Towada Travel & Gourmet Complete Guide A Journey Through Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge, Towada Art Center & Local Specialties – Aomori, Japan
A travel guide introducing tourism and travel information about Towada City in Aomori Prefecture in English.We provide easy-to-understand information in English about Towada’s sightseeing spots, local gourmet cuisine, and access details.
Towada City in Aomori Prefecture is a destination where nature, contemporary art, and cuisine blend seamlessly.
With nationally designated scenic treasures like Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge, along with the world-renowned Towada Art Center, the city captivates visitors with beauty in every season.
Towada is also known for exceptional local flavors such as Towada Barayaki, Towada Lake Wagyu, Oirase Garlic Pork, Towada Lake Kokanee Salmon (Himemasu), and premium produce including garlic, nagaimo, burdock, and green onions.
This page serves as a complete guide to Towada’s attractions, culture, and gourmet specialties to help you plan your perfect trip.
Production Credits
Cooperation
Towada City
Towada City Tourism Organization
JA Towada Oirase
Towada Art Center
Towada Barayaki Seminar
Towada Horse Riding Club Co., Ltd.
Urushibata Farm Co., Ltd.
Minoru Pork Co., Ltd.
Oirase Mossball Studio
Anzai Laboratory
Towada Lake Kokanee Salmon Promotion Council
(in no particular order)
English Translation
Aya Miranda / Simon Davis / Shiko Fukushima
Korean Translation
Kang Kanako
Chinese (Simplified & Traditional) Translation
Hiroaki Tatsuzaki / Lin Tang
Narration
Yumika Urushidate
Music
Hironori Nozaka — “Towada ~Prelude to a New Era~” (Portable Speaker Version)
Video & Web Production
Kazumasa Yonaiyama
Planning & Supervision
Inbound Towada
This video is available with subtitles in:
Japanese / English / Korean / Simplified Chinese / Traditional Chinese
Overview of Towada City — Where Heritage Inspires the Future
Towada City, located in southern Aomori Prefecture, is one of Tohoku’s leading travel destinations where rich nature and culture coexist in harmony.
The city is home to iconic scenic landmarks such as Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge, both nationally designated as Special Places of Scenic Beauty.
Towada continues to develop through a unique blend of agriculture, livestock culture, and contemporary art.
As one of Japan’s Three Major Pioneer Lands, Towada preserves the spirit of its early settlers who transformed barren land into fertile soil.
Their legacy continues to shape Towada today as a city where people and nature live and thrive together, loved by visitors and residents alike.
Origin of the Name “Towada”
The name “Towada” is believed to originate from the Ainu word Tō-watara, which gradually evolved into its current form. “Tō” means “lake,” and “watara” means “rocky,” giving the meaning “a lake with many rocks.” During the Edo period, Lake Towada was also recorded as Towanko or Tokyokuko, and historical documents used the name “Towada (十輪田)” for the region. The Ainu language—along with Japanese—is one of the ancient languages spoken in the Japanese archipelago. It is believed that some Ainu communities lived around Lake Towada before the Edo period.
Top Attractions & Scenic Highlights of Towada City
Towada Government Office Street (Komakaidō) — An Avenue Where Art and Nature Unite
Selected as one of the “100 Best Roads of Japan,” Towada Government Office Street (Komakaidō) is a symbolic 1.1-km avenue lined with cherry trees that showcase different colors throughout the four seasons.
Cherry blossoms in spring, a green archway in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and serene snowscapes in winter attract visitors year-round.
Cafés, public art installations, and the Towada Art Center line the street, making it the cultural heart of “a city where nature and art resonate.”
Towada Art Center — The Symbol of Towada’s Art Culture
The Towada Art Center exhibits 38 works by 33 internationally renowned artists.
Designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa, the museum features bright, glass-based architecture that offers new discoveries with every visit.
Outdoor installations such as the Art Square and Art Furniture extend the creative atmosphere beyond the museum building, making the entire street feel like an open-air museum.
Towada Horse Park — Komakko Land | Where People and Horses Meet
Towada has long been known as a birthplace of the historic Nanbu horse.
At Komakko Land, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, feeding experiences, and learn about the region’s horse culture at the Shotokukan Museum.
With playgrounds and open spaces on-site, it is also a popular family-friendly attraction.
Lake Towada — A Mystical Caldera Lake & The Statue of Maidens
Shared by Aomori and Akita Prefectures, Lake Towada is a mystical caldera lake known for its deep, azure waters.
The lakeside features the iconic Statue of Maidens created by poet-sculptor Kōtarō Takamura, adding a sense of serenity and poetic beauty.
Towada Shrine, located on the Nakayama Peninsula, is a well-known spiritual site, and sightseeing boats offer scenic views of the lake throughout the seasons.
Oirase Gorge — Japan’s Scenic “Waterfall Corridor”
The 14-km stretch of the Oirase River flowing from Lake Towada is known as Oirase Gorge, one of Japan’s most scenic river valleys.
Designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, the gorge offers spectacular views in all seasons—fresh green leaves in spring, vibrant autumn foliage, and dramatic winter ice formations.
Iconic sights such as Ashura Flow and Choshi Ohtaki Falls make it a paradise for photographers, hikers, and cyclists alike.
Statue of Maidens — The Symbol of Lake Towada, A Monument of Love & Peace
Standing along the shores of Lake Towada, the Statue of Maidens is a bronze sculpture created in 1953 by poet and sculptor Kōtarō Takamura.
The 2.1-meter artwork depicts two women standing closely together, symbolizing themes of love and peace.
As the symbol of Lake Towada, the statue offers a serene and emotional presence that shifts with the lake’s seasonal scenery.
Its ethereal appearance in morning mist, the contrast with autumn foliage or winter snowscapes, and its sunset silhouette make it one of the lake’s most photogenic landmarks.
Towada Shrine — A Sacred Place of Legends and Mysticism
Located on the Nakayama Peninsula, Towada Shrine is said to have been founded in 807 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro.
The shrine is known for the legend of Nansōbō, the guardian spirit of Lake Towada, and has long been a sacred site for mountain worship and water deities.
The pathway to the shrine is surrounded by towering cedar trees, creating a mystical and tranquil atmosphere.
Moss-covered stone steps, traditional torii gates, and the quiet sound of the wind evoke a sense of timeless sanctity.
It is also considered a spiritual “power spot,” attracting those seeking peace and clarity.
Festivals & Seasonal Events in Towada City
Sakura Yabusame — Cherry Blossom Horseback Archery by Women Riders
Held in the park beside Government Office Street, Sakura Yabusame is a dynamic traditional event where female mounted archers shoot arrows under a tunnel of full-bloom cherry blossoms.
The combination of elegant traditional attire and the power of galloping horses makes this one of Towada’s most iconic spring events.
Towada City Autumn Festival — A Majestic Parade of Floats and Drums
Held annually during the second week of September, the Towada City Autumn Festival features a magnificent parade of elaborately decorated floats and taiko drum carts.
The powerful beat of the drums and the lively shouts echo through the streets, illuminating Towada’s autumn nights.
Arts Towada Winter Illumination — A Winter Art Experience of Light
Held during the winter season, the Arts Towada Winter Illumination transforms the Art Square in front of the Towada Art Center into a glowing landscape of blue LED lights.
The crisp winter air combined with the vibrant illumination creates a dreamlike atmosphere—often described as a “museum of light”—attracting visitors from near and far.
Local Gourmet & Specialties of Towada — Flavors Shaped by Pure Water and Rich Soil
Towada Bara-yaki — The Soul Food of Towada
Towada Bara-yaki is a beloved local dish made by grilling beef short ribs and onions in a sweet and savory sauce on a hot iron plate.
The fragrant aroma rising from the grill fills the streets and represents a flavor deeply rooted in the daily life of Towada’s residents.
Garlic & Black Garlic — A Regional Specialty with Top National Production
Towada is one of Japan’s leading garlic-producing regions.
The premium “Fukuchi White Rokuhen” variety is known for its large cloves and pure white color.
Aged black garlic offers a fruity sweetness and mild acidity, making it popular for both flavor and nutritional value.
Naga-imo (Chinese Yam) — A Signature Crop of the Towada Brand
Towada’s naga-imo is known for its bright white color, strong stickiness, and mild flavor with little astringency.
The region’s cool climate and volcanic ash soil help enhance its natural umami.
It can be enjoyed grated as tororo, cut into matchsticks, deep-fried, or used in local dishes such as naga-imo suiton or pickled naga-imo.
Gobou (Burdock Root) — Fragrant, Crisp, and Highly Prized
Aomori Prefecture is Japan’s top producer of burdock root, and Towada-grown gobou is especially valued for its firmness, strong aroma, and crisp texture.
It is excellent in simmered dishes, kinpira, or even thinly sliced and eaten raw.
Towada’s fertile soil gives its gobou exceptional quality that is recognized in markets across Japan.
Green Onion — A Sweet and Tender Winter Specialty
Towada’s green onions have a clear contrast between their white and green sections and are known for their excellent appearance and flavor.
Their mild sharpness becomes pleasantly sweet when cooked.
They are ideal for grilling or hot pot dishes and are locally enjoyed as “Towada Negi-yaki.”
Market professionals praise them for their aroma, sweetness, and texture.
Oirase Garlic Pork — A Premium Pork with Juicy Umami and Natural Sweetness
Oirase Garlic Pork is a high-quality branded pork raised on feed containing Towada-grown garlic powder.
With fat that melts at a low temperature, it offers a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture and natural sweetness.
Its flavor shines whether grilled, sautéed, or served shabu-shabu style — earning it the reputation:
“Towada pork is sweet.”
Lake Towada Kokanee (Himemasu) — A Delicacy from the Mystical Lake
Raised in the pristine waters of Lake Towada, kokanee salmon (himemasu) is known for its clean, refined flavor and lack of fishy aroma.
