Tazawako Lake Resort & Spa sits on the southern shore of Lake Tazawa in Senboku City, commanding uninterrupted views across Japan's deepest lake — a caldera lake reaching 423 metres — whose water maintains a vivid cobalt-blue colour year-round due to its volcanic clarity. The resort is approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Akita City and roughly 15 minutes by car or shuttle from JR Tazawako Station, which connects directly to the Akita Shinkansen line. The position serves as a genuine year-round destination: in winter the resort operates a ski shuttle to nearby Tazawako Ski Resort, and in summer and autumn it provides lake kayaking, perimeter cycling, and hiking trails into Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
The building is a substantial modern resort structure with interiors designed around the lake panorama — large glazed panels, natural timber accents, and stone finishes referencing the volcanic landscape. Room types span Standard Lake View rooms through Superior Mountain View rooms to Deluxe Suites and traditional Japanese-style tatami rooms, all featuring quality furnishings and en-suite bathrooms. The standout amenity is the outdoor hot spring bath fed by local mineral waters, positioned to allow bathing beside the lake itself. An indoor heated pool, dedicated spa treatment rooms, and a fitness area complete the wellness offering.
The resort restaurant is the dining centrepiece, with floor-to-ceiling glazing framing the lake and a seasonal menu built around Akita's agricultural and freshwater produce — Hinai-jidori chicken, Akita Komachi rice, local freshwater fish, and mountain vegetables. A winter ski shuttle, summer kayaking programmes, and snowmobile tours in season are organised through the concierge. The property appeals to couples celebrating anniversaries, families seeking multi-day nature immersion, and leisure travellers wanting upscale comfort with direct access to Tohoku's most celebrated lake landscape.
| Price | ¥20,000–50,000 (~$131–328 USD) per night |
|---|---|
| Address | Haruyama, Tazawako, Senboku, Akita 014-1201 |
Room types
- Standard Lake View
- Superior Mountain View
- Deluxe Suite
- Japanese-style room
Amenities
- Outdoor hot spring
- Indoor pool
- Restaurant with lake views
- Spa treatments
- Free Wi-Fi
- Ski shuttle (winter)
- Lake kayaking (summer)
Weather through the year in Japan
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Japan.
Location
Haruyama, Tazawako, Senboku, Akita 014-1201
39.7264, 140.6632 View on map
Highlights
- Shoreline position on Lake Tazawa — Japan's deepest lake at 423 metres — with direct lake views from rooms and restaurant
- Outdoor hot spring bath beside the lake, indoor pool, and full spa treatment menu
- Year-round activity access: ski shuttle in winter, kayaking and hiking in summer
- Seasonal restaurant menu featuring Hinai-jidori chicken, Akita Komachi rice, and local freshwater fish
Tips for visiting
- Lake Tazawa's cobalt-blue colour is most vivid on clear mornings — book a lake-view room and plan an early breakfast
- The ski shuttle to Tazawako Ski Resort runs on a fixed schedule in winter; confirm timings at check-in the evening before
- Summer kayak rental through the resort fills quickly on weekends — book at or before check-in
- JR Tazawako Station is about 15 minutes away; the resort offers a shuttle but confirm pickup times when booking
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Frequently asked questions
How do guests reach the resort from Tokyo?
Take the Akita Shinkansen to JR Tazawako Station (about 2 hours 50 minutes from Tokyo), then a resort shuttle or taxi for approximately 15 minutes.
Is the outdoor hot spring bath seasonal or year-round?
The outdoor onsen operates year-round; bathing in winter snow with lake views is one of the resort's most memorable experiences.
Are there ski facilities nearby?
Tazawako Ski Resort is approximately 15 minutes away; the resort operates a ski shuttle for guests during the winter season.