The cobalt blue of Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, radiates the mystical atmosphere around it.

Its circumference is about 20 kilometers, which takes 1 hour to 1.5 hours to cycle around by bike. There are many must-see spots around the lake, so pace yourself in order to enjoy your ride to the fullest.

Let’s see some of the popular spots around Lake Tazawa you shouldn’t miss while cycling.

The first stop you need to make is at the Lake Tazawa Cycle Rental Shop.This shop carries a wide variety of bikes for rent, including automatic gear changing,electric-assisted, road, and cross-country bikes.

There are also some swan pedal boats in front of the shop as well as a sightseeing boat which offers 40-minute tours of the lake.

Next, let’s take a look at the cycling route around Lake Tazawa. Starting at the Lake Tazawa Cycle Rental Shop and moving clockwise,you will see a camping site close by. At this site, you will see a reception desk prepared for various outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and shower -climbing (climbing up watery valleys).If you have time, give them a try!

You will be refreshed by the lush green trees and beautiful blue lake along the route.

 Since only part of the road is exclusively for cycling, you should watch out for and share the road with vehicles and pedestrians.

 Lake Tazawa Kunimasu (a kind of sockeye salmon) Museum is stop of the route. Here you learn a lot about kunimasu, a unique species of fish said to live only in Lake Tazawa.

There is also a restaurant, Tatsuko Chaya, located nearby,roughly 6 kilometers from the start of the route.

About 5 kilometers from Tatsuko Chaya, you can see the Rose Park Hotel on your right.The Murakko Farmers’ Market is also located a few minutes away. Just take a left at the intersection in front of the hotel. Don’t miss out the sign!

The Murakko Farmers’ Market allows you to enjoy various dishes made from locally grown ingredients and special soft ice cream called “soft cream.”

Across from the farmers’ market is Katamae Yama Shinrin Koen, Mt. Katamae Forest Park. The park has an observation point overlooking the beautiful landscape of Lake Tazawa and Akita Komagatake Mountain. Please keep in mind, though, that you will have to cycle up a steep, sloping road to get this great view.

If you head back to the Rose Park Hotel, you will see the Ukiki Shrine and Statue of Tatsuko,a legendary beauty.Both of these sights are situated at the halfway point of the cycling route,about 10 kilometers from the start.

About 5 kilometers farther are Gozanoishi a flat, rocky place resembling a goza mat and Gozanoishi Shrine, the three-fourths mark of the route.

You can find the Tazawako Herb Garden, 3 kilometers away.Entry is free of charge.

Keep going! The next stop is just around the corner. Soon after the Tazawako Herb Garden,you can get a glimpse of a white sand beach,open for swimming during the summer. 

You will soon reach the end of the cycling route, back at the Lake Tawaza Cycle Rental Shop.

Up till now, you have been shown the sights you should not miss during summer. But the beautiful leaves of autumn are equally impressive. If you have a chance to come to Semboku City, cycling around Lake Tazawa is highly recommended!