Statue of Tatsuko, Lake Tazawa, Akita, Japan
The most iconic spot in Lake Tazawa is the much photographed Tatsuko Statue, on the western shore. The myth goes that a beautiful woman called Tatsuko wished and prayed for her beauty to last eternally, but instead was cursed by the gods and turned into a dragon, sinking into the lake below.
The best way to see the Tatsuko Statue is to take a boat tour. There are four services a day from Shirahama Port, a few minutes walk from Tazawa-Kohan bus terminal. Tours take visitors all the way to the statue and around the lake, with a bit of audio commentary to explain the history of the statue and the lake itself. Tours cost 1,170 yen and operate late April to late November.
Epic Japan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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