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Lake Towada
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Lake Towada is a magnificent caldera lake situated on the border of Aomori and Akita Prefectures in northern Honshu. It was formed by a series of massive volcanic eruptions that began approximately 200,000 years ago, with the current structure resulting from a collapse about 13,000 years ago. Reaching a maximum depth of 327 meters, it is the third deepest lake in Japan and is celebrated for its remarkable transparency and deep blue hue. As part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the lake features a unique double-caldera topography, highlighted by the Ogura and Nakanoiumi peninsulas. The area is a premier destination for 'koyo' (autumn leaf viewing), as the surrounding beech and maple forests turn into a sea of red and gold. A key cultural landmark at the lake's edge is the 'Otome-no-zo' statue, a bronze work by renowned sculptor Kotaro Takamura dedicated in 1953. The lake is also the source of the Oirase Stream, which flows through an easy on the eye gorge filled with rapids and waterfalls. Despite the harsh winters of northern Japan, the lake rarely freezes entirely due to its significant depth and internal thermal activity.
- Location: Japan
- Top sights: Gentōgura · Mt. Akaiwa · Mt. Ogura
- Nearby: Hiranai (40 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -3 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 18 | 12 | 5 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 87 | 66 | 81 | 83 | 87 | 93 | 149 | 151 | 139 | 123 | 101 | 109 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The lake is situated at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level.
- It is the third deepest lake in Japan after Lake Tazawa and Lake Shikotsu.
- The massive eruption in 915 AD deposited ash across much of northern Honshu.
- The lake's surface area covers approximately 61.1 square kilometers.
- The Otome-no-zo statue is the final work of sculptor Kotaro Takamura.
- The lake is famous for its 'himemasu' (landlocked red salmon) population.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lake Towada (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
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Lake Towada: where is it located?
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Nearby cities