Whether served as sashimi or salt-grilled, it is a seasonal delicacy enjoyed by both visitors and locals.
📍 View the Himemasu introduction page
Towada City Highlight Videos
We Love TowaDance
We Love TowaDance is an original community project created by Towada residents to promote the city’s charm. This dance combines the appeal of Towada’s tourist attractions, local food, and music. The lyrics are written in English, while the names of attractions and foods are displayed in multiple languages for inbound visitors. The goal is to help international audiences discover Towada through watching, dancing, and listening.
“Ima made mo Kore kara mo” — by Mika Nakajima
This project was conceived by Mika Nakajima—a reporter, media personality, and singer-songwriter. It combines her song “Ima made mo Kore kara mo” with award-winning photographs from the Towada City Photo Contest, along with video production by music and media creator Kazumasa Yonaiyama. The completed video premiered on January 6, 2016, at the B-1 Grand Prix Volunteer Closing Ceremony in Towada. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and spirit of Towada City.
“Attention Please” — Information from Towada City, Aomori
Attention Please is a local media project sharing highlights from Towada City. Episode “Flight 025 — Towada City Highlights (English Version)” was produced to promote Towada internationally. It is a remake of a previously released Japanese version, newly translated for global audiences. Created as part of inbound tourism efforts related to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the National Park Enjoyment Project, this video aims to encourage more foreign visitors to discover Towada. It is also intended to support English education and foster local pride. “Come to love Towada City!”
“Shikisai wa Towa ni Seseragu” — Colors Flow on Forever
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Lyricist: Yū Nakano
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Composer: Kanae Oyamada
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Arranger: Makoto Sakurada
The citizens’ group Inbound Towada, led by Kazumasa Yonaiyama, launched a musical project titled “Bring energy to our town! Share Towada’s charm through music!” during July–August 2022. From the ideas submitted by the public, the collaborative piece “Shikisai wa Towa ni Seseragu” by two Towada-born musicians, Kanae Oyamada and Yū Nakano, was selected as the foundation. Additional submitted musical ideas were incorporated as well. The arrangement was created by Towada-based singer-songwriter Makoto Sakurada, and 15 performers recruited from the community took part in the recording. The promotional video was produced by Kazumasa Yonaiyama, combining scenic footage of Towada taken throughout the year with the musicians’ performances. The completed song expresses heartfelt memories of Towada as one’s hometown, depicting the beauty of all four seasons.
How to Access Towada City, Aomori, Japan from the United States
From the United States to Towada City in Aomori, Japan. Fly into Tokyo, then connect by Shinkansen and bus or domestic flight to reach a destination filled with nature, art and local food — Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge and the Towada Art Center.
Flying from the U.S. to Japan (Tokyo)
Major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Dallas and New York offer direct flights to Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports. Even when a connection is required, most travelers first enter Japan via Tokyo and then continue north to Aomori by Shinkansen (bullet train) or domestic flight.
From Tokyo to Towada City, Aomori by Shinkansen & Bus
From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Hachinohe Station or Shichinohe-Towada Station. The journey takes roughly 3 hours, depending on the train.
From Shichinohe-Towada Station to central Towada City
From the south exit, board a Towada Kanko Dentetsu bus bound for Towada City. It takes about 35 minutes to reach the city center and the Towada Art Center area.From Hachinohe Station to central Towada City
From Hachinohe Station West Exit, a JR Bus Tohoku service runs to Towada City (Towada City Modern Art Museum and nearby stops), taking around 1–1.5 hours.
This Shinkansen + bus combination is the most straightforward option for travelers who are not driving.
From Tokyo to Towada City by Domestic Flight + Bus / Rental Car
If you want to minimize travel time within Japan, you can take a domestic flight from Tokyo (mainly Haneda Airport) to Aomori Airport or Misawa Airport.
Via Aomori Airport
Take the airport shuttle bus to Aomori Station (about 35 minutes). From Aomori Station, you can board Towada Kanko Dentetsu or JR Bus Tohoku buses towards Towada City.With a rental car, the drive from Aomori Airport to Towada City typically takes around 1–1.5 hours, depending on route and conditions.
Via Misawa Airport
From Misawa Airport, local buses or rental cars connect to Towada City; driving time is roughly 1 hour. This option is convenient if flight schedules from Tokyo to Misawa suit your itinerary.
Using a domestic flight plus rental car makes it easier to explore nearby attractions such as Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge on a flexible schedule.
Sample Itinerary from the United States (e.g., Los Angeles)
Los Angeles (LAX) → Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) by direct flight
Tokyo Station → Hachinohe or Shichinohe-Towada via Tohoku Shinkansen
Local bus from Hachinohe / Shichinohe-Towada to central Towada City (Towada Art Center area)
Stay in Towada City, Aomori, Japan, and use it as a base to visit Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge, Komakko Land and local gourmet spots such as Towada Bara-yaki and Oirase Garlic Pork
In short, the route from the U.S. to Towada City is typically:
International flight → Tokyo → Shinkansen or domestic flight → Bus / Rental car → Towada City, Aomori, Japan.