Tazawako

Now that I am back in the states, it is finally time to discuss last weekends travels.

Before I left for Japan, I decided to get a rail pass that would allow me to travel around at a reduced cost. A two week pass costs about $415. I really wanted to get my money's worth out of it, and after traveling to Kyoto for about $160 I needed to go to a farther destination.

Therefore, I chose a trip was to the north of Japan, and round trip cost of $320.

I felt the north would be better for a few reasons.

1. Cooler weather
2. Small Towns
3. Beautiful landscapes

Well this trip did not disappoint. This is the 1st of 3 postings regarding this excursion.

After getting of the 3.5 hour train, I went to Tazawako Lake. This is the deepest lake in all of Japan.

Danijela and I rented bikes and rode around the lake. With stops for pictures, it took us around 2 hours.
Danijela is is Queen of the lake.
This is the front entrance of a shrine. I almost wanted to pray to the gods of the lake here.
I wish I new the story of this statue, but it is well known in this area.
After the time at the lake, we retreated to Kakunodate. To this day i still cannot pronounce this town name.

See more pictures here.

Next post will be tomorrow at 10am.