Lake Towada

Lake Towada is a strikingly beautiful double caldera lake nestled within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park in northern Honshu. With a maximum depth of 326.8 meters, it is the third deepest lake in Japan and the largest caldera lake in Honshu. The lake's remarkably clear, deep blue waters are surrounded by dense forests that transform into a spectacular palette of reds, oranges, and golds during autumn, making it one of the Tohoku region's premier fall foliage destinations. The Maiden of the Lake bronze statue by renowned sculptor Kotaro Takamura stands at the Yasumiya rest area on the southern shore and has become an iconic symbol of the area. Visitors can explore the lake by sightseeing boat, kayak, or canoe, while the nearby Oirase Gorge offers a scenic 14-kilometer riverside walking trail featuring numerous waterfalls and rapids.