Things To Do
in Towada
Towada is a peaceful city in northern Japan centered around the scenic Lake Towada and the Oirase Gorge, known for dramatic seasonal color and clear mountain air. It blends rural Aomori culture, traditional festivals, and a small-town arts scene with easy access to outdoor activities year-round. Visitors come for nature photography, hiking, canoeing, and local cuisine that highlights freshwater fish and regional produce.
The pace is relaxed; tourism infrastructure is modest but friendly, making it ideal for travelers seeking nature and authentic regional experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a serene boat ride on Towada Lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lush greenery. As the sun rises, capture stunning photographs of the shimmering waters and the iconic Oirase River. Enjoy a light breakfast at a lakeside café, sampling local specialties such as Towada beef and seasonal fruits.
After your boat ride, embark on a leisurely hike along the Oirase Stream, where you can marvel at the beautiful waterfalls and unique rock formations. Stop by the picturesque Choshi Otaki and Kumoi Otaki waterfalls, taking time to soak in the tranquil environment. For lunch, treat yourself to a traditional kaiseki meal at a nearby ryokan, savoring the flavors of regional cuisine.
As dusk falls, return to Towada city and visit the Towada Art Center, where contemporary art blends seamlessly with local culture. After exploring the exhibits, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local izakaya, enjoying fresh seafood and sake. End your evening with a stroll around the city, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and local nightlife.
Start your day with a visit to the historic Towada Shrine, nestled in a serene forest setting. Participate in a traditional Shinto purification ritual, which offers a glimpse into local spiritual practices. Spend time walking the shrine grounds, appreciating the intricate architecture and ancient cedar trees.
After your spiritual experience, head to the Towada Museum of Art to admire works from both local and international artists. Enjoy a light lunch at the museum café, featuring seasonal ingredients that reflect the beauty of the surrounding nature. Continue your exploration by visiting nearby historic sites, such as the old Towada post office.
In the evening, attend a local festival if your visit coincides with one, experiencing traditional music, dance, and food stalls. Alternatively, find a cozy restaurant to enjoy a hot bowl of ramen or udon, perfect for winding down. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the lake, listening to the sounds of nature and reflecting on your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $3-6 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (single) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / ryokan (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🚗Car rental (daily) | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery—Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada are highlights.
- Calm, uncrowded atmosphere compared with major Japanese cities.
- Good seasonal variety—cherry blossoms, lush summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snow landscapes.
- Friendly local hospitality and authentic regional culture.
- Limited public transportation in rural areas—some attractions require a car.
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with urban centers.
- Language barriers can be significant in smaller businesses.
- Services and facilities may be reduced outside peak tourist seasons.
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "これは魚のだしが入っていますか？ (Kore wa sakana no dashi ga haitteimasu ka?)" - Does this contain fish stock?
- "英語は話せますか？ (Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Towada
Visit one of these nice places.
A photogenic stream with multiple waterfalls, smooth-flowing water over mossy rocks, vivid autumn colors, and atmospheric mist in spring—best at dawn or late afternoon for soft light.
Panoramic lake vistas framed by forested ridges; sunrise and sunset offer dramatic reflections and low-angle light. Boat trips reveal perspectives not visible from shore.
Contemporary architecture and art installations provide striking contrasts to the natural surroundings—great for interior and urban-style shots.
Smaller trails and viewpoints around the lake that capture intimate landscapes, wildflowers in summer, and snow-laden scenes in winter.
Seasonal festivals, local markets, and shrine ceremonies showcase traditional dress, local crafts, and candid cultural moments ideal for street and portrait photography.
Food in Towada
Towada Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rice bowl topped with locally caught freshwater fish or trout from Lake Towada or nearby rivers; found at small seafood restaurants and market stalls.
Must-Try!
A comforting egg-and-starch soup served in many local eateries, popular in cold months — try it at family restaurants or near bus terminals.
Locally grown apples are everywhere — try fresh slices, pies, cider, or apple soft-serve at markets and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and roadside stalls sell seasonal produce, apples, pickles, and freshly made onigiri; great for grabbing snacks to take on hikes.
