Goza-no-ishi Shrine: A Hidden Senboku Power Spot by Lake Tazawa with the Tatsuko Legend

Goza-no-ishi Shrine, on the shore of Lake Tazawa in Senboku City, is a mysterious shrine deeply tied to the legend of Princess Tatsuko. The tale tells of a beautiful girl named Tatsuko who wished for eternal beauty and in time became a dragon, the master of Lake Tazawa. The shrine name is said to come from 1650, when Satake Yoshitaka, lord of the Akita domain, rested by sitting on a stone here while touring Lake Tazawa. The precincts hold many sights, such as the sacred spring at Katagashira, said to be where Tatsuko drank and became a dragon, the Nanairo-gi tree from which seven kinds of tree are said to grow, and a mirror stone in which Tatsuko is said to have reflected her form. Visitors come to pray for beauty and good marriage. The vermilion gate set against the lake is striking.

Highlights

• A beautiful view of the vermilion gate standing against Lake Tazawa
• The sacred spring at Katagashira, said to be where Tatsuko drank and became a dragon
• The Nanairo-gi tree said to grow seven kinds of tree from one, and a mirror stone said to reflect Tatsuko
• A shrine alive with legend, visited by those praying for beauty and good marriage

Enjoying the Seasons

From spring into summer the contrast between the clear blue Lake Tazawa and the vermilion gate is vivid, and strolling the lakeshore feels pleasant. In autumn the surrounding mountains turn to crimson, and the scene of lake and shrine grows even more beautiful. In winter, when Lake Tazawa is known never to freeze, the shrine amid a snowy view also has its charm.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Hinokinai, Nishiki-cho, Senboku City, Akita
• Train and bus: From JR Tazawako Line Tazawako Station take the Ugo Kotsu bus on the Lake Tazawa loop line and alight at Goza-no-ishi Jinja-mae, about one minute on foot (the bus ride is roughly forty minutes)
• Car: Along the road circling Lake Tazawa, with parking available
• Spots such as the Tatsuko statue and Ukigi Shrine are nearby
• Free to visit

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: Early summer, when the blue of the lake sets off the vermilion gate, and autumn with its colored leaves are especially beautiful. Mornings, less prone to backlight, are good for photographs
• Time needed: About twenty to thirty minutes to see the main sights of the precincts
• Together with the lake loop: Circling Lake Tazawa takes about an hour by car. It is efficient to link the Tatsuko statue, Ukigi Shrine, and other lakeshore sights
• Avoiding crowds: Tour buses also call by during the day, so early morning allows a quieter visit
• Clothing and gear: The lakeshore can be windy on some days, so bringing a jacket is reassuring
• Nearby real spots: Pair it with the Tatsuko statue at Katajiri, Ukigi Shrine, the Tazawako Kogen hot springs, and the Nyuto hot spring villages
• Budget sense: The visit is free. For sightseeing around Lake Tazawa, allow for transport and hot spring charges

A Quick Tip

Circling Lake Tazawa, it is recommended to also visit spots tied to the Tatsuko legend, such as the Tatsuko statue and Ukigi Shrine. The lakeshore can be windy on some days, so bringing a jacket will give you peace of mind.

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from those connected with Gozanoishi Shrine, Semboku city, and the Tazawako and Kakunodate tourism associations. The notices for grounds highlights such as the Katagashira sacred spring, the seven-color tree, and the mirror stone, and for the lakeside Tatsuko statue and Ukigi Shrine, are also useful references. While the grounds are free to visit, nearby facility hours and Lake Tazawa loop transport may change, so please confirm the latest details with the shrine or the tourism association before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 20 to 30 minutes to see the grounds highlights.
• What to bring: The lakeside can be windy, so a jacket is reassuring. Bring cash if you want a goshuin or amulet.
• Suggested route: Visit the vermilion torii set against the lake, the Katagashira sacred spring, the seven-color tree, and the mirror stone, and combine it with the roughly one-hour loop of Lake Tazawa, linking the Tatsuko statue, Ukigi Shrine, and the Tazawako Kogen and Nyuto hot springs.