Shrine of the Floating Log and the Derivation of its Name

Have you visited the golden statue of Tatsuko? The statue has now become internationally known for its appearance in Korean drama IRIS. The statue is standing next to a shrine called Ukiki Shrine （浮木神社）, also known as Kansagu（漢槎宮）.

Lake Tazawa is known for a number of intricate legends. The name of this small shrine also derives from a local legend about a floating log. It is said that one side of the log was showing above the water about 2-meters long but the other side was heavily sinking in the water. According to a book, Furusato Hakubutsushi by Jihei Chiba, the floating upside-down log with its branches sinking deeply was said to have resembled a dragon, which plays an important role in the legend of Tatsuko. It is why the people believed built a shrine where the log has finally settled on the shore.



Derivation of the name.


The book also says that a floating log first appeared in a book around 1770 written by Soshu Masuto, a scholar who visited Lake Tazawa and saw the floating log and unusually shaped clouds over Mt. Akita Komagatake. His associates alarmed that it was a sign of changing weather, so they quickly returned to the shore. The story was written in his book, Monsa Kikou, which introduced the lake that was formerly known as Tazawa-no-Kata and Tatsuko Kata, as a lake of floating log, “Ukiki-no-Mizuumi”.

Chiba, in his book published in 1998, also suggests that in the ancient time the people believed that a big tree carried a divine spirit so that the floating log was also seen as a divine object. Furthermore, another literature mentions that in the ancient time, the logs were transported from Tazawa Village on the other side of the lake to Kakunodate Town by running them on the lakewater. That is why the “floating log” was significant in the villager’s life and worshipped at nearby shrines.

Knowing the legends and these background stories would take you to an imaginary journey back in time. The scenery from this site, Katajiri　（潟尻）, is probably the most featured to represent Akita Prefecture!

A panel with a picture of Statue of Tatsuko and Lake Tazawa
 from a scene of IRIS welcome you at Akita Airport.

In the summer, you can feed fish (mostly Japanese dace) near the shrine. In winter, you can see the snow-covered Akita Komagatake Mountains mirrored on the lake water from here.

New Year is approaching! As we have mentioned, Goza no Ishi Shrine is a popular shrine for a new year’s visit, Hatsumode. Perhaps it’s a good idea to drive around and make another stop at this beautiful place!

Semboku City will Host An American Student Program Next Year!

A big step towards Semboku City’s internationalization! Next summer Semboku City will host a large group of American high school students in a home-stay program!

The program is called People to People Student Ambassador Programs. It is by an American organization called People to People, whose aim is to achieve world peace through educational opportunities to understand cultural and language differences. The programs send Student Ambassadors abroad to represent their home community and share their diverse backgrounds with the hosting community.

This program normally sends about 40 students over 4-5 times during a certain period. However, because next year will be the first time in Tohoku, about 120 students will be sent at a time. 80 of them will be home-staying in Semboku City.

Earlier this month, two persons representing the People to People Ambassador Programs visited Semboku City to meet with the Japanese side of coordinators for this program.

A reception party was held at Tazawako Beer Restaurant. There they met our mayor of Semboku City, other government officials involved in Tourism division and Green Tourism farmers in Nishiki town. They were warmly welcomed with cheerful singing and dancing by some Warabi-za theater company’s actors. Although many of the farmers did not speak English, they expressed their overflowing excitement through the interpreters.



Each host-family member gave a short welcome speech at the reception.

The two stayed at a farmer’s inn called Taizando, which is the very first noka-minshuku (farmers inn) registered after the law was revised in 2005.


Taizando （泰山堂）is the first registered noka-minshuku (Farmers Inn) of Akita Prefecture.



The owner, Ms. Fujiwara represents the local Nishiki Town’s Green Tourism association. Her house is full of warm, rustic atmosphere! Her energy and hospitable spirits transcends language borders. The students will have an amazing time with host families like her. The Program coordinators were impressed by hospitality and heartfelt welcome by the hosts!





