Lake Towada (十和田湖) isn’t just a beautiful lake that straddles both Aomori and Akita Prefecture in Northeastern Japan. Whether you prefer water sports, stroll around the virgin forest, or just like to eat, Lake Towada is a destination for everyone!
Lake Towada’s History
About 200,000 years ago, the Towada volcano began to erupt. As a result, a caldera of a depth of 327 meters and 14 kilometers wide was formed. From then on, rainwater started accumulating in the caldera, and progressively, a lake that reflects the sky and surrounding mountains was formed.
Due to the past crustal movement, the stratum surrounding the caldera became mountains and cliffs surrounding the lake. This is why there are quite a few sceneries and features around the lake that you will be pleasantly surprised by Lake Towada (*´ω｀).
How to Access Lake Towada
For information on how to get to Lake Towada from JR Hachinohe Station between spring to autumn, please refer to our article on How to Get to the Picturesque Oirase Gorge (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
JR Bus’s Bus Fare to Lake Towada
From JR Aomori Station or JR Shin Aomori Station: 3,480 yen
Lake Towada’s beauty can certainly be appreciated from the lakeside. Although the lakeside view that you will get from the pleasure boat is a completely different level, it will definitely be a memory that will last a lifetime (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ. Once you board the boat, you will be introduced to a 50-minute scenic show!
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 got enough hiking done, turn left and then another left after you walk past the Utarube River Bridge to get to the Mt. Towada Hiking Course. You will be at the summit of Mt. Towada within 2 hours, where you can then enjoy the breath-taking Lake Towada view (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Click HERE to return to the list of attractions in Lake Towada!
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!
Albeit a more expensive price tag, you will be guided to restrictive areas that most people won’t be able to access easily (*’▽’).
Although it has been said that the likelihood that you will spot wild animals is 99%, we think that 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 gears are available if you prefer a kayaking adventure without needing a tour guide!
Tip: Reserve by 11 pm the day before your tour for a 1,000 yen discount (excluding the early morning and evening tours). Note 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 age range of 3 to 90 years of age (exceptions apply during cold or bad weather), you will be able to board the boat
You shouldn’t get wet from the boat travel from strong windy (non-rainy) weather. But they can provide rain gear and goggles if you feel like you need them.
You will be able to cancel without any charges applied if the cancellation was made before the boat/kayak departing time.
Cameras and snacks are allowed – although if you accidentally drop your snacks into the water, it becomes fish food.
Click HERE to return to the list of attractions in Lake Towada!
Utarube Campground (宇樽部キャンプ場)
During the warmer months (from the 26th of April to the 20th of November in 2024), if you fancy camping along the beautiful Lake Towada, come visit the Utarube Campground!
While a reservation isn’t essential, booking with the campground in advance is wiser to ensure you have a place to sleep at night.
You can either do so by calling them at +81-176-75-2477 or reserve through their online booking system HERE (in Japanese, so if you need assistance, you can always contact us HERE, and we will get back to you).
Fees and Charges at Utarube Campground
If you plan to stay overnight at the campground, the below 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 to 29 people, 105 yen for any vehicles with 2 wheels
Shower room: 100 yen per use
Washing machine: 200 yen per use
Cloth 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
Click HERE to return to the list of attractions in Lake Towada!
Mt.Ogura Cliff (御倉山の断崖)
Ⓒ photo-ac.com/
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 has been said that even monkeys won’t be able to climb on the cliff.
While not a monkey, we found this YouTube video that a wild sable was trying to climb up and failed…(´▽｀*).
Kankodai Observatory (瞰湖台)
Ⓒ Towada City
On your way to Yasumiya, you’ll 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.
Click HERE to return to the list of attractions in Lake Towada!
As soon as you reach the Yasumiya Area, you’ll be able to see Ebisu Daikoku Island on Lake Towada.
While the soil lacks nutrients on the lava-made island, it is amazing how pine trees and other plants can still grow beautifully on it!
This little island will look even more beautiful during autumn when the red foliage on the island reflects the surface of the lake (‘ω’)ノ.
Ⓒ photo-ac.com/
Click HERE to return to the list of attractions in Lake Towada!
Statue of Maidens
Ⓒphoto-ac.com/
It is hard to convince others that you have been to Lake Towada if you don’t have a photo of this statue.
The statue was built in 1953 by Kotaro Takamura to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Lake Towada National Park. It has been said that the statue was built to represent his strong feeling toward his beloved wife, who was sick.
So nowadays, not only is the statue recognized as a symbol of Lake Towada, but it is also a popular spot for women to pray for luck in their love life (^_-)-☆.
Especially during the Lake Towada Winter Festival held every February, the statue also became a popular dating spot for couples nationwide!
Ⓒ Towada City
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Lake Towada!
Craft Shop Yuzuriha (暮らしのクラフトゆずりは)
If you are looking for first-class handicrafts from Aomori Prefecture and the Tohoku region, head to the craft shop Yuzuriha.
The shop itself is almost like another art gallery. Echoing the craftwork quality here, the shop’s interior is also elegantly designed, reflecting the beauty of this part of Japan.
The main shop is not far from the JR bus stop, Towadako (十和田湖駅). The business hours are from 10 am to 5 pm from mid-April to mid-November.
