Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate - Tamagawa Onsen and Nyuto Onsen Village (Semboku City, Akita Pref.)

Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan, with a depth of 423.4 meters. Almost a perfect circle, and with a circumference of about 20 km, the water of the lake has a deep azure color, lending the lake a beautiful, mysterious atmosphere and pleasing visitors in all of the four seasons. Already known as a symbol of the lake, a golden statue of the legendary maiden Tatsuko stands in the water close to the shore, greeting visitors with its graceful beauty.

The landscape formed by the Bukeyashiki-dori (literally, samurai residential avenue) has been preserved from the Edo Period (from the 18th to the early part of the 19th century), and it has been designated as a national important traditional structure preservation district. The imposing black wooden fences with fenestras (slotted window-like openings) facing the roads and the impressive gables of the Yakui Gate preserve the atmosphere of the age when the country was ruled by feudal fiefs, and it has been called "the little Kyoto of Michinoku."

Yakui Gate:

A type of Japanese entrance gate

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Nyuto Onsen is the most famous unexplored hot springs in Japan. Leaving the atmosphere of the hot-spring cure tradition from days of old intact, the seven hot springs in the Nyuto Onsen Village each has a distinctive character, and the guest facilities are also unique buildings with thatched roofs. The natural environment of the mountains is very restful. The spot is very popular and it was even covered in the N. Y. TIMES newspaper.

Located near Sashimaki Station on the JR Tazawako Line, this is a vast moor surrounded by wide forests of alder trees. In April, the moor is covered with the white flowers of the skunk cabbage plants growing there, a rare sight of academic value that is also a delight for visitors.