Lake Towada Snow Festival

A MISAWA ITT TOUR

Lake Towada Winter Story

35th

LAKE TOWADA

Lake Towada is the centerpiece of the Towada/Hachimantai National Park. It is a double caldera lake formed by the collapse of the Towada Volcano. It has a circumference of 44 kilometers, a depth of 327 meters, and a water transparency of 12 meters.

Lake Towada is the third deepest lake in Japan. In the mountains surrounding the lake, one can clearly see distinct mineral layers in the earth documenting the region’s volcanic activity.

Spring’s cherry blossoms, summer’s greens, autumn’s colors, and winter’s whites take on a new meaning when seen reflected in the lake.

On the lake’s west side is Kosaka’s Okawatai area, the less touristy, more natural shore of the lake. Here, one can find the Wainai Shrine, dedicated to Wainai Sadayuki, the man who successfully transplanted Himemasu trout into the lake. Towada Furusato Center, a general use hall, holds a restaurant and introductory videos about the park. The beautiful green lawns surrounding the center and the walking paths on the lakeshore provide ample space to pass a relaxing afternoon.

You will hear the Juon no Kane, gift of the trees clock, chime the hour.

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LAKE TOWADA East, on the Aomori side of the lake, is Yasumiya, where one can find the tour boat dock, the bus station, busy souvenir shops, and hotels. The famous Otome no Zo, Statue of the Maidens, bronze statue that has become a symbol of Lake Towada is located here. From the statue one can take either a short path or a one hour nature trail to the Towada Shrine. In the winter, you can rent snowshoes from the Yasumiya Visitor’s Center.

Further east, near Nenokuchi, the Oirase River leaves Lake Towada on its way to the Pacific Ocean. The 14 kilometers of ever-changing waters fascinate all visitors. Bicycle rental is available. Whether seen from the road or the footpath, the gushing waters of the river, plentiful waterfalls, and lush forests put on a first class show.

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OIRASE MOUNTAIN STREAM

Oirase River flows from Lake Towada, and the 14 kilometer section between Nenokuchi and Yakeyama is called Oirase Mountain Stream. It runs through a forest rich in variety, containing White Cedar, Japanese Beech, and Maple trees.

Along with Lake Towada, the stream has been designated as a special scenic spot and natural monument. If you walk along the banks of the stream, you can see the beauty of nature, such as dense green vegetation, splashes in the river, and rocks poking above the water covered with plants and moss.

Also worth seeing are the various waterfalls along Oirase Mountain Stream. All of them have different appearances; the 25 meter high Kumoi-no-taki Falls, the large flow of water at Choshi-O-taki Falls, water rolling down in spherical shapes at Tamasudareno-taki Falls, and Shiraito-no-taki Falls, which is also known as White Thread Fall. If you walk slowly along the Oirase Mountain Stream path it will take about 5 hours. Or you may take a bus that runs parallel to the walkway. Bicycles are also available for rent at Nenokuchi and Yakeyama. You can ride these one way and then turn them in at the end of your trip.

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The best way to enjoy the pristine beauty of crystal clear Lake Towada is aboard excursion boats that cruise the waters April to mid-November. About 44 kilometers (27 miles) of undulating coastline marked by capes, inlets, cliffs, and trees that put on a spectacular autumn show, make this one of Towada-Hachimantai National Park’s major draws. Two cruises are available: a one hour cruise that begins and ends at Yasumiya, and a 50 minute cruise that travels between Yasumiya and Nenokuchi.

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YASUMIYA

Yasumiya, a village on the southwestern shore of Lake Towada, has a bus terminal, a tourist office, and a handful of accommodations and restaurants. On the eastern side of the lake is Nenokuchi, trail head for hikes along Oirase Mountain Stream. In Yasumiya, the major point of interest is Towada Jinja Shrine, which boasts marvelous wood carvings of animals. Nearby, on the shore of Towadako, is the Statue of the Maidens.

WINTER STORY / SNOW FESTIVAL

Lake Towada Winter Story, or Snow Festival, is a very elegant and famous festival held every year at Lake Towada for one month in February. Six thousand snow lanterns (Yuki Toro) are scattered along the road by the lakeside. Fireworks make a fabulous backdrop for the illuminated crystal land. You will enjoy traditional dancing and nightly live performances of the Tsugaru Shamisen, a Japanese musical instrument, performed by representatives of the Aomori Prefecture.

Tasty Japanese style Chicken Hot Pot (Nabe) in the igloo-like snow huts (Kamakura) and hot wine will warm you during the cold winter nights. You can also enjoy shopping for souvenirs and novelty items at various shops and stalls.

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STATUE OF MAIDENS At Yasumiya, you’ll find a statue of two women with hands reaching toward each other. The Statue of the Maidens, created by Kotaro Takamura in 1953, serves as a symbol of Lake Towada. Mr. Takamura was a sculptor and poet, and his wife is said to have been the model for this statue. Somewhere between her marriage to the poet and her suicide attempt in 1932, Chieko Takamura lost her confidence and her sanity.

He chronicled her decline in poems that later became known as “Chieko sho,” a collection that is much loved by the Japanese. Some believe the dual statues represent her twin personalities.

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LAKE TOWADA SNOW FESTIVAL

Horse Trekking

Gate of Snow Every day during the festival An enormous sculpture of snow and light forms a gate in the festival area.

Snow Huts There will be snow huts selling hot local dishes and Oirase beer, sake, and hot wine.

Horse Trekking Saturday & Sunday during the festival You can trek around the lakeside by horse drawn sleigh.

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Tsugaru Samisen Live

Tsugaru Samisen Live Every day during the festival A live concert is performed by local musicians playing the samisen (Japanese stringed instrument).

Fireworks Every day during the festival Enjoy nightly fireworks by the lakeside.

LAKE TOWADA SNOW FESTIVAL

snow huts

Fireworks

Statue of Maidens Illumination Every day during the festival The perimeter around the Statue of Maidens is surrounded by dozens of snow lanterns and the promenade by the lakeside is lit up at night.

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A TOUCH OF SPRING IN THE AIR

From mid-April when the snow begins 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 a.m. 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.

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 walk through deep natural forests along the constantly changing flow of the waters of Oirase.

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NOTE

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Misawa ITT Office Location: Bldg. 626 Phone: 226-3555 Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Closed Sundays & holidays 35th