▲ The Oirase Stream flows from Lake Towada, stretching approximately 14 kilometers. Its waters are highly varied, and its banks are lined with primeval forests of cypress, beech, and maple trees. Together with Lake Towada, it is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument of Aomori Prefecture. A stroll along the stream offers breathtaking natural scenery. There are lush, towering trees, splashing water droplets, moss floating on the surface, and vines entwining rocks – a truly captivating sight. The numerous waterfalls along the Oirase Stream are also worth seeing, including the 25-meter-high Kumoi Falls, the powerful Choshi Falls, and the Gyokuren Falls and Shiraizu Falls, each with its own unique charm. In winter, visitors can also witness the spectacular sight of frozen waterfalls.
▲ Lake Towada, situated at an altitude of 400 meters on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures, is a double-layered caldera lake formed by the subsidence of a crater created during a major volcanic eruption. At over 300 meters deep, it is the third deepest lake in Japan, boasting exceptional clarity that allows visibility up to 10 meters below the surface. Lake Towada presents different landscapes with the changing seasons: vibrant green in spring, a tapestry of autumn colors, and a pristine white snowscape in winter. The clear, turquoise waters reflect these distinct seasonal features, creating a scene imbued with a mysterious beauty.
▲ Mount Hakkoda, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, is the main peak of a 16-mountain range, rising 1,585 meters. It features numerous wetlands. A cable car ride to the summit of Mount Tamohachi in Kita-Hakkoda offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. Alternatively, a stroll at the foot of the mountain followed by a visit to the famous Sukayu Onsen (sour hot spring) with its large public bath for thousands of people is also a great option. In winter, the area attracts skiers from home and abroad. Tours offering close-up views of the natural wonder of icy trees while wearing ski gear are also very popular.
