Lake Towada: Tōhoku’s Deep Blue Jewel

Lake Towada

Lake Towada in Winter.

Picturesque Lake Towada is located on the border of Aomori and Akita Prefectures. A caldera lake, it formed in a conical depression created by the eruption of Mount Towada some 20 million years ago.

Towada at 326.8 meters in depth is the third-deepest lake in Japan. Set 400 meters above sea level, its 46 kilometers of shoreline is covered in dense forest, making it a popular area to enjoy autumn leaves. The deep blue water of the lake remains unfrozen even during the cold of winter, reflecting the surrounding natural scenery and creating a peaceful, dreamlike effect.

Access: Depending on the season it is 3 to 4 hours by bus from JR Shin-Aomori Station.

(Banner photo: Lake Towada is renowned for the deep blue color of its waters. Information courtesy of the Aomori Prefectural Government’s Aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide.)