Legend of Princess Tatsuko of Lake Tazawa

What is the legendary story of "The Legend of Princess Tatsuko" that is passed down on Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan? [Akita Prefecture]

Tazawako is located about 10 minutes by bus from Tazawako Station, the Komachi stop on the Akita Shinkansen


Japan's deepest lake "Lake Tazawa"

Lake Tazawa has an area of ​​25.8 square kilometers, making it the 19th largest lake in Japan, but it is the deepest lake in Japan, reaching a depth of approximately 423 meters If Japan's tallest building, the Sky Tree, were submerged, the water would be deep enough to submerge all the way to the second observation deck. Because of its deep water, unlike other lakes, it does not freeze even in the middle of winter.

Japan's 100 Scenic Views , and the entire lake is included in the Prefectural Natural Park. There are tourist spots nearby such as Dakigaeri Valley and Nyuto Onsen.

Lake Tazawa
Lake Tazawa

The legend of Princess Tatsuko passed down at Lake Tazawa

Lake Tazawa is a beautiful cobalt blue lake, but there is a sad legend behind it.

Princess Tatsuko statue at Lake Tazawa
Princess Tatsuko statue at Lake Tazawa

Have you heard of the statue of "Tatsukohime" floating on the surface of Lake Tazawa? This statue was created based the legendary "Princess Tatsuko" Let me tell you the legend of Princess Tatsuko, who is so sad that she is beautiful because she is a woman.


Tatsuko was a very beautiful girl. One day, Tatsuko thinks. She asked, ``Isn't it possible to make this beauty eternal?''

Tatsuko then makes a wish to Kannon. On the day of the full voyage that has been placed for 100 days, we will receive the oracle of Kannon.

"Turn over the mountains, and there will be a pure spring. By drinking that water, your wish will be fulfilled."

Tatsuko hurried off to the fountain. When Tatsuko arrives at the fountain, she drinks water. However, no matter how much I drink, I can't help but feel thirsty. He put his hands into the spring and desperately drinks water. But my thirst never subsides.

In the end, I put my face in the spring and continued drinking. Tatsuko's body quickly transformed into a large dragon.

At that moment, a large lake appeared there. From then on, Tatsuko became the master of this lake.


It's a sad yet sad story. There is also a theory that the reason Lake Tazawa has deepened is because Tatsuko has become a dragon and lives in the lake.

said to have been united with Hachirotaro, a dragon who lived Lake Hachiro (now Ogata Village), another lake in Akita

Mokichi Saito, a poet from Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, told the legend of Princess Tatsuko.

"If you make a wish, you will be blessed with a wish. There is a legend in Lake Tazawa."

I said it in a song.

Shrine on the shore of Lake Tazawa | Kansagu Shrine
Shrine on the shore of Lake Tazawa | Kansagu Shrine

Current Lake Tazawa has been developed as a tourist destination

Today, you can cycle around Lake Tazawa by bicycle or car. There are rest houses, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops along the lake. There are also excursion boats in operation, and you can see the surrounding scenery from inside the lake.

Why not take a trip around this place and remember the ancient legends?

Lake Tazawa<Information>

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