8 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Towada City! Experience the Charm of Art and Moss

When it comes to tourist attractions in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, Lake Towada and the Oirase Gorge tours are especially famous. Lake Towada is a popular spot for visitors, where they can experience the power of volcanic activity and its mystical beauty. At Oirase Gorge, you can be soothed by the pure air and waterfalls. Many female tourists, inspired by the beauty of the moss that thrives in Oirase Gorge, even make their "moss girl" debut! At the sacred site of Towada Shrine, you can feel the mystery of unseen powers, and at the Contemporary Art Museum located in downtown Towada, you can enjoy modern art.

Here, we will introduce some must-visit, noteworthy tourist spots in Towada City.

1. Towada Art Center

The Towada Art Center is a modern building located along Towada City’s Government Office Street. The rooftop, staircases, and various corners of the museum are adorned with captivating artworks, creating an artistic and stylish atmosphere that you can enjoy just by being there. In addition to the permanent exhibits, there are exciting special exhibitions featuring works like "Bridge of Light" by Ana Laura Alaez and "Standing Woman" by Ron Mueck.

Inside the museum is the cube cafe & shop, where the eye-catching floor art is the work of Maricel Lin, inspired by Towada’s traditional crafts. Not only the exterior but also the interior is filled with art, making it a wonderful space to relax and enjoy a delicious espresso along with Aomori's special sweets. The shop sells works by local Aomori craft artists, as well as dressings and jams made from Aomori-grown ingredients. It’s about a 30-minute bus ride from Shichinohe-Towada Station, so be sure to stop by during your Towada sightseeing!

2. Oirase Mossball Workshop

Located inside the Oirase Stream Museum, which introduces the highlights of the Oirase Gorge, this workshop is also a place to get the latest sightseeing information on Towada City.

One highly recommended experience is making your own kokedama (moss ball). The workshop costs 2,000 yen and takes about an hour. After you return home, you can continue enjoying your original handmade moss ball. Taking care of it will remind you of your time sightseeing in Towada—how lovely is that? For those who don’t have time for the workshop, ready-made moss balls are available for purchase as souvenirs. These round, adorable moss balls are soothing just to look at, so even a quick visit is worthwhile!

3. Oirase Gorge

Oirase Gorge, known for its scenic beauty created by volcanic sediment, is one of Japan’s most famous picturesque spots. It stretches about 14 km from Nenokuchi on the shore of Lake Towada to Yakeyama, with numerous waterfalls lining the "waterfall road" along the way.

The delicate yet powerful flow of the clear streams makes it a relaxing and popular destination in Towada City. You should also take a tour to appreciate the moss that has taken years to grow. The vibrant, fluffy moss is a rare and precious sight! If you join a guided walk, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Oirase Gorge.

4. Tsuta Onsen

Tsuta Onsen was introduced to the entire country by Keigetsu Omachi, a travel writer from the Meiji era. It is located north of Yakeyama, the gateway to Oirase. Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Hot Springs, it is one of Towada City's most iconic tourist spots. The bath, where the spring water flows directly from its source, allows you to feel nature’s blessings firsthand.

Currently, the only accommodation operating there is the Tsuta Onsen Ryokan, a single inn nestled within a pristine beech forest. Its traditional architecture receives high praise from visitors. It is said that a literary figure from Tosa spent his final years here, and the onsen continues to attract hot spring enthusiasts with its unique charm.

Inside the ryokan, there is also a museum dedicated to Keigetsu Omachi, where you can view his calligraphy scrolls and learn about his life. In addition to staying overnight during your visit to Towada, you can also enjoy day-use bathing for 800 yen per adult. Since the ryokan has irregular holidays, it’s best to check in advance when planning your trip to Towada City.

5. Towada Visitor Center

If you arrive at Towadako Station, make sure to first stop by here to collect sightseeing information. The Towada Visitor Center showcases videos and models of the plants and animals that inhabit Towada Lake and Oirase Gorge. You can also learn about the rare double caldera lake bed, which was formed by long-term volcanic activity.

