Lake Tazawa Deep Caldera (Japan's Deepest Lake) & Golden Statue of Tatsuko

Category: Deep Volcanic Caldera & Mythological Lake | Location: Tazawako, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture

Resting serenely in the eastern mountain highlands of Akita Prefecture, Lake Tazawa (Tazawa-ko) is a nearly circular volcanic caldera lake spanning a circumference of 20 kilometers. Its defining geographical wonder is its phenomenal depth: plunging to an astonishing 423.4 meters, Tazawa officially holds the title of Japan's deepest lake. Because of this colossal water volume, thermal convection keeps the surface from ever freezing even through harsh subarctic winters, while ambient sunlight refracts through its crystalline purity into an enchanting spectrum of colors—from luminous jade green along shallow shores to deep lapis lazuli and electric cobalt blue in the center. Along the lake's western shoreline glimmers its most beloved cultural landmark: the Golden Statue of Tatsuko (Tatsuko-zo). Sculpted in 1968 by celebrated artist Yasutake Funakoshi, this gleaming gilded bronze monument immortalizes the poignant folklore of Tatsuko, a young local maiden of legendary beauty who prayed to the gods for eternal youth. Directed to drink from a mountain spring, she was overcome by an unquenchable thirst and gradually transformed into a guardian water dragon dwelling in the lake's deepest chasms forever. On the northern shore stands the picturesque Gozaishi Shrine, framed by a brilliant scarlet torii gate rising right out of the sapphire water. The shrine marks the historic viewing promontory where feudal samurai Lord Satake sat to admire the lake's tranquil panorama in 1650. Lake Tazawa is also the ancestral habitat of the Kunimasu (black kokanee salmon), famously presumed extinct for 70 years before its modern rediscovery. Visitors can pedal around the scenic 20-kilometer lakeshore cycling route, board sightseeing cruisers, or paddle clear kayaks atop these peerless azure waters.