Discover a realm where volcanic power meets serene sapphire waters at Lake Towada (Towadako in Japanese, 十和田湖), the largest caldera lake on Japan’s main island of Honshu. Straddling the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures, this “mystic lake” is the heart of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, famous for its crystal-clear depths and dramatic forested cliffs. Whether you are embarking on a sightseeing cruise from Yasumiya, seeking spiritual energy at the ancient Towada Shrine, or witnessing the legendary “fire foliage” reflecting on the water in autumn, Lake Towada offers a breathtaking escape into northern Japan’s wild interior. As the source of the world-renowned Oirase Gorge, it is an essential destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers looking to experience the raw, seasonal beauty of the Tohoku region.
Things to Do in Lake Towada
- How to Get to Lake Towada
- How Much Does it Cost to Get to Lake Towada from Aomori
- About Lake Towada
- The Three Unique Regions Around Lake Towada
- Festivals at Lake Towada
The Three Unique Regions Around Lake Towada
Apart from the northern part of Lake Towada, the other three sides of the lake are known for their own themes.
- Utarube Area (宇樽部)/Nenokuchi (子ノ口): water sports, camping, and a sense of history
- Lake Towada Pleasure 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)
- Kankodai Observatory (瞰湖台)
- Yasumiya Area (休屋): food & accommodation
- The Onsen in the Yasumiya Area
- Towadako Backpackers (十和田湖バックパッカーズ)
- Ebisu Daikoku Island (恵比寿大黒島)
- Statue Of Maidens (乙女の像)
- Craft Shop Yuzuriha (暮らしのクラフトゆずりは)
- Towada Shrine (十和田神社)
- Towadako Marineblue (十和田湖マリンブルー)
- West Coast Area (西湖畔): tonnes of lookout
Refer to HERE for the Lake Towada 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. You will also find information about how to get from Lake Towada to Hachinohe (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Or, refer to HERE for Lake Towada bus timetable, including the timetable for Lake Towada winter shuttle bus.
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
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?
The Attractions in Lake Towada’s Utarube Area (宇樽部)
The eastern part of Lake Towada is known as the Utarube Area. Many know this part of Lake Towada for the Nenokuchi (子ノ口) watergate, which regulates the amount of water flowing into Oirase Gorge.
The Utarube Area on the eastern shores of Lake Towada is the ultimate destination for outdoor adventure. This quiet, forested peninsula is home to the popular Utarube Campground, where you can wake up to stunning views of the Hakkoda Mountains reflecting in the deep blue waters. It serves as a premier hub for water sports, including canoe tours and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP).
For more information, refer to our article on Nenokuchi!
The Attractions in Lake Towada’s Yasumiya Area (休屋)
Yasumiya is the primary hub for travelers seeking a blend of cultural history and lakeside adventure. Located on the southwestern shore, this charming village serves as the region’s main transportation hub and is home to its most iconic landmarks. Whether you are boarding a sightseeing cruise to explore the deep blue caldera, sampling local delicacies like apple pie, Yasumiya offers a perfect “slow travel” experience. Plus, the natural onsen helps you to rejuvenate!
For more information, refer to our Yasumiya article!
The Attractions in Lake Towada’s West Coast Area (西湖畔)
Unless you are full of energy, we recommend driving to the West Coast Area to reach the observatories and lookout decks.
- Hakka Touge Observatory (発荷峠展望台)
- Towadako Oide Campsite (十和田湖生出キャンプ場)
- Shimei-Tei Observatory (紫明亭展望台)
- Kodakedai Lookout (甲岳台)
- Hakuuntei Observatory (白雲亭展望台)
- Takinosawa Observatory (滝ノ沢展望台)
Hakka Touge Observatory (発荷峠展望台)
Although located an hour and 40 minutes’ walk from Yasumiya, Hakka Touge Observatory provides you with the best view of Lake Towada!
Overlooking Lake Towada from an altitude of 631 meters means you can see Mt. Kushigamine in South Hakkoda.
Overlooking Lake Towada from an altitude of 631 meters means you can see Mt. Kushigamine in South Hakkoda.
However, as always, when a scenic spot is no longer a secret, it is bound to be crowded during the holidays.
If you are driving but can’t find a parking spot at the nearby car park, a larger car park is located 200 meters away at the entrance of the Jukai Line (樹海ライン). There are even toilet facilities available as well (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Towadako Oide Campsite (十和田湖生出キャンプ場)
Between the end of April and early November, apart from the Utarube Campground, you can also camp at the West Coast Area of Lake Towada at Towadako Oide Campsite (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ
Click HEREfor fees to plan for your trip!
To reserve, please call+81-176-75-2368 between 8:30 am and 5 pm (^_-)-☆.
Other Lookouts and Observatories in Lake Towada’s West Coast Area
Shimei-Tei Observatory (紫明亭展望台) – Altitude 630 ｍ
Kodakedai Lookout (甲岳台) – Altitude 670 ｍ
Hakuuntei Observatory (白雲亭展望台)
Takinosawa Observatory (滝ノ沢展望台) – Altitude 698 ｍ
Festivals at Lake Towada
Lake Towada Winter Festival (十和田湖冬物語)
The Lake Towada Winter Festival is held every February. Apart from the usual illumination, light shows, and fireworks, we found the snowdome (as pictured) the most exciting!
Also, if you are a foodie like us, make sure you grab your favorite Japanese food from the stalls before heading off to see performances or stroll around the Yasumiya Area where the event is held (=ﾟωﾟ)
For the exact dates of the festival, please refer to the official website HERE.
Lake Towada Festival (十和田湖湖水まつり)
The Lake Towada Festival, also known as the Lake Towada Sky Lantern Festival, is typically held on one of the weekends in late July or early August. It is another main event at the lake.
Again, refer to the official website HERE for any planned festival dates!
The 2025 Lake Towada Festival took place on June 14 and 15, from 3 pm to 9 pm.
The Attractions in the City Center of Towada
The city of Towada isn’t just all about natural attractions. The city center actually has an artistic atmosphere! Numerous statues complement the landmark of Towada, the Towada Art Centre. Not only are the artworks in the city all masterpieces by internationally recognised artists, but renowned architects like Andō Tadao have also designed a few buildings.
For more information, please refer to our article on Towada City (=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!
