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Lake · Aomori, Aomori
Lake Towada
A volcanic crater lake on the border between Aomori and Akita, surrounded by mountains and forests, with boat trips between Nenokuchi and Yasumiya and the Maidens statue by the water.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Lake Towada in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Lake Towada
Lake Towada occupies a caldera formed by eruptions tens of thousands of years ago, on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures, at about 400 meters altitude. It has the shape of two peninsulas that extend into the water, Nakayama and Ogura, and a depth of about 327 meters, one of the deepest in Japan. It is part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
The water is clear and blue, bordered by forested slopes that reach the shore. On the Nakayama peninsula, the village of Yasumiya has inns, restaurants and the main pier. There is the Towada Shrine in a cedar grove, and by the beach the Maidens statue (Otome no Zo), a bronze work by sculptor and poet Takamura Kotaro from 1953 that has become a symbol of the lake.
The most common way to see the lake is by sightseeing boat, which links Yasumiya to Nenokuchi at the start of the Oirase stream, or makes circuits around the peninsulas in about 50 minutes. The boat passes close to cliffs and coves not visible from the road. Lookouts on the roads that climb out of the caldera, such as Ohanabe and Kankodai, show the whole lake from above.
Small himemasu salmons, introduced in the 19th century, are fished in the lake and served grilled in Yasumiya restaurants. Boats and buses generally operate from April to November. In winter, snow and ice change the landscape and some access roads close.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 3 hours, including the boat, the Maidens statue and the shrine; a full day combined with the Oirase stream.
Best time
From mid to late October, when foliage usually surrounds the lake. From May to September boats run more frequently. In winter, from December to March, boats stop and some roads close. Confirm boat departures before you go.
How to get there
From Aomori Station the JR bus reaches the lake at Yasumiya in about 3 hours in season, passing by the Oirase stream. By car it's about 90 km. There are also buses from Hachinohe and from Towada-Minami Station in Akita.
Tip
Take the boat from Nenokuchi to Yasumiya after walking the Oirase stream: that way the outing ends near the Maidens statue and the inns. Try the grilled himemasu at a village restaurant.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake Towada
How deep is Lake Towada?
About 327 meters, one of the deepest among Japan’s lakes. The lake occupies a volcanic caldera.
How long is the Lake Towada boat ride?
About 50 minutes, both on the route between Nenokuchi and Yasumiya and on the peninsula cruises. Boats generally operate from April to November.
What is the Maiden Statues?
It is a bronze sculpture of two female figures from 1953, made by Takamura Kotaro on the lake shore near Yasumiya. It became the symbol of Lake Towada.
Can you stay at Lake Towada?
Yes. The village of Yasumiya has inns and lakeside hotels, and there are hot-spring hotels at the start of the Oirase Stream and in the Hakkoda mountains.
Beyond the guide
