The Annual Ritual at Gozanoishi (Videos)

Here are some videos of the Reitaisai at Gozanoishi Shrine. Enjoy!

A Musical Ritual at Gozanoishi Shrine

Red Torii facing the lake at Gozanoishi

Gozanoishi Shrine is one of the most picturesque and popular sites at Lake Tazawa. The name, Gozanoishi, is said to derive from a historical fact that Lord Yoshitaka of the Satake Clan that ruled Akita area around 17th century had rested and enjoyed the magnificent view upon his visit to Tazawako Area.

Staricase connecting between the torii and the precinct.

Original amulets for sale (left). The offering goes to maintain the shrine.

The main shrine at Gozanoishi.

Tatsuko's Statue for the eternal beauty stands on your right from the entrance to the precinct.

Even the fountain for washing hands is dragon-shaped.

As some summer travelers might know, August is when many festivals are held in all over Japan, regardless of its religious, customary or touristic meanings for the people.

Reitaisai is an annual ritual which signifies the most important ceremonies for the shrine. Some reitaisais are elaborated and touristic: others are more humble and kept --yet practicing the unique customs of the tradition.

Gozanoishi Shrine’s Reitaisai (例大祭) is an example of the latter— hosting no more than 15 guests—performed with a religious music and dance with traditional instruments. Quite interesting!

A ritual dance with bells.

Ritual dance using the swords!

Some say Gozanoishi Shrine emits a strong spiritual powerwho knows—but just the magnificent view through the red torii gate would leave you an enduring impression in your mind. You might feel somehow spiritual.

Note there are a few other spots nearby you couldn’t miss: The mirror rock which Tatsuko had reflected herself in (Kagami-Ishi: 鏡石), the holy tree naturally grafted with seven species (Nanairogi:七色木), and a reconstructed site of the holy spring where Tatsuko took a sip from (Katagashira-no-reisen: 潟頭の霊泉).

Gozanoishi's Torii Gate

Naturally-grafted, Nanairo-gi, or A Tree of Seven Colors

Amagai-ishi, or The Rock of Call for Rain

The rock

A cafe is next to the shrine.

Asari-Shoten, or Asari Market, is a souvenir shop with some snacks and noodles.

Access: Take a local bus line called Isshu-Sen (一周線), which departs from JR Tazawako Station, loops around the lake, and takes you back to the station. A few of them (check the time) even allow you to take off, enjoy your sightseeing, and hop on the next available bus—not all of the buses on the line, though, so plan ahead!

downloadable from the side bar.

A Hidden Short Trail to Mirror Stone and Bridge of Wishes

Kagami Ishi  （鏡石）is one of the hidden spots you might enjoy on your trip to the Gozanoishi Shrine.

Hardly visited nor known by locals, Kagami Ishi is located about 300 meters up on a trail through the woods, which starts from the west of Gozanoishi Jinja. The trail - more like a short walk - is only 15 to 20 minutes out and back. It is rather steep in some parts but the whispering leaves and cozy wind are very refreshing.

You will be crossing a bridge called Negai-bashi, Bridge of Wishes, where you will see inscribed wishes of the visiters. At the top of the trail, you will find a rock called Kagami-ishi, the Mirror Rock, which is said to have been what Tatsuko has come to mirror herself in to tidy herself up.

A few minutes in the trail, Negaibashi (A Bridge of Wishes) welcomes you.

Remember to make a wish while crossing!

Wishes engraved: I wish my tummy will get better!

"May my family live in happiness"

A few more minutes till the end of the trail.

The end is a small viewpoint to take a glimpse of Kagami-ishi.

The Kagami Ishi.

Lake Tazawa seen from the view point.

A New York Times Article That Gives The Beautiful Portray of Snow-Covered Tazawako Area!

Here is an interesting New York Times article from November 2007, titled '' Snowbound in Japan ''.

The article not only gives a beautiful portrait of Tsurunoyu in Nyuto Onsen Hot Spring Area viewed by an American traveler but also shows some amazing and fashionable photos of the hitou, Tsurunoyu and Gozanoishi Shrine, and Ukiki Shrine at Lake Tazawa.

The models make the places seems surreal, but the scenery is authentic! The background view is just like how it looks like during the winter. Aren't they beautiful? Also, the article gives an accuate portray of the places around Lake Tazawa.

Tsuruyoyu is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, which has been  acclaimed as the best hitou (hidden hot spring) in East Japan. Gozanoishi Shrine is at Lake Tazawa, whose red torii gate over the blue lakewater is truly mesmerizing - selected as one of the most spiritual spots ("Power Spots") of Japan. Ukiki Shrine is also on Lake Tazawa, right next to the famous golden statue of Tatsuko - also plays an important role in the legends of Lake Tazawa.