The eastern part of Lake Towada is known as the Utarube Area (宇樽部), many knows about this part of Lake Towada because of the Nenokuchi (子ノ口) watergate that regulates the amount of water that flows to Oirase Gorge. It serves as the vital link between the tranquil waters of Japan’s largest caldera lake and the rushing rapids of the Oirase Gorge. While many travelers treat it simply as a transit hub, Nenokuchi is the ultimate launchpad for adventure in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It is one of the boarding points for the Lake Towada Sightseeing Boats and the definitive starting point for the iconic 14-kilometer Oirase Stream hike. Whether you are renting an electric bicycle to breeze past the “Waterfall Way,” embarking on a high-speed RIB boat tour to explore hidden volcanic cliffs, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at the river’s mouth where the lake spills into the gorge, Nenokuchi offers a front-row seat to the raw, seasonal beauty of Aomori.
Things to Do Around Nenokuchi
- Lake Towada Sightseeing Boat (十和田湖遊覧船)
- Mt.Ohanabe Observatory (御鼻部山展望台) & Mt.Towada (十和田山)
- Guriland RIB Tour & Kayak Tour
- Utarube Campground (宇樽部キャンプ場)
- Mt.Ogura Cliff (御倉山の断崖)
Click HERE for the official English area map.
Tip: Towadako Lake View Hotel (十和田湖レークビューホテル) can cater to a vegetarian diet.
How to Get to Lake Towada
For information on how to get to Lake Towada from Aomori Station between spring and autumn and JR Hachinohe Station throughout the year, please refer to our article on How to Get to the Picturesque Oirase Gorge (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
How Much Does it Cost to Get from Aomori to Lake Towada
- From Lake Towada to Aomori Station or Shin-Aomori Station: 3,480 yen
- From Lake Towada to JR Hachinohe Station: 3,050 yen
- From Lake to Wada to Yakeyama in Oirase Gorge: 1,330 yen
Tip: Get the 5-Day JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) to save on transportation!
About Lake Towada
Approximately 200,000 years ago, the Towada volcano began erupting. As a result, a caldera of a depth of 327 meters and 14 kilometers wide was formed. From then on, rainwater began accumulating in the caldera, and gradually, a lake formed that reflected the sky and surrounding mountains.
Due to past crustal movement, the stratum surrounding the caldera has formed mountains and cliffs that surround the lake. This is why there are numerous scenic features and attractions around the lake that you will be pleasantly surprised by, especially at Lake Towada (*´ω｀).
The Fall Foliage Season at Lake Towada
The autumn foliage season at Lake Towada is usually from late October to early November. If you are after the cherry blossom, head to other spots in Aomori Prefecture (such as Towada City Government Office Street), as there are sadly not many cherry blossom trees around the gorgeous lake…
Explore Lake Towada With a Guided Tour
If you prefer a guide to introduce you to the charms of Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge, how about joining one of the following tours?
Lake Towada Cruise (十和田湖遊覧船)
Lake Towada’s beauty can certainly be appreciated from the shores of the lake. Although the lakeside view that you will get from the ferry is on a completely different level, it will definitely be a memory that will last a lifetime (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ. Once you board the Lake Towada Ferry, you will be introduced to a 50-minute scenic show!
For more information, refer to our Lake Towada Sightseeing Boat article!
Mt.Ohanabe Observatory (御鼻部山展望台): Altitude 1,011m and Mt.Towada (十和田山): Altitude 1,054m
Following National Route 102 and traveling north from Nenokuchi, you will eventually reach the Mt. Ohanabe Observatory.
It is the observatory where you can get a full view of Lake Towada from its two most famous destinations – Ogura & Nakayama peninsulas (御倉 & 中山半島).
When the weather is good, and the azure lake surface becomes a mirror, you might have trouble determining which part of the photo is the sky because the lake reflects the surrounding scenery so perfectly (≧▽≦).
Following National Route 102 and traveling towards Yasumiya, Mt. Towada will be on your left-hand side after you pass Nanokuchi. If you haven’t done enough hiking, turn left and then take another left after walking past the Utarube River Bridge to reach the Mount Towada Hiking Course. You will be at the summit of Mt. Towada within 2 hours, where you can then enjoy the breathtaking Lake Towada view (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Guriland RIB Tour & Kayak Tour
If you are more of an adventurous type of person, you will find the RIB Tour and/or Kayak Tour fascinating!
