Lake Towada
Tohoku Region
Lake Towada, located on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures in Japan, is the largest crater lake on Honshū island and the twelfth largest lake in the country. It lies approximately 400 meters above sea level and reaches depths of over 300 meters, which contribute to its distinct bright blue color. The lake occupies an 11-kilometer diameter caldera formed by a stratovolcano that has been active for around 200,000 years, with significant eruptions shaping its unique double-peninsula shape. Its waters are fed by around seventy rivers and drained by the Oirase River, which flows toward the Pacific Ocean. The area around Lake Towada is part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, featuring temperate deciduous forests with birch and beech trees. Historically, the lake has cultural significance, with associations to the Yamata general Sakanoue Tamuramaro and spiritual Yamabushi practitioners. The lake is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, and camping, with the Otome-no-Zo statue serving as a notable landmark. Its natural beauty and geological uniqueness make it a captivating spot for visitors seeking both outdoor recreation and cultural heritage.
ヒント: The best time to visit Lake Towada is during the autumn months when the surrounding forests display vibrant fall colors, enhancing the lake's scenic beauty. Visitors are advised to book excursion boat rides in advance during peak seasons to ensure availability. Canoeing and camping facilities are available at Utarube, offering immersive nature experiences. Discounts may be available for group tours or national park passes. Early morning visits provide tranquil conditions and clearer views of the lake's blue waters.
興味深い事実
- •Lake Towada is the largest crater lake on Honshū island and the twelfth largest lake in Japan by surface area.
- •Its bright blue color is due to its great depth, reaching over 300 meters.
- •The lake occupies an 11-kilometer diameter caldera formed by a stratovolcano active for about 200,000 years.
- •The Otome-no-Zo (Maiden Statue) by Kōtarō Takamura, located at the lakeshore, was his last work and commemorates the national park's 15th anniversary.
- •A wartime Imperial Japanese Army aircraft was recovered from the lake's bottom in 2012 after crashing there in 1943.
歴史
Lake Towada formed within the caldera of an active stratovolcano that became active around 200,000 years ago, with major eruptions occurring 55,000, 36,000, and 15,000 years ago.
A secondary stratovolcano, Mount Goshikiiwa, formed inside the caldera between 15,000 and 12,000 years ago, followed by lava domes that shaped the lake's current form about 5,400 years ago.
The last recorded volcanic eruption in the area was in 915 AD, which impacted the wider Tōhoku region.
The lake's name likely derives from the Ainu word meaning "rocky lake." Historically, it was a place of spiritual significance for Yamabushi ascetics and later became a protected area within Towada-Hachimantai National Park established in 1936.
場所ガイド
Otome-no-Zo Statue1953
A sculpture of two women by Kōtarō Takamura, symbolizing Lake Towada and dedicated during the park's 15th anniversary in 1953. It stands at Yasumiya near the central lake area where excursion boats dock.
Oirase River Outlet
The single outlet of Lake Towada, the Oirase River flows from the lake toward the Pacific Ocean, offering picturesque riverside walks and natural scenery.
Utarube Recreation Area
A popular spot on the lake shore offering canoe rentals and camping facilities, allowing visitors to engage closely with the lake's natural environment.