Statue of Tatsuko

The Tatsuko Statue is a golden bronze statue created from the "Tatsuko-hime Legend" and stands near the shore of Lake Tazawa, which is Japan’s deepest lake at 423.4 meters. The contrast between the statue’s gold, the blue sky, and the deep indigo of the lake is striking, making it a popular photo spot that draws many visitors. With the clear blue water behind it, the statue can sometimes be approached quite closely depending on the lake’s water level, and you can often see many fish swimming in the shallows nearby. Fish food is also sold, and feeding the fish is especially popular with children. Here is a brief introduction to the Tatsuko-hime Legend that inspired the statue. When Lake Tazawa was once called Tazawagata, there lived an exceptionally beautiful girl named Tatsuko in In’nai. Wanting to preserve her beauty and youth forever, she secretly prayed to Okura Kannon. On the night her prayers were fulfilled, she received a revelation: "Drink the water of the spring that bubbles up to the north, and your wish will come true." Finding a pure spring between mossy rocks, she rejoiced and drank until the spring nearly ran dry. As time passed, Tatsuko realized she had turned into a great dragon. As a dragon, she became the guardian of Tazawagata and sank deep into the lake’s depths. Access: from JR Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kotsu bus "Tazawako Isshu Line," get off at Katajiri, and walk 1 minute.