Nestled in the pristine beech forests of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the Tsuta Nananuma (Seven Ponds of Tsuta) offer a mystical landscape just steps from the historic Tsuta Onsen Ryokan. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, this cluster of serene waters is a sanctuary for rare birds and a premier destination for those seeking the quiet beauty of Aomori’s virgin forest. Whether you are chasing the legendary sunrise reflections that draw photographers from across the globe to the Tsutanuma observation deck or enjoying a quiet forest bath, these mystical ponds offer one of Japan’s most iconic seasonal landscapes.
About the Seven Ponds of Tsuta: Aomori’s Best Beech Forest Hike
- Tsuta Nananuma Ponds (蔦七沼)
- The Relaxing and Beautiful Numa Meguri no Komichi Loop Course
- Tsuta-Numa Pond (蔦沼)
- Visiting Tsutanuma Pond for the Sunrise (Asayake, 朝焼け) in Autumn
- How to Get to Tsuta Numa Pond
- Akanuma (赤沼), The Pond That Was Left Out…
Tip: Stay at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan to enjoy what the area has to offer!
Tsuta Nananuma Ponds (蔦七沼)
Tsuta Nananuma consists of Tsutanuma (蔦沼), Kagaminuma (鏡沼), Tsukinuma (月沼), Naganuma (長沼), Suganuma (菅沼), Hyotannuma (瓢箪沼), and Akanuma (赤沼). While six of the ponds are easily accessible via the gentle 2.9km Numa Meguri no Komichi loop (沼めぐりの小路), the secluded seventh pond, Akanuma, remains a hidden treasure for those willing to venture slightly further into the virgin forest.
If you want to get to Akanuma Pond, it is 2 km away from the other six ponds.
For the promenade map, please refer to the official website HERE. For a map that includes Akanuma Pond and the wider Towada-Hachimantai National Park, refer to HERE.
The Relaxing and Beautiful Numa Meguri no Komichi
The promenade starts from Tsuta Onsen Visitor Center (蔦温泉ビジターセンター) near Tsuta Onsen Ryokan. On some maps, the visitor center is also called Tsuta Yacho no Mori Rest House (蔦野鳥の森休憩所). Before you head off to explore, get some information about what you will see during this scenic walk and what wildlife you may encounter! Short films about the area’s nature are also shown for visitors to learn more.
Important: The promenade was built to minimize human impact on the virgin forest. Please follow the promenade and don’t wander off.
If you are a big animal lover, visit the Tsuta Nananuma Ponds from late May to late June. The virgin forest is full of energy during this time of year. Birds can be easily spotted around the area as it is their breeding season!
In June, frogs will join the party with the birds, and you will get a symphony of nature (*’▽’).
When you go past Hyotannuma, look carefully at the trees around you, and you might be able to find the eggs of the Forest Green Tree Frog (the white thing in the photo on the left-hand side)!
In July, don’t forget to come out of your hotel room at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan because the nights will be glowing with fireflies (≧▽≦).
In autumn, don’t just look up for the autumn leaves, but look down for mushrooms too (we don’t know if they are edible, though, so don’t start picking!).
Tsutanuma Pond (蔦沼)
Tsutanuma is most famous for its autumn foliage, and, to be exact, it is the foliage that can only be seen just as the sun is rising. To get the perfect photo, many photographers arrive at Tsutanuma as early as 3:30 am!!
During the fall foliage season, from mid-October to the end of October, the sun usually rises between 5:30 and 6:30 am. If you stay at the Tsuta Onsen, just a 5 to 10-minute walk away, you should still be able to capture this unreal scenery even if you get up around 5 am.
But keep in mind that it is best to get a space in the front row at the moment of sunrise, so no one blocks your sight.
If you are really not a morning person, the view at Tsutanuma is still amazing, but just not as red and vibrant as the one you would get when the sun first shows its face (*´ω｀).
Tip: Yachi Onsen, nearby, usually offers tours for its guests to see Tsutanuma’s sunrise reflection in autumn.
Visiting Tsutanuma Pond for the Sunrise (Asayake, 朝焼け) in Autumn
As mentioned before, Tsutanuma Pond is an extremely popular destination in the autumn foliage season. From 2022, a reservation is required, with an admission fee payable, to access the pond’s observation deck between late October and early November if you want to see the famous sunrise reflection.
- A reservation is required to access the observation deck from 5 am to 7:30 am.
- The cost is:
- 2,000 yen per car
- 2,000 yen per motorbike
- In addition, each person who enters the observation area will be charged 2,000 yen.
- The cost is:
- No reservation is required during the day. But if you drive there, you will incur the following parking fee.
- 2,000 yen per car
- Motorbikes are charged 1,000 yen per bike
Please refer to HERE to reserve and for more information. There is an English guide link on Towada City’s website.
Important:
☛ While the ticket to see the sunrise at Tsutanuma Pond isn’t cheap. It sells out fast. So, reserve as soon as possible.
☛ Private cars can’t be parked at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan between 8 pm and 4:50 am in autumn, when a reservation is required to visit Tsutanuma Pond.
How to Get to Tsuta Numa
From mid-April to mid-November, you can take JR Bus Mizuumi-Gō (みずうみ号) from either JR Aomori Station’s bus stop no. 11 or the bus stop no. 1 located at JR Shin-Aomori’s east exit and get off at Tsuta-Numa.
You can refer to our How to Get to the Picturesque Oirase Gorge article for more information about the Mizuumi-Gō.
If you visit the area in winter, you will have to drive, unfortunately…
Akanuma (赤沼), The Pond That Was Left Out…
The Akanuma Pond is left out of the promenade, Numa-Meguri No Komichi (沼めぐりの小路), for a good reason.
To get to Akanuma pond, you will be doing some real hiking without any proper hiking course built. You can easily get lost too…
But once you get there, you will feel your effort is worth it! No matter how tiring it was to hike all the way up, once this magnificent view is right in front of you, we are sure that your body will be healed instantly!
How to Get to Aka-Numa
When the JR Bus Mizuumi-go operates between Aomori and Oirase Gorge, you can catch one and get off at Senninbashi (仙人橋). If you plan to drive, you will also be parking your car at the car park near Senninbashi Bridge.
From then on, please follow the red arrows in the photos from this article. Whilst the article is in Japanese, we found it useful (^_-)-☆.
Discover Other Scenic Attractions Along the Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line, a premier scenic route connecting the majestic Hakkoda Ropeway to the emerald waters of Lake Towada. This guide takes you through other stunning attractions in the same area as the Tsutanana Numa Pond. Experience the healing waters of legendary “secret” hot springs like Sukayu Onsen, Yachi Onsen, and the towering Hakkoda Snow Corridor before descending into the breathtaking Oirase Gorge.
For more information, refer to our article on Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line.
Traveling South to Oirase Gorge
Oirase Gorge is a must-visit in Aomori, especially if you plan to visit Tsutanana Numa Pond. So what to see in Oirase Gorge? Instead of just wandering around after getting off the bus, you can prepare to fully enjoy your visit with some knowledge about the stunning 14-km gorge.
Refer to our Oirase Gorge article for a clear picture of what to expect on the day. Tips are also included!
