Lake Tazawa, where the statue stands, is the deepest lake in Japan, reaching a maximum depth of 423 meters.
The statue is covered in gold leaf, which is a signature industry of Kanazawa that was applied here to withstand the local environment.
Tatsuko is part of a tragic legend where she drank from a mountain spring to gain beauty but was cursed to become a dragon and sank into the lake.
The statue was commissioned to celebrate the development of the Lake Tazawa tourism area in the late 1960s.
Despite the cold winters in Akita, the waters of Lake Tazawa rarely freeze due to the lake's significant depth and volume.
The Statue of Tatsuko is a gleaming gold-leaf covered bronze sculpture situated on the western shore of Lake Tazawa in Semboku, Akita. The statue represents Tatsuko, a legendary figure from local folklore who allegedly prayed for eternal beauty and was transformed into a dragon. The figure stands at the edge of Japan's deepest lake, which reaches depths of 423 meters. Created by sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi, the statue was unveiled in 1968. It serves as the primary visual icon for the Lake Tazawa area. The sculpture is positioned to reflect off the deep blue waters of the caldera lake, which is known for its high transparency. The site is part of the Tazawako-Dakigaeri Prefectural Natural Park.
From the wooden observation deck directly facing the statue, which allows for a frame that includes the statue and the lake horizon.
Walk the short boardwalk path along the shoreline to see the statue from multiple angles against the water.
Visit the nearby Goza no Ishi Shrine, which is also associated with the Tatsuko legend.
Bring a polarized lens for your camera to reduce glare from the water surface when photographing the statue.
Do not attempt to climb onto the statue's plinth or touch the sculpture, as the gold leaf is delicate.
Accessible year-round, though snow accumulation on the access paths is common during winter months.
