Part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Lake Towada 十和田湖 is the largest caldera lake on the main island of Japan, Honshu located on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures . Steep, forested hills tower over the lake and reflect in the water, making especially beautiful views when the autumn colors are at their peak.
奧入瀨溪流
On the east side of the lake is Oirase Stream, one of the favorite locations in Japan for photographers seeking beautiful fall scenery. There are two peninsulas cutting into the water, obscuring a view of the full lake, adding to the sense of mystery. Most of the perimeter is undeveloped except for a road that circles the lake with several observation decks built along the way.
Choshi Big Fall (銚子大滝)
The town of Yasumiya is the major developed area and transportation hub for Towada Lake. The best way to tour the area is by boat, which runs round trip or one way from Yasumiya to Nenokuchi at the mouth of the Oirase Stream.
Oirase Stream, Towada
The ride takes about 50 minutes round trip and costs 1400 yen. There are 1 or 2 boats per hour from 8 am to 5 pm, and in the winter there are no one-way trips. There is also one bus which runs along the lake shore from Yasumiya to Nenokuchi, but to see the other shore requires a rental car.
Lake Towada ship
Getting to Yasumiya is possible using public transportation. From Tokyo, it is approximately 3 hours to the JR Tohoku Station, and trains run once per hour. From the JR Tohoku Station, take a JR Tohoku bus bound for Towadako. There are 3 to 4 buses per day, and the ride lasts about 135 minutes and costs 2600 yen one way. The JR Pass is valid on both the bus and train. Though off the beaten track, the Towada Lake is a beautiful option for those wanting to see the best of Japanese natural beauty.
photos by:
**Hu &
alpiniste,
Kzaral,
HerryLawford