The group toured around Semboku City to learn about the environment where their students will be exploring for the Japanese rural cultural experiences: Lake Tazawa, about 10-15 minutes away from Nishiki Town, is a beautiful lake that cannot be missed; Ando Jyozo is a soy sauce and miso brewery in Kakunodate Town, which is closed to the Nishinomiya Residence, an old samurai house that turned into a museum and shop; Bukeyashiki-dori is a stree of samurai houses where to time-travel; also, a local Elementary school is where they will have cross-cultural experiences with eager children.

The two remained in high spirits for the entire time! They seemed impressed how friendly and happy the local people are. In the end of the trip, they were certain that the participating American students will have an unforgettable time there.

Semboku City is a perfect place for any rural cultural activities of Japan. From June to July is when the local farmers are restless and cheerful about the new life cycle in their field and mountains. That’s when the hiking season begins in the local mountain, Akita Komagatake.

The program can be applied through the organization, People to People Ambassador Programs. We are looking forward to meet you and your children here!

Tazawako Kogen Hot Spring Area's Mascot Characters Selected!

Over the summer, Tazawako Kogen Hot Spring Area held a contest of mascot characters themed in the tourism attractions of the area. After the thorough screening and voting, the trio characters were finally selected out of 132 contestants. On September 30th, the characters were finally revealed to the public at an announcement party.

 

Tazawako Kogen Onsenkyo Mascot Characters Announcement Party

The winner is Omotenashi Sankyodai (おもてなし三兄弟), “the 3 Hospitable Siblings.”

They are trio of fairies, each themed in different features of Tazawako Plateau: Lake Tazawa, Hot Springs, and Mt. Akita Komagatake.

Nukuindaa, Fukaindaa, and Iyasundaa


Nukuindaa, (“it warms you up”), was born in the flow of hot spring water coming from Nyuto Onsen to Tazawako Plateau. He is the youngest, boy fairy. In his tiny body, he secretly has a strongest will and burning energy. With his adorable and heartwarming character, he eases the pain of your body and soul.

Fukaindaa, (implying “it is deep”), is a fairy born in the deepest lake of Japan, Lake Tazawa. He might be a bit of sensitive and mood but has a deep compassion and considerate personality. He is the oldest of three and takes a good care of the younger ones. The depth of his heart is limitless, and he is hospitable for both the visitors and the residents in the area.

Iyasundaa, (“it heals”), was born in Mt. Akita Komagatake, which proudly represents from Mountains in Akita Prefecture as Mountain of Flowers. She is a tranquil girl who loves the flowers. She exudes a sweet aura and embraces everything and heals the heart of people.

Now the character contest moves on to a theme song! The Union is accepting ideas for a bright tune to light up the tourism in Tazawako Plateau. Please send your ideas in! We are looking forward to it :D

Yellow Field of Tenderstem Broccoli Near Lake Tazawa

The climate has been mild and very refreshing in this season! Come to Tazawako and take a bicycle ride near Lake Tazawa!

The beautiful Nanohana （菜の花）, Tenderstem Broccoli flowers, are blooming at the lake! Osawa Area （大沢）is near Kata Bunko (an old elementary school site) and Statue of Tatsuko.  From this direction, you can see two of Akita's landmarks, Lake Tazawa and Mt. Akita Komagatake!

Lake Tazawa (left) and Mt. Akita Komagatake (right)

Sign Up for the Outrigger Canoeing Tour at Tazawako Campground !

If the main purpose of your visit to Tazawako is experiencing the nature, Tazawako Campground （田沢湖キャンプ場）would be the door to many different outdoor activities! Besides managing the Campgrounds and Katamaeyama Forest Park, they also offer outdoor activity tours like Canoeing & Kayaking, Trekking and riding Mountain Bikes!

In April, Tazawako Campground came back with a new canoe tour, Outrigger Canoeing Tour!

An Outrigger Canoe is a type of canoe featuring one or more lateral support to float on water -- they are like the safety wheels of bicycles!



Tazawako Campground's Outrigger Canoeing Tour



This tour is recommended for the river boat beginners. It would give you a different experience than riding on the paddling boats or the Pleasure Boats. If you would prefer a private relaxing moment with your group, we definitely recommend this tour!

