Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) is a large national park in the Tohoku region of Japan, straddling the prefectures of Akita, Aomori and Iwate.
Famously scenic, the park encompasses Lake Towada (Japan's third deepest), the Oirase Valley (famous for its fall colors), the Hakkoda mountain range and the plateau of Hachimantai.
The winter in the northern mountains is harsh, and virtually all transport and accommodations are shut down between November and April.
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- Lake Towada. Lake Towada, or Towada-ko, is Honshu's largest volcanic caldera lake and also the country's third deepest lake. The area nearby is dotted with dense forests and waterfalls, and is the top tourist draw in all Tohoku.
- Oirase River. The upper reaches, known as literally as the Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流 Oirase-keiryu) or as the Oirase Gorge, are famously scenic, featuring constant-flowing water since this is the drain of Lake Towada, and numerous waterfalls.
- Hachimantai Plateau (八幡平) is located south of Lake Towada and bridges the central areas of Akita prefecture and Iwate prefecture. It is an area of ancient volcanic activity, and the entire plateau is dotted with boiling mud pools, steam and smoke vents and hot springs.
Lake Towada. Lake Towada, or Towada-ko, is Honshu's largest volcanic caldera lake and also the country's third deepest lake. The area nearby is dotted with dense forests and waterfalls, and is the top tourist draw in all Tohoku.
Oirase River. The upper reaches, known as literally as the Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流 Oirase-keiryu) or as the Oirase Gorge, are famously scenic, featuring constant-flowing water since this is the drain of Lake Towada, and numerous waterfalls.
There are countless hot springs in the park, especially on Hachimantai Plateau. The best known include Sukayu Onsen (酸ヶ湯温泉), Goshogake Onsen (後生掛温泉) and Toshichi Onsen (藤七温泉).
Yasumiya offers a 45-minute lake boat tour that lets you enjoy the picturesque scenery of the rugged coast formed by the two main peninsulas of Towada Lake. Or you can take the ferry between Yasumiya and Nenokuchi, which also passes by the two peninsulas and has a recorded guide.
- Lake Towada Winter Stories Festival. This annual February festival features fireworks every evening, light displays, snow sculptures, food stalls and hot wine. You can drink in an igloo bar where drinks are served in glasses made of ice. Many local inns and hotels offer shuttle service to and from the festival site.
Lake Towada Winter Stories Festival. This annual February festival features fireworks every evening, light displays, snow sculptures, food stalls and hot wine. You can drink in an igloo bar where drinks are served in glasses made of ice. Many local inns and hotels offer shuttle service to and from the festival site.
Himemasu trout is served grilled and skewered at food stands near the lake. Towada barayaki, sauteed pork and onions, is another area specialty. Local ryokan inns may serve dishes made from well-known regional ingredients such as Akita komachi rice and Aomori blackcurrants.
Look for local brew Tazawako Beer (田沢湖ビール).
There is a JR Tohoku Bus connecting Aomori with Hachinohe, connecting numerous onsens north of Towada Lake, Towada town, the Oirase gorge, Nenokuchi and Yasumiya.
- Towada Art Center, 10-9, Nishi-Nibancho, Towada-shi, Aomori, +81-176-20-1127. 9AM-5PM. A fun contemporary art museum in Towada City with elaborate and often interactive installations by artists from around the world, including Yoko Ono. ¥510 for permanent collection.
Towada Art Center, 10-9, Nishi-Nibancho, Towada-shi, Aomori, +81-176-20-1127. 9AM-5PM. A fun contemporary art museum in Towada City with elaborate and often interactive installations by artists from around the world, including Yoko Ono. ¥510 for permanent collection.