And recently, a second shop was established in Oirase Gorge just opposite Hoshino Resort Oirase Gorge in Yakeyama.
The business hours of their Oirase Gorge shop are from 11 am to 5 pm from mid-April to mid-November. For information about how to get to Yakeyama, please read our article on Oirase Gorge.
Towada-Jinja Shrine (十和田神社)
When Lake Towada is mentioned, people often think of lookout decks or water sports even though there are other sacred places like Towada-Jinja Shrine.
The wooden-colored shrine blends perfectly with the surrounding nature. The atmosphere at Towada-Jinja Shrine is also so mysterious and holy that even people who are not religious places reported feeling refreshed and wanting to make a prayer or two.
Two Legends Of Towada-Jinja Shrine
Some historical scholars believe that the shrine was built by a general back in 807. As the condition of Lake Towada was too rough for his army to pass, he ordered the shrine to be built. Prayers were made upon completion of the shrine, and the army could then cross Lake Towada safely.
The other legend and myth that is probably more commonly known are that the shrine was built by monk Nansonobō (南祖坊, 南蔵坊 or 南草坊). He was given a pair of iron sandals and was then told to settle down at the place if the sandals were torn. This happened when he arrived at Lake Towada. At the time, a serpent monster with eight heads living in the lake appeared. Nansonobō successfully exterminated the monster, and from then onwards, the locals regarded him as the Guardian God of Lake Towada.
Fortune Telling at Towada-Jinja Shrine
If you have certain wishes that you want the God of Towada-Jinja Shrine to help you, you must walk another 160 meters to reach Nakanoko Observatory. Underneath that observatory is the fortune-telling spot in the past.
The story is, by throwing the Oyori-gami (おより紙), which is a special paper that the priest has offered his prayer to God with) into Lake Towada, if the paper sinks into the bottom of Lake Towada, then God will make your wishes come true (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ. On the other hand, if God decides not to help you, even if you tie the paper to a heavy object, the paper will never sink!
As visitors are currently forbidden to use the ladder leading to the fortune-telling spot, what you can do is throw your Oyori-gami into Lake Towada at Gozen-ga-hama (御前ヶ浜) in front of the Statue of Maidens (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Click HERE to return to the list of regions of Lake Towada!
Onsen at Yasumiya Area
The Towada Onsen Town is located north of the Oirase Gorge,
But there is also natural onsen at Yasumiya Area! Whilst you probably won’t have the Lakeview from your room or the bathing area, we still recommend staying at one of the accommodations with onsen facilities (because onsen really does help you to relax and heal your tiredness from sightseeing!).
One of the hotels we found is Hotel Towadaso ホテル十和田荘. Their indoor bathing area is quite fancy, and their outdoor bathing area is completely surrounded by nature!
Tip: If you are a vegetarian like us, don’t forget to inform Hotel Towadaso of your dietary requirements when you book (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ
Click HERE to return to the list of attractions in Lake Towada!
West Coast Area (西湖畔)
Unless you are full of energy, we recommend accessing the West Coast Area via car to get to the observatories and lookout decks.
Hakka Touge Observatory (発荷峠展望台)
Albeit located an hour and 40 mins 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 Minami Hakkoda.
But as always, when a scenic spot isn’t a secret anymore, it is bound to be crowded during the holidays.
So if you are driving but can’t find a parking spot at the car park nearby, there is a bigger car park located 200 meters at the entrance of Jukai Line (樹海ライン). There are even toilet facilities available as well (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Click HERE to return to the list of attractions of Lake Towada!
Towadako Oide Campsite (十和田湖生出キャンプ場)
Between the end of April to 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 HERE for fees and charges to plan ahead for your trip!
To reserve, please call +81-176-75-2368 between 8:30 am to 5 pm (^_-)-☆.
Click HERE to return to the list of attractions in Lake Towada!
Other Lookouts and Observatories
Shimei-Tei Observatory (紫明亭展望台) – Altitude 630 ｍ
Ⓒ Towada City
Kodakedai Lookout (甲岳台) – Altitude 670 ｍ
Hakuuntei Observatory (白雲亭展望台)
Ⓒ Towada City
Takinosawa Observatory (滝ノ沢展望台) – Altitude 698 ｍ
Ⓒ Towada City
Click HEREto get back to a list of attractions in Lake Towada!
The Fall Foliage Season at Lake Towada
The autumn foliage season at Lake Towada is usually from mid-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…
Festivals at Lake Towada
Lake Towada Winter Festival (十和田湖冬物語)
Ⓒphoto-ac.com/
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, which is usually held on one of the weekends in late July or the beginning of August, is another main event at the lake.
Again, refer to the official website HERE for any planned festival dates!
The 2023 Lake Towada Festival is held on the 15th and the 16th of July from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Click the photo for more information on this gorgeous spot!
The city of Towada isn’t just all about natural attractions. The city center is actually surrounded by an artistic atmosphere!
Numerous statues complement the landmark of Towada – Towada Art Center. Not only are the artworks in the city all masterpieces from artists recognized internationally, but renowned architects like Andō Tadao have 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
Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada are the two destinations in Aomori Prefecture that go hand in hand. So when planning your trip, remember to allocate at least half a day visiting the stunning gorge!
The 14 km Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流) 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｀).
Click the photo for more information about Oirase Gorge!
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