Dates:

Saturday, May 21st

Saturday, June 4th

Sunday, July 24th

Sunday, September 4th

Fee:

4,500 Yen (Including Insurance / Rentals)

Eligibility:

A group of 4-8 people (older than 4 yrs-old)  can sign up.

Dress Appropriately:

Prepare to get wet!

No Cotton shirts / Jeans.

Wearing a swimsuit under your T-shirt is recommended.

Rainwear, Shoes (No Flip-flops), a hat, change of cloth, towels, sunscreens, etc.

Reservation:

0187-43-2990 (TEL/FAX)

Online Reservation here

Read about Tazawako's Excellent River Condition on our previous post.

Easter Weekend! Meet Bunnies at Heart Herb Reopening This Saturday.

Doing anything special for the Easter Weekend? Come meet bunnies at Lake Tazawa!

Tazawako Heart Herb （田沢湖ハートハーブ）is reopening its entire facility this Saturday, April 23rd at 10 a.m.

The on-site restaurant, Salato, will re-start its popular weekend lunch buffet at 11 a.m. (Last order is 14:30)

During winter, the facility was open only on weeknends and partially open. Back in March, the facility temporarily closed to prepare for the re-opening scheduled earlier this month. However, due to the 3.11aftermaths, the re-opening had been postponed two weeks later the scheduled date – finally coming up this Saturday!

Besides for stopping by for a meal at the restaurant, it is also a nice place to rest and shop the earthy goods; you will find seeds and seedlings (at the green house); soaps, candles, aromatic goods, and local traditional crafts (at the souvenir shop); snacks, breads, teas, and seasonings (near restaurant).

Stroll around the backyard full of seasonal herbal plants and flowers! You will most likely find bunnies nibbling in the yard and green house. If not, walk up to the cage and say hi!

You might get a little feel of the Easter Weekend…

ALSO: Don’t miss a chance to meet an Akita puppy at Tazawako Kyoei Paresu! You might as well, since it’s only 2 minutes drive away!

大きな地図で見る

Sakura Viewing Spots in Semboku City (2011 Update)

In Semboku City, cherry blossoms will be seen earliest in Kakunodate Town. Then the sakura-zensen (“cherry blossoms front”) slowly moves up through Tazawako area according to the higher elevation and temperature: Lake Tazawa, Tazawako Kogen (plateau), then it finally reaches to Nyuto Onsen area in mid-May.

Kakunodate Town, for example, has been known as one of the most beautiful viewing spots of Japan. This small town, whose population is only about 14,000, is flooded with approximately 1,000,000 tourists only during the sakura weeks from late April to the first week of May.

The visitors look forward to visit two quintessential viewing spots of Kakunodate: Sakura tunnels on the bank of the Hinokinai River and the historical landscape scattered with centuries-old cherry blossoms trees.

Sakura Tunnel along the Hinokinai River

Night Viewing of Sakura amongst the Samurai Houses

The "sakura front" passes through the vast rice paddies of Jindai and Obonai area; then, it reaches to the lake and plateau. Although the viewing spots in Tazawako Area seems rather humble compare to the touristic Kakundoate area, there are many hidden viewing spots where you will most likely enjoy the fresh breeze and quietness in the air!

More info on the approximate viewing dates

are HERE.

より大きな地図で Cherry Blossom Viewpoint in Semboku City を表示

Also, JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) has some more helpful information in regard to the Bloom of Cherry Blossoms across the nation. You can see a map and updated approximate blooming dates in the major cities.

Lake Tazawa Mirroring the Image of Mt. Akita Komagatake



Photo Courtesy of Sakigake On-the-Web

On a sunny day, a beautiful view of Lake Tazawa mirroring the image of Mt. Akita Komagatake is enjoyed at the eastern shore of Lake Tazawa. The mountains are mirrored upside-down, so it is called “Sakasa-koma” (upside-down koma) after “sakasa-fuji”, the similar image of Mt. Fuji.

Sakasa-koma can be observed on some sunny days also in summer and fall; however, it is said that the reflection makes a clearer image in early spring (February and March) because of the calmer seasonal winds!

