Lake Towada Travel: Top 15 Must-See Attractions & Tips

Plan your escape to Lake Towada (Towadako in Japanese, 十和田湖), the majestic caldera lake nestled in Japan’s beautiful Tohoku region. A premier destination within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, this spot is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and the famous Oirase Gorge. From a scenic boat cruise on the deep, clear waters to hiking past dozens of waterfalls on the Oirase Stream trail, discover everything you need for the ultimate nature trip to this northern Japanese gem.

Things to Do at 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): water sports, camping, and a sense of history
Yasumiya Area (休屋): food & accommodation
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 (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.

How Much Does it Cost to Get to Lake Towada from Aomori

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

You can also book a tour to explore Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge.

Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide

The Attractions in Lake Towada’s Utarube Area (宇樽部)

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)

Click HERE for the official English area map.

Lake Towada Pleasure Boat (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 pleasure boat 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 Pleasure 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].

Tip: 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 the cancellation is made 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.

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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.

Please also refer to HERE for things to note before making a reservation.
Refer to HERE for the Utarube Campground map.

Fees and Charges 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 has been said that even monkeys won’t be able to climb on the cliff.

While not a monkey, we found this YouTube video of a wild sable trying to climb up and failing…(´▽｀*).

Mt.Ogura Cliff Lake Towada Aomori Japan — ^{Ⓒ photo-ac.com/}

Kankodai Observatory (瞰湖台)

Kankodai Observatory Lake Towada Aomori Japan — ^{Ⓒ Towada City}

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.

The Attractions in Lake Towada’s Yasumiya Area (休屋)

Ebisu Daikoku Island (恵比寿大黒島)
Statue Of Maidens
Craft Shop Yuzuriha (暮らしのクラフトゆずりは)
Towada-Jinja Shrine (十和田神社)
Onsen At Yasumiya Area

Click HERE for the official English area map.

Ebisu Daikoku Island (恵比寿大黒島)

As soon as you reach the Yasumiya Area, you will 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.

Ebisu Daikoku Island Lake Towada Aomori Japan — ^{Ⓒ photo-ac.com/}

Statue of Maidens

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 feelings 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!

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.

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The shop itself is almost like another art gallery. Echoing the high-quality craftwork, 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 on how to get to Yakeyama, please refer to HERE.

Towada-Jinja Shrine (十和田神社)

Towada-Jinja Shrine Lake Towada Aomori Japan

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 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 ritual involves throwing the Oyori-gami (おより紙), a special paper on which the priest has offered his prayers to God, 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.

The Onsen at Yasumiya Area

The Towada Onsen Town is located north of the Oirase Gorge. However, there is also a natural onsen in the 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!).

The vegan/vegetarian-friendly hotel we found in Yasumiya 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

The Attractions in Lake Towada’s 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)
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)

Hakka Touge Observatory Lake Towada Aomori Japan

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.

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 HERE for fees to plan ahead for your trip!

To reserve, please call +81-176-75-2368 between 8:30 am to 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

Shimei-Tei Observatory Lake Towada Aomori Japan — ^{Ⓒ Towada City}

Kodakedai Lookout (甲岳台) – Altitude 670 ｍ

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Hakuuntei Observatory (白雲亭展望台)

Hakuuntei Observatory Lake Towada Aomori Japan — ^{Ⓒ Towada City}

Takinosawa Observatory (滝ノ沢展望台) – Altitude 698 ｍ

Takinosawa Observatory Lake Towada Aomori Japan — ^{Ⓒ Towada City}

Festivals at Lake Towada

Lake Towada Winter Festival (十和田湖冬物語)

Lake Towada Winter Festival Snowdome — ^Ⓒ ^{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, 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.

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The Attractions in the City Center of Towada

Towada-City-Government-Office-Street-Spring-Towada-Aomori-Japan — ^{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, 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 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｀).

Choshi-Falls-Oirase-Gorge-Aomori-Japan — ^{Click the photo for more information about Oirase Gorge!}