Things to do in Towada

Oirase Gorge, the beautiful mountain scenery of Aomori Prefecture, accompanied by the sound of the stream, walking on a slightly muddy path, chatting while walking, and watching the water scenery in the primeval forest! Four different scenery in four seasons, very clear, play according to your needs!

Stay overnight at Lake Towada, easy to understand. As its name suggests, the store is a silly and big Western-style hotel next to the lake and by the woods. The equipment is a bit old, with a high patio and thick, fluffy carpets, and there still seems to be a bit of Showa flavor floating in the air. After soaking in the hot springs, the guests, wearing yukata and vests, slumped loosely on the sofa in the lobby. Just looking at them made me feel sleepy. The room was a bit spacious. I rolled from bed to bed and then onto the sofa by myself, not knowing where to sleep. However, the bed board is a bit thin. Do you elderly people like to sleep on hard mattresses? Dinner was a waste of time, but breakfast was particularly enjoyable. Get up early in the morning and go for a walk by the lake, then come back to soak in the hot springs and have a warm meal. It was a buffet style. I baked myself two slices of bread, served it with hot coffee and fried eggs with bacon, and grabbed some fried fish and side dishes. I cracked a free-range egg, leaving only the yolk, and mixed it with rice with soy sauce. Neither Chinese nor Western, neither harmonious nor foreign, with a view of the lake, it tastes very comfortable. The owner is a proud Akita native who talks a lot during the case. The central idea is probably: We are on the Akita side of Lake Towada! In fact, a small half of Lake Towada belongs to Akita! ! The people of Akita are very dissatisfied with the fact that the people of Aomori want to own Lake Towada out of love! ! ...But there is Aomori across the river on the right side of your hotel door. I can barely cross it by just jumping.

It's a little walk from the main area of ​​Lake Towada, but it's worth the walk. It's a must-see statue when you visit Lake Towada.

The weather was not good today. It was snowing heavily in the morning, and the Oirase Gorge was covered in white snow, like a world of ice. When the JR bus we took entered the Oirase area, it started to rain, and the snow was washed away by the rain. The waterfall may not have that much water in winter, but it was still very beautiful with snow all the way.

Mount Hakkoda is definitely worth a visit. It's not a single peak, but a mountain range comprised of more than ten volcanoes, offering distinct scenery in each season, especially renowned for its winter wonders of "tree ice" (ice sculptures) and autumn's vibrant red leaves. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or a traveler seeking a unique cultural experience, you'll find something to your liking here. Highlights & Practical Tips ❄️ Natural Wonders: Tree Ice (Snow Monsters): A winter wonder, these are natural sculptures formed by mist condensing on trees, creating a spectacular and mysterious sight. The best viewing period is from December to March. You can take a cable car for a panoramic view or participate in snowshoeing for a closer look. Alpine Wetlands and Volcanic Landforms: Home to numerous wetlands and ponds, including the Munamit Wetlands, this area is a treasure trove of alpine flora. In summer, you can explore hiking trails like the "Gourd Line," offering varying levels of difficulty suitable for different types of visitors. 🌲 Seasonal Activities: Winter Skiing: Renowned for its high-quality powder snow and off-piste slopes, this is a paradise for skiers. Suitable for experienced skiers; ski slopes and equipment rental services are available on the mountain. Hiking and sightseeing are also possible. Autumn (late September to mid-October) is the best time to view the autumn leaves, making it one of the earliest places in Japan to see the fall foliage. 🚡 Featured Experiences: Hakkoda Ropeway: Approximately 10 minutes one way, directly to the summit park station, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the mountains and Aomori Bay. Operating hours are typically 9:00-16:20 (until 15:40 in winter). Hot Spring Experience: Enjoy the famous Sukayu Onsen (a mixed-gender public bath with over 300 years of history) at the foot of the mountain to relieve fatigue. 💡 Itinerary Planning Suggestions: Transportation: From Shin-Aomori Station or Aomori Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, take a JR bus towards the "Hakkoda Ropeway" (approximately 1 hour journey), which goes directly to the ropeway station. Season Selection: Winter (December-March): The peak season, the best time to view snow trees and ski. However, please note that Mount Hakkoda is a notoriously snowy region in Japan, with unpredictable weather. A serious mountaineering tragedy occurred in 1902 (known as the "Hakkoda Snow March Incident"). Always check the weather forecast, participate in guided tours, and prepare appropriate cold-weather gear. Autumn (late September to mid-October): Stable weather and vibrant colors make it the golden time for hiking and photography. Spring and Summer: Ideal for easy high-altitude hiking, enjoying the fresh greenery and wetland flowers. 💎 In short, Mount Hakkoda is a mountain range brimming with wild beauty and seasonal charm. It may not be as widely known as Mount Fuji, but this very fact allows you to experience the pristine tranquility of Japan's natural landscape.