Many tourists have been looking forward to catching this rare view of Lake Tazawa and Mt. Akita Komagatake, two of Akita’s most recognized landmarks! Try your luck!

Tazawako Hotel Ischia's Standard Room

Tazawako Hotel Ischia has been mentioned more than a few times on this blog. Although it has been mentioned as a good event venue, it is surely a good hotel to stay at. :)

Tazawako Hotel Ischia's Standard Room

Ischia’s standard rooms are twin-bed rooms (two single-beds). From most of the rooms, you can see a view of the lake. The price ranges from 11,500 to 12,600 yen.

There are only a few hotels located on Lake Tazawa that offer natural onsen in the facility; however, with the shuttle bus service of Hotel Ischia, you could visit Taenoyu Onsen, one of the most popular Nyuto Onsen inns. It is a great option for those who are concerned with the difficult accessibility or the high demand of reservation in Nyuto Area.

Hotel Ischia is pet-friendly as well. It is one of the few places where you can have free wire-less internet sevice.

Hime-Kannon: A Statue of Mercy on the Lake

There are more than a few statues of kannon in Tazawako area. Hime-Kannon is one of them. This statue was created in 1930 by a local stoneworker whose name is Gohei Yatsuyanagi, fundraised by the local buddhist group that lamented the distinction of fish in the lake due to the influx of acid water caused by a construction of hydraulic plant on the lake. This is said to be the masterpiece in the artists’ lifetime.

Wishes for the return of live in the lake.

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.

Tazawako Festival 2010

Tazawako Festival is an annual event held late July each year with highlights including fireworks and a dragon festival that represents Tatsuko's reunion with Hachiro Taro, her lover in Legend of Three Lakes.

This year's Tazawako Festival was held last Saturday, bringing more than 8,000 people to our small town.

Each year, two people are  chosen to take the role of Tatsuko and Hachiro Taro. Past few years the roles were played by persons from neighboring cities. This year the candidates happened to be the natives to Tazawako-- It brought so much joy to the local people!

A hiking tour was scheduled to follow the route of Tatsuko— starting off from her birthplace in Innai area, pay a visit to historical landmarks, hiking up through the mountains all the way to Lake Tazawa.

Innnai Area, Tatsuko's birthplace.

Tatsuko for this year 2010 was Miss Shinobu Kanaya.

A shinto ceremony in front of Tatsuko's grave.

Tatsuko's Grave

Unfortunately, the tour was called off due to the unpredictable weather and route condition, for it is meant to be Tatsuko's pilgrimage that greatly concerns her safety.

Instead, the group  visited ruins of Okura shrine. It is a shrine, according to the legend, to which Tatsuko is said to paid 100 night visits to wish for the eternal beauty.

A monument at the ruins of Okura Shirine.

At the site now remains a few kannon statues.

The ruins are embedded deep in forest.

Many food stalls welcomed guests at the event site, among which was a produce market by Omagari Nogyo High School. Another group from the same high school performed traditional dance on stage.  

Omagari Nogyo High School specializes in agriculture courses.

Omagari Nogyo High School's Traditional Dance Club

Other food stalls included Keitora Ichi, a market of light-weight ("kei" class) trucks loading different products.

The biggest attractions of Tazawako Festival are held in the evening: Ryujin-Sai (Dragon Festiva) and fireworks on the lake!

Last year Dragon Festival was cancelled due to the shortage of hands. It was a disappointment to many people, so that this year a great effort was made to to spread the words, bringing more than 100 participants-- more than we expected!  

Tatsuko and Hachiro for this year: Miss Shinobu Kanaya and Mr. Shunsuke Sasaki

The participants getting ready for the festivity!

The floats led by Tatsuko and Taro proceeded to the ceremony.

Ceremony for the eternal unity of a couple

Two dragon floats representing Tatsuko and Hachiro Taro are carried to the beach.

Tazawako Ryujin ("Guardian Dragon")  Daiko

The food stalls can not be missed!

Tazawako Festival takes place in late July. We will be looking forward to seeing you next year!