Deep in the ancient cedar groves of the Yasumiya district lies Towada Shrine (十和田神社), a mystical “power spot” that has drawn pilgrims to the shores of Lake Towada for over 1,200 years. This sacred sanctuary, once a major center of mountain asceticism (Shugendo), is dedicated to the legendary prince Yamato Takeru and steeped in local folklore about a heroic monk who transformed into a dragon to protect the lake. Whether you are walking the tranquil, moss-covered paths to witness the intricate woodwork of the main hall or performing the O-unagi-ba fortune-telling ritual by casting sacred paper into the deep blue waters, Towada Shrine offers a spiritual atmosphere that is unmatched in Northern Japan. A visit here is more than just a history lesson. It is an immersive journey into the legends of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
Getting to Towada Shrine
There are two ways to get to Towada Shrine, and hence two stone Torii gates. One of the shrine’s Torii gates is just at the end of Yasumiya’s bustling area, where the restaurants and shops are. At the end of the approach lined by tall cedars, you will see the other stone Torii gate with staircases leading to the worship hall.
The other way to get to Towada Shrine is through the passageway stretching from the Statue of Maidens (乙女の像).
The wooden shrine blends perfectly with the surrounding nature. The atmosphere at Towada Shrine is so mysterious and holy that even people who are not religious reported feeling refreshed and wanted to make a prayer.
Two Legends Of Towada-Jinja Shrine
Some historians believe the shrine was built by a general 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 is 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 thereafter the locals regarded him as the Guardian God of Lake Towada.
Fortune Telling at Towada Shrine
If you have certain wishes you want the god of Towada Shrine to grant, you must walk another 160 meters to reach Nakanoko Observatory (see the path leading to the staircases in the 3rd photo). Underneath that observatory is the fortune-telling spot from 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.
Tip: While you can’t get to the fortune-telling spot on foot, the spot can be reached by a motorboat. Join the tours held by Towada Motor Boat (十和田湖モーターボート) and explore the scenic and mysterious spots around Lake Towada at high speed!
How to Get to Towada Shrine
Towada Shrine is a 10-minute walk from JR Bus Towadako Station (JRバス十和田湖駅), the bus terminal in Yasumiya.
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.
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!