Although it comes with a more expensive price tag, you will be guided to restricted areas that most people won’t be able to access easily (*’▽’).
While it has been said that the likelihood of spotting wild animals is 99%, this requires a bit of luck. If you board the first tour of the day, the engine noise of the boat is likely to scare off the animals before you can spot them.
If you don’t understand any Japanese, that shouldn’t be an issue! They have English-speaking tour guides as well (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Guriland RIB Tour’s Cost
- 6,000 yen (5,000 yen for the 9 am and 4 pm tours) for adults
- 3,000 yen (2,000 yen for the 9 am and 4 pm tours) for elementary school students
- 1,000 yen for children under the age of 6
Guriland Kayak/Canoe Tour’s Cost
- 12,000 yen for adults
- 6,000 yen for children from 6 to 11 years old
Rental gear is available if you prefer a kayaking adventure without needing a tour guide!
To reserve, you can email [email protected].
Tips:
☛ Lake Towada’s water is most stunning between 11 am and 2 pm.
☛ Reserve by 11 pm the day before your tour for a 1,000 yen discount (excluding the early morning and evening tours). Note that the discount doesn’t apply during the Golden Week and the Obon Festival.
Guriland’s Access Information and Some Useful Information about the Tour
- Reservation isn’t necessary but is highly recommended during the Golden Week in early May, the Obon Festival in Mid-August, and the autumn foliage season from mid-October to early-November.
- Although the boat travels at high speed, you will hardly get seasick.
- As long as you are between the ages of 3 and 90 (exceptions apply during cold or bad weather), you will be able to board the boat.
- You shouldn’t get wet from the boat travel in strong, windy (non-rainy) weather. But Guriland can provide rain gear and goggles if you feel like you need them.
- You can cancel without incurring any charges if you cancel before the boat/kayak departure time.
- Cameras and snacks are allowed; however, if you accidentally drop your snacks into the water, they become fish food.
Utarube Campground (宇樽部キャンプ場)
From late spring to autumn, if you fancy camping along the beautiful Lake Towada, come visit the Utarube Campground!
In 2025, Utarube Campground is open from April 26 to November 8.
While a reservation isn’t essential, booking with the campground in advance is wiser to ensure you have a place to sleep.
You can either call them at +81-176-75-2477 or reserve through their online booking system HERE.
Fees at Utarube Campground
If you plan to stay overnight at the campground, the following charges apply:
- Entrance fee: 310 yen per person
- Auto-campsite (オートキャンプサイト): This type of campsite is a pre-divided block area that will give you ample space to park your vehicle and your tent: 1,570 yen
- Cottage (コテージ): 14,140 yen per cottage
- Free camp area (フリーキャンプエリア): 210 per tent
- Parking fee (if you aren’t parking your vehicle in the auto-campsite): 520 yen per normal car, 1,040 yen for a larger vehicle that has a capacity between 11 and 29 people, 105 yen for any vehicles with two wheels
- Shower room: 100 yen per three minutes
- Washing machine: 200 yen per use
- Clothes dryer: 100 yen per use
Check-in and Check-out Time at Utarube Campground
- Campsites: you can check in from 10 am
- Cottage: you can check in from 3 pm
- Check-out time for all types of accommodations is by 10 am the next day
Mt.Ogura Cliff (御倉山の断崖)
The Mt. Ogura Cliff we see today is actually part of the lava dome formed by the eruption of Mt. Ogura. The cliff is also known as Sarugakura (猿ヶ倉) because it is so steep that it is said even monkeys won’t be able to climb it. While not a monkey, we found this YouTube video of a wild sable trying to climb up and failing…(´▽｀*).
Kankodai Observatory (瞰湖台)
On your way to Yasumiya, you will surely go past Kankodai Observatory (or Kankodai View Point).
With an altitude of 583 meters, if you choose to miss out on Mt.Ohanabe Observatory and/or the summit of Mt.Towada, this is your chance to take photos with the gorgeous Lake Towada from the lookout at the cliff (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Your Guide to the Stunning Oirase Gorge
Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge are two destinations in Aomori Prefecture that complement each other perfectly. When planning your trip, remember to allocate at least half a day to visit the stunning gorge. The 14-km valley in Aomori prefecture is known as one of Japan’s most scenic spots. No matter which season you visit Oirase Gorge, you will definitely be amazed by its ethereal beauty (*´ω｀).
For more information, refer to our article about Oirase Gorge!
