 one way).
- Buses depart every hour or so and also connect to main tourist spots like the Tatsuko Statue, Nyuto Onsen, and Mt. Akita Komagatake.
- For travel around the lake, there are six buses per day along the northern half, reaching as far as the Tatsuko Statue.
- Sightseeing boats operate from late April to early November, connecting Shirahama Pier (near Tazawa-kohan) and Katajiri Pier (Tatsuko Statue). The round trip takes 40 minutes and costs about ¥1,220.
By Car
- From Sendai or Tokyo: Take the Tohoku Expressway, exit at Morioka Interchange, then follow Route 46 west toward Akita City and Route 60 to Lake Tazawa.
- From Akita City: About 70 km, roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
- Driving around the entire lake takes about 30 minutes (without stops).