Goza-no-ishi Shrine feels really peaceful and quiet. The place is small, but the vibe is super comfortable.
It’s right by the lake, and on a nice day the view is genuinely great. Just standing there looking out over the water feels really relaxing.
It’s usually not crowded, so it’s an easy, laid-back stop. Perfect to swing by for a walk, take some photos, and soak in the calm lakeside shrine atmosphere.
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Goza-no-ishi Shrine
A beauty-themed power spot enshrining Tatsuko-hime, a figure from the dragon god legend.
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A shrine known for its striking vermilion torii gate near the north shore of Lake Tazawa. Local tradition says that in the Muromachi period, mountain ascetics devoted to Kumano Gongen used this area for training. The name is said to come from Keian 3 (1650), when Akita Domain lord Satake Yoshitaka toured Lake Tazawa and sat on a stone here to rest.
Because the shrine enshrines Tatsuko-hime, famous from the dragon god legend, the grounds are dotted with spots connected to her, including a statue of Tatsuko-hime with a dragon’s lower body, and the sacred spring at Katagashira, said to be the water she drank before becoming a dragon. Nearby, you’ll also find places like Kagami-ishi (Mirror Stone), said to have reflected her image. Since she’s believed to have become a dragon god in pursuit of eternal youth and beauty, many women come to pray here as a beauty power spot. Don’t miss paying your respects to the sacred cedar tree, said to be Approx. 450 years old.
Other highlights include the Goza-ishi stone that inspired the shrine’s name near the torii, and the Shichishu-gi (Seven Species Trees), said to have naturally grown from the same spot, including pine, cedar, cherry, alder, Japanese pagoda tree, pear, and Japanese snowbell.
Highlights
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A shrine enshrining Tatsuko-hime from the dragon god legend.
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The grounds feature several spots connected to Tatsuko-hime.
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Associated with Tatsuko-hime, it’s also known as a deity of beauty.
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Plenty to see, including Goza-ishi and the Shichishu-gi (Seven Species Trees).
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The vermilion torii by the lakeshore is especially beautiful.
Photos
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A vermilion torii gate that seems to extend out over the lake
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Enshrines Tatsuko-hime, guardian deity of beauty
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A chinowa ring in front of the main hall
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Statue of Tatsuko-hime
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Blanketed in snow in winter
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A
Sorry, we don’t.
Q
Do you offer goshuin (shrine seals)?
A
Yes.
Q
Is there parking?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
No.
Q
Can I pay for goshuin, etc. by credit card?
A
Cash only.
Q
Can I bring pets?
A
Yes.
Q
Can I visit in a wheelchair?
A
Yes, from the shrine parking lot to partway into the grounds (except in winter).
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
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It feels small, quiet, and kind of spiritually charged. It’s right by Lake Tazawa—walk a few steps and you’ll see that insanely blue water.
It’s not a big place, but it has a really calm atmosphere, and you don’t get that “too many tourists” pressure.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 御座石神社
- Postal Code
- 014-0602
- Address
- 1 Ainai-gata, Nishiki-machi Hinokinai, Semboku City, Akita
- Phone
- 0187-48-2630
- Closed
- Open daily
- Hours
- 8:30 am-5:00 pm
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- From JR Tazawako Station, take the route bus (Lake Tazawa Loop Line) and get off at “Goza-no-ishi Jinja-mae,” then walk 1 minute.
- Official website
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Official website(Japanese)
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