For a stay in Semboku, Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate offer destinations in the wider travel area: lakeside scenery and seasonal activities, as well as Kakunodate’s history of architecture and craftsmanship. If you’re looking for a hotel in Semboku, you can first consider whether lakeside nature or historical and cultural themes better match your travel interests.

Scenery and seasons at Lake Tazawa

At 423.4 meters deep, Lake Tazawa is Japan’s deepest lake and is considered a symbol of Semboku. Its intensely blue waters are surrounded by lush green mountain forests; on calm days, the forests are reflected in the lake. Cherry trees bloom along the shore in spring, leaves turn red and orange in autumn, and deep white snow covers the landscape in winter. Each season gives the lakeshore a different character: spring and autumn differ in their blossoms and foliage, while winter brings a snow-covered landscape. You can choose when to travel based on which of these scenes interests you most. Reflections appear on calm days, while cherry blossoms, autumn colors, and snow mark the passing of the seasons.

Swimming, water sports, and getting there

Shirahama is a white sandy beach on the lake’s eastern shore. It is open for swimming for several weeks in summer. Pedal boating and paddleboarding are available on Lake Tazawa from spring through autumn. The seasons differ: water sports are available from spring through autumn, while swimming is limited to several weeks in summer. To get to the lake, a regular bus connects JR Tazawako Station with Lake Tazawa; the route is called the Tazawako Round Trip. Check current schedules before you travel.

Kakunodate: cultural heritage and craftsmanship

Kakunodate’s cultural highlights include its historic townscape, the Yama Float Festival, and Kabazaiku craftsmanship. The historic townscape is designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings; the Kakunodate Yama Float Festival is listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The two designations recognize different forms of cultural heritage: historic buildings and a festival.

In the historic samurai district, the historic section of the Ishiguro Family Residence is open to the public year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only this section can be visited because the family’s descendants still live in the house. Check current hours before your visit.

The Semboku City Kakunodate Kabazaiku Center has an exhibition room for Kabazaiku crafts and demonstrations. A workshop lets you make a small Kabazaiku hanging plaque; reservations are required. The exhibition, demonstration, and opportunity to make an item yourself offer three different ways to explore the craft.

Discover more destinations: Yuzawa, Noshiro, Akita, Fujisato, Yurihonjō, Yokote, Uwamuki, Ōdate

For the overview of the wider travel area: Akita Prefecture.