Lake Tazawa

On 20 Jan, 2025, I drove my wife here from the Akita town centre. The Lake is naturally beautiful. It was one of the highlights while travelling to our onsen destination in the mountains.

Very peaceful lake, almost no people around during weekdays. There are also ski resorts and onsen around.

The deepest lake in Japan. We recommend taking a 40-minute cruise on a high-speed pleasure boat from Tazawako Rest House. The emerald green water surface at the lakeside changes to a beautiful blue as you head out to sea. Because it contains aluminum, it becomes a beautiful color when reflecting sunlight. Due to the high transparency of the lake, U can clearly see the flocks of Japanese dace. In the past, Kunimasu (a type of trout) that could only be found in Lake Tazawa lived there, but when a power plant was built, acidic water from the hot springs flowed into the area, making it extinct. The scars of natural destruction can be seen in the endlessly blue lake.

From Akita Station to Tazawako Station is 1h by bullet train, 2h by local train. Although it takes some time to access, it is a place worth visiting. We visited here in early March 2024. There is still certain snow left, the mornings and evenings are bit cold. The calm blue surface of the lake surrounded by a forest covered with white snow was so awesomely beautiful! Tazawako Station is spacious, and nearby you can also eat local specialties like Kiritanpo and Inaniwa Udon. You can also access the sulfuric Nyuto Onsen or ski slope with good snow in about 30 minutes by bus.

Went on a boat tour looping around the lake. Was awesome to see the foliage and the emerald colors of the waters. Ticket was 1400 yen. Throw fish bait for 100 yen and they will swarm like piranhas.

Took the bus service B that does a circular loop around the lake for 1210 yen - it was definitely value for money as it allows for u to take the bus and drop off at multiple stops. Not that it has enough frequency for u to do that. But it stops for 10-15mins at several spots of interest like at the statue which is near the Rose Hotel and a forest park good to trek at. I personally find the scenery best there. Then it stopped at the shrine before returning to the station. It makes other stops along the way. Look out for the signs. I personally liked the “Citizen’s Park” which was about 25mins walk from the the entrance of the lake. It had lovely trees which were transforming from the colour of spring. I did not take the ferry but would skip it in view that the bus travels around the lake.

Lake Tazawa 田沢湖 + Statue of Tatsuko. The deepest lake in Japan at 423 metres. Its extreme depth is said to be caused by a volcanic activity or by a meteorite impact. Because of its depth, it is also a lake that does not get frozen in winter. There is also a golden female statute here which tells the story of a lady Tatsuko who wished to keep her beauty forever by transforming into a dragon and threw itself into the lake. Yes, the story does not make sense to me but the view and calmness here is worth a visit.

Breathtaking view and clear waters. You can also rent bikes for tour at around 3,500 yen for 3 hours to bike around the lake.