Things to Do in Towada

Top Things to Do in Towada

Things to Do in Towada

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Top Attractions in Towada

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Observation Decks & Towers

What travelers are saying

  • kim buay p
    Singapore, Singapore11,325 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stayed a night at Oirase Mori No Hotel after arriving from Tokyo by shinkansen at Hachinohe Station followed by a local JR bus. There are only two timings for the local bus to Yakeyama at 10 am and 2.40 pm. The bus journey is 1.5 hrs and it passes the Towada City and the Towada Art Museum.
    The next morning, we took a taxi from hotel to start our hike at Ishikedo. There is a toilet, food outlet and a visitor centre here. At the visitor centre, one can view the 3D model of the whole route.
    The picturesque hiking path involves walking beside the beautiful, fast flowing Oirase river with its numerous waterfalls. It is a very interesting path with much variety and occasional walking beside the road. Outstanding highlights include Ashura Rapids,
    Kumoi waterfall (20 m tallest waterfall), Shiraito waterfall and the Grand Chosi Waterfall ( 20 m wide and 7 m tall). The Chisuji waterfall (thousand thread waterfall) resembles thin threads. The walk is refreshing, peaceful and extremely scenic. We also crossed over many moss covered wooden bridges.
    After passing Chosi waterfall, we walked on for another half an hour to reach Kenokuchi. We took 4 hours to complete the walk with many photo stops and absorbing the negative ions along the way.
    At Kenokuchi, we intended to ride the ferry to Yasumiya at Lake Towada. However the ferry was not operating as it was too windy. So we rode the JR bus to Yasumiya which is a 13 mins journey. I am very happy that I did this walk seeing the best of the Oirase Stream. The path is very easy to walk on and it is mostly flat. There are bus stops along the way should one decides to stop walking.

    Written October 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jerry L
    Japan28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We loved this little modern art museum. Unlike most of the modern art museums, where I couldn't understand or relate to most of the art work. The art work at the Towada Art Center was more relatable. It's a great place to stay a few hours on your way to the Oirase Keiryu.
    Written August 18, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kim buay p
    Singapore, Singapore11,325 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We hiked from Ishikedo towards Nenokuchi. By walking in this direction, one walks towards a waterfall and we have the biggest waterfall
    the Choshi Otaki Waterfall (“Sake Bottle Great Falls?”) to look forward to as it is seen towards the end of our hike.
    It is perhaps the signature waterfall attraction of the Oirase Gorge.
    It was very satisfying to exit at Nenokuchi and catch our bus to Lake Towada in 13 mins. The ferry alternative to Yasumiya is possible at 11 am or 13.30 pm.
    However it does not sail if it is windy.
    By starting from Nenokuchi, this waterfall can easily be reached in about 25 mins.
    This waterfall pours over a ledge that was 7m tall, the waterfall’s flow on the Oirase Stream (the only one on this stream ) could grow to about 20m in width. However, with this waterfall, someone imagined Lake Towada being the sake that was being poured from its (sake bottle) mouth over the Choshi Otaki Waterfall hence the name “Sake Bottle Great Falls?”
    Written October 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kim buay p
    Singapore, Singapore11,325 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took a taxi here as we stayed in another nearby hotel. We walked in the clockwise direction around this circular trail to see the six ponds. We started at the end opposite to the visitor centre. I would recommend this direction as there are quite a few steps initially along the way linking the smaller ponds. Towards the end of our walk, the trail definitely got easier. We reached the biggest pond of all and we walked along the boardwalk back, so relieved for this easier section of the trail. If one is short of time, can always just do the easy walk to see the biggest pond of all. At the peak of the autumn foliage, it is necessary to pay to see the gorgeous view at sunrise at this biggest pond.
    Written November 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kim buay p
    Singapore, Singapore11,325 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked a taxi here from our hotel, Oirase Mori No Hotel at 3300 yen. The driver kindly picked us up again after 2 hrs. We walked in the clockwise direction entering a path opposite to the visitor centre. I preferred this route as the initial part involved a fair bit of climbing and we were still energetic. It got easier towards the end and we were rewarded with a view of the largest pond among the six ponds. After that the path is mostly flat boardwalk and it ended at the visitor centre.
    Written October 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Simon.R
    Arizona2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    To go to this place you have to take a boat tour.
    It ’s a very mysterious place.

    素晴らしい世界が広がっています。
    この場所に行くには、ボートツアーに参加する必要があります。
    非常に神秘的な場所です。
    Written October 1, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kim buay p
    Singapore, Singapore11,325 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a very windy early morning when I walked there along the lake's promenade. First I entered the big Torii Gate flanked by huge Cedar Trees. Before going up the stairs to the shrine, I followed the circular path to the Statute of Maidens and then entered the shrine area via the Good luck path.
    At the shrine, I took another route to go down and soon reached the Torii Gate again. It was an easy forest walk to see this shrine.
    Written October 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • unescotravelbug
    Wooster, OH4,216 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This waterfalls attracted quite a bit of visitors by car and bus with easy access from the roadside upon getting off. However, the walking path towards the waterfalls is narrow, slippery and uneven. There are also many large rocks and dead tree trunks lying around the walking path. To get close to the waterfall area one must take extreme caution on slippery uneven surface. Those who have reached in front of the falls would stand for a while to have pictures taken; while others stand far away would wait for them to leave in order to have pictures taken without strangers in them. It's a crowded space to visit. I managed to get close to the side of the falls and shot a few pictures from the angle without people in my photos. JR Bus traveling toward Lake Towada makes a stop in front of the waterfalls and can be seen from bus window. The height of falls is about 20 meter from the ground. The rushing water splashes down to the rocks, creates spume of white foams resembling white clouds, thus get the name of Kumoi-no-taki. It's about 25 minutes walk from Ashura-no-nagare Current, an iconic symbol of Oirase Gorge.
    Written September 6, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anthony S
    Brisbane, Australia1,863 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    This time of year there was plenty of colour in the trees and reeds around the pond making a great picture. There are washrooms just off the road and it is an easy walk. Pleasant stop for a short time. The road too and from in October is spectacular with fall colours.
    Written October 11, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Louichan
    Tokyo, Japan224 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a great little rest stop this is. We stopped when our bus pulled in on the way to Lake Towada from Hachinohe. We didn't actually look at the gift shops, but the kids loved the fact there was a park right there, complete with a small stream to paddle in. Great for letting off steam.
    Written May 20, 2012
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • unescotravelbug
    Wooster, OH4,216 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    The statue of Maidens is located near the end of promenade. it has been viewed as an iconic figure of Towadako. It's the work of Kotaro Takamura, a poet and sculptor. The images of these maidens was modeled after his wife Chieko. The bronze statue depicts two full bodied female figures facing each other and hands reaching out to touch each other. Evening is the best time to see the silhouette of the still statue when viewing towards the lake. It brings the sharp contrast of brightness from the lake and the dark shade of the figures. Tourists come to see this statue; pose photo opp and move on. But, interestingly if you look at their eyes you will find their eyes seem to meet yours, no matter which angle you take the stand.
    Written October 22, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Towada