Lake Towada

Lake Towada (十和田湖 Towada-ko) is a large volcanic caldera lake straddling Aomori and Akita prefectures in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. Honshu's largest caldera lake and Japan's third deepest, it is the centrepiece of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park and the single biggest tourist draw in all of Tohoku.

The lake fills an ancient volcanic crater, its deep blue water ringed by dense forest, rugged shoreline and two main peninsulas that frame its most photographed views. Out of the lake's northeastern corner drains the Oirase Stream, the celebrated scenic gorge. The main lakeside settlement is Yasumiya (also called Towadako), with a smaller hub at Nenokuchi on the eastern shore.

Lake Towada is famously beautiful in every season but at its peak in autumn, when the surrounding slopes blaze with colour. The winter in these northern mountains is harsh, and virtually all transport and accommodation shuts down between roughly November and April — though the February Winter Stories Festival is a notable exception. Summer and autumn are the seasons to visit.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Aomori Airport (AOJ), with Hanamaki Airport also serving the wider region; from either, travellers continue overland toward the lake.

By Train

There is no railway station at Lake Towada itself. Access is by bus from JR stations in Aomori or Hachinohe (see By Car / Road below). The JR Hanawa Line and Tazawako Line skirt the central and southern parts of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, but for the lake, the bus connections from the north are the standard route.

By Car / Road

The most picturesque approach is the Lake Towada Sightseeing Bus run by JR Bus Tohoku on two routes: the "Mizuumi" from Aomori to Towadako (about 3 hours) and the "Oirase" from Hachinohe to Towadako (about 2 hours). Both pass alongside the Oirase Stream and falls, with the Aomori route also crossing the Hakkōda mountains. The bus is free for Japan Rail Pass holders (but not the JR East Pass), and reservations are required from a JR Travel Service Center — note that these centres open at 10:00, later than many morning departures, so reserve at least the day before. The drive is particularly stunning when the leaves turn.

By boat — Towadako Ferries run cruises from Yasumiya around the lake (45 minutes) or to Nenokuchi (50 minutes), both with recorded guides and views of the rugged peninsula coastline; ¥1,400, operating between late April and late November.

By bike — Bicycle rentals are available at Yakeyama and Nenokuchi for about ¥600 per 2 hours, and bikes hired at one location can be left at another for an extra fee. In Yasumiya, Towadako Backpackers rents bikes for ¥500 daily.

The lakeside settlements of Yasumiya and Nenokuchi are walkable. Outside the late-April-to-November season, services are sharply reduced.

• Lake Towada (十和田湖) — The caldera lake itself: Honshu's largest caldera lake and Japan's third deepest, ringed by dense forest and waterfalls and the top tourist draw in all of Tohoku.

• Oirase River and Gorge (奥入瀬川) — The lake's outflow; its upper reaches, the Oirase Stream or Oirase Gorge, are famously scenic, with constant-flowing water and numerous waterfalls.

• The two peninsulas — The rugged headlands that frame the lake's classic views, best seen from the boat cruises.

• Take a lake cruise — The 45-minute Yasumiya circuit or the Yasumiya–Nenokuchi crossing both showcase the lake's rugged peninsula scenery.

• Walk the Oirase Gorge — The streamside trail past waterfalls is one of Tohoku's signature walks, spectacular in autumn.

• Lake Towada Winter Stories Festival (十和田湖冬物語) — An annual February festival with nightly fireworks, light displays, snow sculptures, food stalls, hot wine and an igloo bar serving drinks in glasses made of ice; many inns offer shuttle service.

• Hot springs and skiing — The wider national park has countless onsen and several smaller ski resorts (banded together as Hakkoda Ski), though the lake itself largely closes down in deep winter.

Himemasu trout — a kokanee salmon strongly associated with Lake Towada — is served grilled and skewered at food stands near the shore. Towada barayaki, sautéed pork (or beef) and onions, is another area speciality. Local ryokan inns serve dishes made from regional ingredients such as Akitakomachi rice and Aomori blackcurrants (suguri).

Look for the local brew Tazawako Beer (田沢湖ビール). Lakeside cafes and inn lounges serve refreshments, and the Winter Stories Festival is known for its hot wine and ice-glass drinks. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Towadako Backpackers (十和田湖バックパッカーズ) at Yasumiya, a 5-minute walk from the JR Towadako bus station, is a friendly hostel in a former guest house with dorm, double and family rooms and camping ground; dormitory bed ¥2,500, twin room ¥5,000, breakfast ¥400 (cash only). The Oirase Youth Hostel offers beds at around ¥3,360.
• Mid-range / upscale (onsen ryokan): Sukayu Onsen (酸ヶ湯温泉), one of the area's most famous old hot spring inns, with a vast white-sulphur wooden bath that is largely mixed-sex; ¥7,000 per person (¥10,000 in high season). Tsuta Onsen Ryokan (蔦温泉旅館) has a gorgeous rustic wooden bath, with claims of bathing here since 1147; day use is also possible.

The Yasumiya lakeside has souvenir shops selling local foods and crafts. Shopping options are otherwise modest — this is a nature destination. Prices in Japanese shops are fixed; bargaining is not practised.

• Oirase Gorge — The scenic stream gorge draining the lake, a famous autumn walk.
• Hakkōda Mountains — A volcanic range with hiking, skiing and the Sukayu Onsen.
• Towada City — Home of the Towada Art Center, reached via the JR Tohoku Bus.
• Aomori — The prefectural capital and northern gateway, about 3 hours by sightseeing bus.
• Hachinohe — Port city about 2 hours away by the "Oirase" sightseeing bus.