Towada

Towada (十和田) is a city located in Aomori Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes, particularly its famous crater lake, Lake Towada.

Lake Towada, a large caldera lake formed by volcanic activity around 200,000 years ago, is located on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures. The lake is surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains and is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy various activities on and around the lake, including boat rides, fishing, and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. A statue of a maiden (Otome no Zo) sculpted by Kotaro Takamura, stands as a symbol of the lake.

In addition to Lake Towada, Towada also has several other natural attractions, including Oirase Gorge, a picturesque gorge with waterfalls and hiking trails, and Mt. Hakkoda, a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Several hot spring resorts like Tsuta Onsen and Yachi Onsen are also located around Lake Towada.

Towada is also known for its traditional festivals, including the Towada Winter Festival, held every February, featuring snow sculptures, traditional performances, and local food stalls. Furthermore, the Towada Art Center showcases modern art, including works by Yayoi Kusama.

In terms of local cuisine, Towada is known for its fresh seafood, particularly its delicious scallops caught in nearby waters. Visitors can enjoy seafood at local restaurants and seafood markets throughout the city.

Attractions in Towada

Towada Art Center The Towada Art Center (十和田市現代美術館) is a contemporary art museum located in the city of Towada in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The museum, designed by ar...

Oirase Stream The Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流) is a breathtaking mountain stream located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, scenic waterfall...

Lake Towada Lake Towada (十和田湖) is a large caldera lake located on the border of Aomori and Akita Prefectures in Japan. It is considered one of the most beautiful and...

Towada-Jinja Shrine Towada Shrine (十和田神社), also known as Towada-jinja, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Towada, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated t...

Getting there

By Train and Bus

1. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hachinohe Station (about 3 hours, around 16,500 yen)
2. From Hachinohe Station, take the JR Tohoku Bus to Lake Towada (about 2 hours 15 minutes, 3,050 yen)

• 2 buses per day
• Route passes through Oirase Gorge, terminates at Yasumiya

By Air

1. Fly from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Aomori Airport (about 85 minutes)
2. Take a bus from Aomori Airport to Aomori Station (35 minutes, 860 yen)
3. From Aomori Station, take the JR Bus to Lake Towada (about 2 hours 30 minutes, 3,480 yen)

• 2-3 buses per day from mid-April to early November
• No service in winter

By Car

• Rental car agencies available at Hachinohe Station and Shin-Aomori Station
• Be aware that some roads may be closed during winter