Five must-see places in Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate

A samurai residence is a house where samurai once lived. What distinguishes the samurai residences of Kakunodate from those of other samurai in Japan is that people still live in them today. Some of them are even inhabited by families who are descendants of samurai. Many of them are protected as cultural properties, and some are open to the public. In spring, various types of cherry blossoms, including weeping cherry trees, bloom, and the area is beautiful throughout the year with its fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowscapes.

Kakunodate is famous throughout Japan for the beauty of its cherry blossoms. A 2km-long tunnel of flowers forms along the banks of the Hinokinai River, which flows through the center of town, and more than 400 weeping cherry trees line the samurai residence street. The view from Kojōyama Mountain is highly recommended. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the samurai residence street.

Lake Tazawa boasts the deepest waters in Japan at 423.4 meters and is also known for its exceptionally clear waters. With a circumference of approximately 20 km, it offers dynamic scenery throughout the four seasons and a wide range of outdoor activities.

◆The Legend of Princess Tatsuko

Long ago, in a village called Innai, beyond the mountains from Lake Tazawa, there lived a girl of extraordinary beauty named Tatsuko. Tatsuko wished to retain her youth and beauty forever, so she prayed to the Great Kannon for 100 days. On the night of the completion of her prayers, she received a divine message: “If you drink the water from the spring that gushes forth to the north, your wish will be granted.” Tatsuko left home, saying she was going to pick bracken, and followed the path through the deep forest until she found a clear spring between moss-covered rocks. Overjoyed, she scooped up some water and drank, but for some reason her throat became even thirstier, and she continued to drink until the spring dried up, lying on her stomach. Suddenly, Tatsuko found herself transformed into a large dragon. Desiring to remain unchanged forever, Tatsuko became the mistress of Lake Tazawa and sank deep to the bottom of the lake. Worried about her daughter’s return, Tatsuko’s mother arrived at the shores of Lake Tazawa and, upon learning that her daughter had transformed into a dragon, grieved. She threw the end of a torch into the lake, and it transformed into a fish that swam away. This fish later became known as the “Kunimasu” (also known as the “Kinoshitamasu”), a fish found only in Lake Tazawa. (From the legend of Tazawa Kyūryūson Bodhisattva)

Dakigaeri Gorge is known as the Yabakei of Tohoku, and its primeval forests on both banks, waterfalls cascading down cliffs, and unique blue stream are incredibly beautiful. It is a famous spot for viewing fresh greenery in spring and autumn foliage. Well-maintained walking trails allow visitors to easily see the strangely shaped rocks, rapids, and waterfalls of all sizes. The view from the suspension bridge “Kami no Iwabashi” (God’s Rock Bridge), which you’ll see as soon as you arrive at the gorge, is magnificent.

Nyuto Onsenkyo is located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park. From the baths of the seven hot spring inns surrounded by a primeval beech forest, you can enjoy the scenery of each season. Explore the diverse range of baths here and become a hot spring enthusiast.