Lake Towada

十和田湖

A pristine caldera lake straddling Aomori and Kumamoto prefectures, famous for its deep blue waters and dramatic surrounding cliffs and forests. The area offers scenic walks, boat tours, and excellent access to Oirase Gorge.

Things to do

• Boat Tour on Lake Towada — Cruise across the pristine caldera lake to experience its deep blue waters and view the surrounding volcanic cliffs up close.
• Oirase Gorge Walk — Hike the scenic 8.8 km riverside trail through dramatic granite gorge with waterfalls, accessible year-round with seasonal color changes.
• Towada Hachimantan Scenic Drive — Drive the scenic mountain road around the northern rim of the lake, stopping at viewpoints and smaller attractions like Nenokuchi waterfall.
• Mount Akagi Hiking — Climb this accessible volcano peak overlooking Lake Towada for panoramic views of the caldera and surrounding Tōhoku landscape.
• Towada Art Center Visit — Explore contemporary art installations and exhibitions in this culturally significant museum located in the Towada lakeside area.
• Fishing at Lake Towada — Try fishing for lake char (iwana) and trout in this deep, cool caldera lake, popular with both casual and experienced anglers.

Food to try

• Iwana (Lake Char) Grilled — Fresh freshwater char caught from Lake Towada, grilled whole with salt to highlight its delicate, slightly sweet flavor.
• Houtou Noodles — A hearty local specialty of thick udon-like noodles in pumpkin-based broth, common throughout the Towada-Hachimantai region.
• Aomori Apples and Apple-based Dishes — The Aomori prefecture surrounding Lake Towada is Japan's leading apple producer; enjoy fresh apples, apple pie, and apple juice.
• Kiritanpo (Miso-grilled Rice Cake) — A regional specialty of pounded rice molded onto a stick, grilled, and coated with miso and vegetable toppings, particularly in autumn.
• Towada Konjac (Konnyaku) Dishes — Local konnyaku jelly prepared in various forms—grilled, in soups, or as side dishes—made from locally-grown devil's tongue root.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit in Autumn for Peak Foliage — The best time to visit Lake Towada is late October through early November when the surrounding forests display brilliant crimson and gold colors.
• Respect Caldera Lake Depth and Cold Water — Lake Towada is Japan's deepest lake at 327 meters with very cold water year-round; swimming is generally not permitted and water safety must be observed seriously.
• Explore Local Onsen (Hot Springs) Nearby — The Towada-Hachimantai region has traditional hot spring resorts; soaking in an onsen after hiking or outdoor activities is a cherished local custom.
• Purchase Local Crafts at Souvenir Shops — Buy woodcrafts, traditional ceramics, and 'towada-ko' (Lake Towada) branded items from local artisans; supporting small shops is appreciated in rural Tōhoku.