AJT Logo

Tohoku | Aomori | Towada

Lake Towada

SHARE
View
Saved
Tours
View
Saved
Tours
Reserve
Tours
Search
Tours

Lake Towada

Though Lake Towada (Towada-ko) technically lies within two prefectures, it is considered the jewel of Aomori Prefecture. This lake, stunning in every season, has long-remained a stopping point for visitors to the far north. It’s not hard to see why! Towada-ko is situated 400 meters above sea level in the Hakkoda Mountain range. Its crystal blue water reaches depths of more than 300 meters, making it Japan’s third deepest lake. Towada-ko’s unique shape links with its fascinating past: the lake is actually a double caldera (crater) lake that was formed through volcanic activity. Flowing out of Towada-ko are several rivers and streams, the most visited being Oirase Stream, which is known for its autumn colors. Hiking trails abound; visitors in any season will be delighted with spectacular views and vibrant colors.

Lake Towada is part of the Hachimantai National Park. It was a sterile lake with no fresh fish available for the miners at the Kosaka mine to catch. A man named Wainai Sadayuki made great efforts to introduce 600 salmon fry into Lake Towada in 1884, but failed. After many trials and errors, he was finally successful in 1903 when a majority of the trout he introduced two years prior survived. He then established a hatchery to introduce a variety of fish to the lake and now there are princess trout, rainbow trout, cherry salmon, Japanese eel, carp, etc. living in the waters, making it a popular fishing spot.

Numerous small towns and villages add to the lake’s charm. One such place is the town of Yasumiya. Here, visitors can take in the local culture as well as enjoying the sights and sounds of the natural world. Because of its proximity to Towada-ko’s shores, the town provides many avenues for water activities, including kayak or paddle boat rentals, boat tours, and a sea-side boardwalk. The town is surrounded by dense forest, and a paved path leads from the heart of Yasumiya toward Towada-jinja. This shrine was built around the 9th century and it is said the great god of Towada Stream was enshrined there until the end of the Edo period. Today, the shrine is dedicated to Yamato Takeru who was the legendary prince of the Yamato Dynasty. The walk to this shrine is almost other-worldly, and visitors may simultaneously feel the hush of the forest and the sacred energy of this location. The shrine has many mini-shrines and a luck bringing staircase; it is said that climbing the stairs will bring you good luck. A short walk past the shrine will lead visitors to Otome-no-Zo, the maidens statue. This statue, created in 1953, has long been considered the symbol of Towada-ko.

Yasumiya has several small restaurants serving local fare. During festival times, street food vendors can be found peddling roasted corn, yakitori (grilled chicken), and yakisoba (buckwheat noodle stir fry). If produce is what you seek, markets and stalls throughout the town carry Aomori apples of all shapes, sizes, and levels of sweetness!

All in all, Towada-ko is a must-see location for nature lovers! Whether you prefer to enjoy lake views from up on mountain peaks or from a paddle boat on the water, there is something for everyone in this stunning region of Aomori Prefecture!



Attraction Included Tours

×

Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of Japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people.

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of Japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people.
(Smaller group departure available)

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget.

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel Japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation.

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

1 2 >> see all
Charms of Northern Japan (Reverse): Autumn Leaves 
Tour

Group Tour | Luxury        

Charms of Northern Japan (Reverse): Autumn Leaves Tour
10 reviews

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00

Nikko / Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Towada / Aomori / Seikan Tunnel / Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo
The must see sights of Tohoku & Hokkaido...plus fall foliage in Autumn.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Oct 13, 2024 Mon. Oct 21, 2024 US $3798.00 Tokyo Sapporo Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Mon. Oct 13, 2025 Tue. Oct 21, 2025 US $3798.00 Tokyo Sapporo Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Hokkaido, Tohoku & Central Japan (Reverse): 
Takayama Festival & Autumn Leaves

Group Tour | Luxury        

Hokkaido, Tohoku & Central Japan (Reverse): Takayama Festival & Autumn Leaves

16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00

Central Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo / Nikko), Tohoku (Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Towada / Aomori / Seikan Tunnel), Hokkaido (Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo)
Exploring Japan's two main islands: Honshu & Hokkaido, as well as the Takayama Hachiman Autumn Festival.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Oct 6, 2024 Mon. Oct 21, 2024 US $6698.00 Osaka Sapporo Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Mon. Oct 6, 2025 Tue. Oct 21, 2025 US $6698.00 Osaka Sapporo Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Grand Tour of Japan (Reverse): Takayama Autumn 
Festival & Autumn Leaves

Group Tour | Luxury        

Grand Tour of Japan (Reverse): Takayama Autumn Festival & Autumn Leaves
10 reviews

22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8998.00

Nagasaki / Takachiho / Beppu / Kitsuki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Takamatsu / Kurashiki / Himeji / Kobe / Nara / Kyoto / Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo / Nikko / Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Towada / Aomori / Seikan Tunnel / Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo
Exploring Japan's all four main islands: Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu, & Hokkaido, as well as the Takayama Hachiman Autumn Festival.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Mon. Sep 30, 2024 Mon. Oct 21, 2024 US $8998.00 Fukuoka Sapporo Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Charms of Northern Japan: Autumn Leaves Tour

Group Tour | Luxury        

Charms of Northern Japan: Autumn Leaves Tour
10 reviews

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00

Sapporo / Otaru / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate / Seikan Tunnel / Aomori / Towada / Morioka / Hiraizumi / Matsushima / Nikko
The must see sights of Hokkaido &Tohoku...plus fall foliage in Autumn.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sat. Nov 2, 2024 Sun. Nov 10, 2024 US $3798.00 Sapporo Tokyo Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Sat. Nov 1, 2025 Sun. Nov 9, 2025 US $3798.00 Sapporo Tokyo Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Grand Tour of Japan: Autumn Leaves & Cherry Blossoms

Group Tour | Luxury        

Grand Tour of Japan: Autumn Leaves & Cherry Blossoms
10 reviews

22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8898.00

Sapporo / Otaru / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate / Seikan Tunnel / Aomori / Towada / Morioka / Hiraizumi / Matsushima / Nikko / Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Obara / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Takamatsu / Shimanami Kaido / Hiroshima / Kitsuki / Beppu / Takachiho / Nagasaki / Fukuoka
Explore Japan's all four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, & Kyushu...plus enjoy the Obara Shikizakura Festival, where fall foliage and cherry blossoms appear at the same time.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sat. Nov 2, 2024 Sat. Nov 23, 2024 US $8898.00 Sapporo Fukuoka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Sat. Nov 1, 2025 Sat. Nov 22, 2025 US $8898.00 Sapporo Fukuoka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
1 2 >> see all