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The deep azure waters of Lake Towada convey an atmosphere of
mystery and enchantment. This caldera lake created by a volcanic
eruption contains a large volume of water and is 327 meters
deep at its deepest point. Visitors are filled with a sense
of reverence as they view the waters of this beautiful lake.
Located on the border between Aomori and Akita Prefectures,
Lake Towada has a circumference of 44 kilometers and an area
of 59.8 square kilometers. A picturesque highway encircles the
lake and the sightseeing boat offers passengers a magnificent
view of Mt. Gairin from the water. Lake Towada presents visitors
with a variety of scenic views in each of the seasons. Yasumiya
is the starting point for sightseeing around the area and in
1953, sculptor Takamura Kotaro carved the "Otome no Zo"(Statue
of Two Maidens)that stands at the lakeside. The figure of the
two maidens touching each other's hands is one of the most famous
symbols of Lake Towada.  |
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The
beautiful azure waters of Lake Towada |
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With
the appearance of new leaves on the trees along the Oirase River,
the entire mountainside is filled with the sights and sounds
of life. |
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Various events are held here throughout the year that include
the "Kosui Matsuri Festival," the "Kokkyo Matsuri
Festival" and the "Lake Towada Fuyu Monogatari Winter
Story Festival." A brilliant display of fireworks light
up the night sky at the "Kosui Matsuri Festival"(held
on the 3rd Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. in July). The "Kokkyo
Matsuri Festival"(held on the 1st Sat. and Sun. in Sept.)
offers performances from the Nebuta Festival of Aomori, the
Kanto Festival of Akita and the Sansa Odori Festival of Morioka.
At the "Lake Towada Fuyu Monogatari Winter Story"(held
on the 1st Fri in Feb. for 24 days; in 2006 from Feb. 3~26),
visitors can enjoy the beauty of snow and ice. Sculptures and
houses made from snow are on display and a number of fun activities
such as sleigh rides, cross-country skiing and viewing of traditional
performing arts can be enjoyed. The highlight of this winter
event is the colorful display of fireworks.
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From mid-April when the snows start to melt, local guides take
visitors on nature study tours free of charge. People who want
to take part can simply go to the visitor's center at 6 in the
morning.
From late April to early May, the pink buds of the katsura tree
burst into full bloom. These blossoms are often called "spring
maple" because of their brilliant colors. The mountainside
covered in crimson seems to be filled with the energy of another
world.
Visitors are encouraged to hike along the 14-kilometer course
that follows the Oirase River from Nenokuchi to Yakeyama. Along
the way, there are numerous small and large waterfalls as well
as grottos where women pirates were once said to inhabit. Hikers
will gain new energy as they breathe in the pure and delicious
air as they walk through deep natural forests along the constantly
changing flow of the waters of the Oirase .
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Oirase
ice cream called "June" is produced from locally grown
sesame. Made from fresh milk delivered from four local dairy
farms, it is sold at the Michinoeki "Oirase" Oirase
Roman Park.
"Gekijo," a local beer, is made from yeast used to
make Japanese sake. It is delicious hot or cold. |
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