Description

This stunning torii looks out from the north side of Lake Tazawa, the deepest caldera lake in Japan, at 423 metres.
The name Goza-no-ishi comes from an ancient lord of Akita’s visit in 1650, Satake Yoshitaka, who took rest on a large ishi (rock) here that was compared to a woven rush mat (goza). Samurai would come to this landmark temple to rest and reflect during times of conflict.

This rock where the great sat inspired the building of the Shinto shrine though it is also recognised for it’s dedication to Tatsuko-hime-no-kami the dragon spirit of the sapphire waters of the lake.

That’s a story for another photo…