📷 Photography guide
The lake's deepest lapis-blue hues are best seen on a clear summer day with a bright, open sky. Arrive early to catch the low morning light bathing the Tatsuko statue in gold, with its reflection shimmering across the still water. Use a wide-angle lens (16–24mm) to place the statue in the foreground while capturing the vast expanse of the lake behind it, creating a strong sense of depth. In autumn, the surrounding beech and maple trees burst into fall colors, offering a striking contrast against the cobalt-blue surface — switch to a telephoto lens (70–200mm) for a compressed shot that highlights the vivid interplay between foliage and water. In the evening, head to the western shore for dramatic backlit shots where the lake turns orange and the Tatsuko statue is silhouetted against the glowing sky.
🚆 How to get here
📍 Tokyo (Tokyo Station)
1. Board the JR Akita Shinkansen (Komachi) at Tokyo Station bound for Akita. 2. Ride directly to Tazawako Station (no transfer needed) — approx. 2 hrs 20 min. 3. At Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kōtsū bus bound for Tazawako-han (田沢湖畔) — approx. 12 min. 4. Alight at Tazawako-han bus stop and the lake shore is right there.
🎫 JR East Pass (Tohoku area) — covers the Akita Shinkansen to Tazawako and may offer savings for visitors doing a wider Tohoku itinerary
📍 Akita Airport (AXT)
1. From Akita Airport, take the limousine bus to JR Akita Station — approx. 40 min (¥910). 2. At Akita Station, board the JR Akita Shinkansen (Komachi) bound for Tokyo and ride to Tazawako Station — approx. 45 min. 3. At Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kōtsū bus to Tazawako-han — approx. 12 min. 4. Alight at Tazawako-han bus stop for the lake.
🎫 JR East Pass (Tohoku area) — covers the Shinkansen leg from Akita to Tazawako
📍 Sendai (Sendai Station)
1. From Sendai Station, board the JR Akita Shinkansen (Komachi) or Tohoku Shinkansen + transfer at Morioka to the Komachi — ride to Tazawako Station — approx. 1 hr 10 min. 2. At Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kōtsū bus bound for Tazawako-han — approx. 12 min. 3. Alight at Tazawako-han bus stop.
🎫 JR East Pass (Tohoku area) — highly recommended for this route
📍 Tazawako Station (last-mile)
1. Exit Tazawako Station (JR Akita Shinkansen line). 2. Board the Ugo Kōtsū bus from the station bus terminal, bound for Tazawako-han (田沢湖畔) or Kohan (湖畔). 3. Ride approx. 12 min and alight at Tazawako-han bus stop. 4. The lake shore and iconic Tatsuko statue are within a short walk. 🚲 Rental bicycles are available near the lake to enjoy the full ~20 km lakeside loop.
* Times and fares are approximate. Please confirm the latest schedules and prices.
Overview
Japan's deepest lake at 423 meters, Lake Tazawa captivates visitors with its luminous lapis-blue waters and the golden Tatsuko statue standing gracefully on its shore. The lake's remarkable clarity creates a mesmerizing display as the water shifts from deep indigo to cobalt blue depending on the season and light.
History & Culture
The lake is steeped in the legend of Princess Tatsuko, a young woman said to have transformed into a dragon in pursuit of eternal beauty. The iconic golden Tatsuko statue, erected in 1968, has since become the enduring symbol of the lake.
Access
Approximately 12 minutes by bus from Tazawako Station (JR Akita Shinkansen). About 50 minutes by car from Kyowa IC on the Akita Expressway. A full loop around the lake is approximately 20 km.