Towada

The Lake Towada region is located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, straddling the Aomori and Akita prefectures. A true jewel of Japanese nature, it is the largest crater lake on the main island of Honshu. With its impressive forests, waterfalls, and rapids, this region is one of Tohoku’s top tourist destinations. The mountains that surround it and the two peninsulas (Okura and Nakayama) on its southern shore are reflected in the waters of the lake, turning it a deep green in spring and painting it in ocher and purple tones in autumn. Nature lovers will be able to delight in its spectacular landscapes, its wonderfully preserved fauna and flora. The large number of hot springs scattered throughout the area will allow you to enjoy the pleasures of the most authentic onsen.

What to see

Cruises on Lake Towada

This large lake (46 km in circumference) was formed in the crater of a volcano after a gigantic eruption. The luminous blue of its waters is due both to its great depth (327 meters) and to its purity that allow us to contemplate its waters up to 10 meters below the surface. A boat trip will be ideal to admire the surrounding landscape.

Sukayu Onsen

For more than 300 years, this hot spring has been famous for the healing virtues of the minerals it naturally contains, without forgetting its large bathing area, the Sennninburo, which can accommodate up to 1,000 people.

• -A 1 h 10 min by bus from Aomori Station.

Towada Science Museum

In this museum you will find explanations about the formation of Lake Towada and the Hakkoda Mountains. In addition, it exhibits specimens of the local fauna and flora as well as objects of regional folklore.
– Near the Yasumina Cruise Ship Pier.

The Hakkoda Mountains

Between the city of Aomori and Lake Towada there is a mountain range whose peaks range from 1,300 to 1,585 meters in altitude, forming a plateau. A cable car connects the Ropeway-ekimae bus stop (accessible 1 hour by bus from Aamori Station) to Tamoyachi Peak (located at an altitude of 1,324 meters) in 10 minutes. A round-trip ticket costs ¥ 1,800. Both the alpine plants that sprout in bouquets and the virgin coniferous forest, the swamp and the hot springs attract large numbers of visitors.

The Oirase River

This mountain river is the only one that is born in the lake (on its eastern shore) and then flows north for 14 km through an extremely lush valley. The 9 km hiking trail from Ishigedo to Nenokuchi will be a must for any lover of the mysteries and beauty of this natural treasure. In autumn, the trees seem to light up with a wide palette of reds and yellows in their leaves offering one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Tohoku region.

– 2 hr by bus from Aomori or 1 hr 25 min by bus from Hachinohe (bus bound for Yakiyama).
– Bicycle rental in Nenokuchi and Yakeyama.