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!
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Group Tour | Luxury
9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00
Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
---|
Group Tour | Luxury
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8898.00
Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Compare | Status |
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