Akita - Lake Tazawa - The Statue of Tatsuko

Lake Tazawa mostly draws visitors by being a relaxing lake retreat, complete with luxurious onsen (温泉, hot springs) and even ski resorts nearby. The placid blue lake surrounded by green hills makes for an idyllic resort area. The myth of Lake Tazawa, however, is a little less sunny. A legend now honored with a statue right on the water, the mythological figure of Tatsuko is said to have once asked the gods to grant her wish and make her beautiful forever. Instead, the gods cursed her to be a dragon in the lake.