During peak season you’ll find temporary stands offering skewers, sweet potato snacks, and warm drinks near popular trailheads.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Speak quietly in public spaces, remove shoes when entering homes or certain traditional ryokan, and be punctual for appointments and transport.
Follow shrine etiquette (bow, cleanse hands/mouth where appropriate) and stay on marked trails—littering is frowned upon and local nature is treated with care.
Small gift-giving is appreciated; when presenting or receiving an item, use both hands as a sign of respect.
Safety
Tipping in Towada
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be refused; exceptional service is best acknowledged with a polite thank-you (arigatou gozaimasu) or a small souvenir exchange.
Cash (yen) is widely used—many small restaurants, markets, and rural services accept cash only. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and bigger restaurants, but bring cash for buses, small shops, and rural vendors. IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) are less commonly used in very rural areas but may work in some locations; ATMs that accept international cards are available at post offices and major convenience stores in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms bloom later than in Tokyo (typically April–May); Oirase begins to green up and waterfalls swell from snowmelt. Expect cool mornings and the potential for muddy trails; pack layers and waterproof footwear.
Warm days and cooler nights compared with lower Japan—excellent for hiking, boating, and enjoying lush greenery. Mosquitoes can be present; bring insect repellent and sun protection.
Peak season for many visitors—brilliant fall foliage (usually late September through October) at Oirase Gorge and around Lake Towada. Book accommodation in advance and arrive early at viewpoints to avoid crowds.
Cold with heavy snowfall possible; landscapes become stark and beautiful but some roads and boat services may close. Dress warmly, check transport updates, and consider guided winter activities for safety.
Towada at Night
Hiking in Towada
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-known, relatively accessible trail along a clear mountain stream with multiple waterfalls, bridges, and boardwalks; popular for day hikes and photography, with options for short or long sections.
Routes around the Lake Towada rim and up to nearby peaks offering panoramic views of the lake, alpine flora in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn; trails vary in difficulty.
A larger mountain range a short drive away offering more challenging hikes, alpine terrain, and in winter famous snow monsters (juhyo) formed by rime ice—best tackled with proper gear or guides.
Smaller local ridges and hill walks suitable for half-day hikes with good viewpoints over surrounding countryside and opportunities to observe birdlife.
Airports
How to reach Towada by plane.
Approximately 80–110 km from Towada (about 1.5–2.5 hours by car depending on route). Offers domestic flights to Tokyo and other regional destinations; car rental and bus connections available from the airport.
Around 70–110 km by road (roughly 1.5–2.5 hours). Serves domestic flights and is an alternative for access to northeastern Aomori Prefecture; ground transport options include rental cars and limited bus services.
Further away on the Sea of Japan side (longer drive), sometimes used as an option depending on flight routes—expect 2.5–4 hours by car or combined train/bus travel. Useful if combining visits to Akita and Towada regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are engaged in agriculture (especially apple orchards), forestry, and small-scale local industries—families and older generations maintain traditional livelihoods.
Like much of rural Japan, Towada has a higher proportion of older adults; community life often centers around neighborhood activities and local events.
Seasonal influxes of Japanese tourists, especially in autumn and around holidays, who come for day trips or short stays to enjoy nature and festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Like much of Japan, baseball is popular at school and community levels; local games and school tournaments draw local support.
Community and youth soccer are common, with local clubs and school teams active in the region.
In winter, nearby mountain areas support skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country activities, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Towada.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; order dishes centered on vegetable tempura, rice, soba without dashi (confirm broth ingredients), and pickles. Communicate dietary needs clearly—carry a translation card that explains 'no fish, no dashi' in Japanese.
Vegan dining is possible but requires planning: seek out cafés and larger restaurants that can accommodate requests, bring snacks, or shop at markets for fruit and bread. Always ask about broths and sauces.
Soy sauce and tempura contain gluten; gluten-free options are uncommon in small towns. Look for plain rice-based dishes and communicate restrictions with a translation card.