The sounds of Towada Lake are played in the exhibit, giving you a more realistic experience of the lake’s atmosphere. In the observation lounge, chairs and tables made from Towada forest wood are available, letting you relax and enjoy the warmth of the natural materials as you take a break and gather information. Even if you arrive in Towada without set sightseeing plans, you can comfortably create your itinerary here. Admission is free.

6. Lake Towada

You can enjoy the natural scenery surrounding Lake Towada all year round. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom; in summer, the fresh greenery is vibrant; in autumn, colorful leaves create a stunning landscape; and in winter, the lake is beautifully covered in snow. Many tourists are awestruck by the overwhelming power of the volcanic energy that carved out this land.

Originally, there were no fish inhabiting Lake Towada. However, in 1903, sockeye salmon (himemasu) from Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido were released into the lake. Since then, himemasu has become one of Towada City's specialties. The sashimi of himemasu, available from late April to around November, is highly regarded by tourists for its lack of any fishy odor and its rich, flavorful fat. Salt-grilled himemasu can be enjoyed year-round. During your visit to Lake Towada, don’t miss out on both the breathtaking views and the delicious himemasu dishes!

7. Lake Towada Sightseeing Boat

The "Lake Towada Sightseeing Boat" operates between Yasumiya, the central sightseeing area of Lake Towada, and Nenokuchi. Onboard, you can listen to announcements explaining the formation of Lake Towada and highlighting points of interest, all while enjoying close-up views of the lake's crystal-clear blue water. The sightseeing boat offers views of breathtaking scenery that cannot be seen from land. If you're sightseeing in Towada City, why not experience the ever-changing beauty of Lake Towada throughout the seasons on the sightseeing boat?

Towada City in Aomori Prefecture was once a barren land covered in volcanic ash. However, thanks to a development plan by Den Nitobe, the grandfather of Inazo Nitobe, the foundation for its development was laid. Towada City has since flourished through the perfect harmony between the blessings of nature and human wisdom. Today, Towada City and Hanamaki City in Iwate Prefecture, the hometown of Nitobe, are sister cities.

When you try your hand at making moss balls, feel awe at the powerful natural beauty of Lake Towada, relax your travel fatigue in the hot springs, and immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere of Towada Shrine, both your body and mind will feel refreshed. Sightseeing in Towada City will surely become an enriching experience. The unique memories and experiences you gain in Towada City will become treasures for a lifetime. We hope you enjoy your journey and create unforgettable memories in Towada City!

8. Towada Shrine

Towada Shrine is a must-visit spiritual spot when touring Towada City, known among visitors as a sacred place for bringing good fortune.

The shrine was founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, a shogun of ancient Japan, and enshrines Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. However, there is also a deep-rooted legend that a monk, who was led to Lake Towada by a pair of iron sandals and a staff bestowed by the gods, transformed into a nine-headed dragon and defeated a giant serpent. Even today, people believe in the shrine’s divine power. Considering the sacred air around Towada Shrine and the mystical beauty of Lake Towada, it's easy to understand why.

The Fortune-Telling Spot (Uraba), where the monk Nanso-bo is said to have submerged himself, is another must-see attraction. At the shrine, you can obtain a special paper called oyori-gami to use in a fortune-telling ritual: if the paper sinks, your wish will come true; if it floats and drifts away, it means your wish might not be fulfilled. Since the iron ladder to the traditional fortune-telling spot is now off-limits, you can access it by taking the sightseeing boat that stops by Towada Shrine’s Uraba or by motorboat. Another option is to toss the paper into the lake from Gozen-ga-hama beach, where the "Statue of Maidens" stands. Don’t miss this unique experience while visiting Lake Towada!

◎ Summary

Towada City in Aomori Prefecture was once a barren land covered in volcanic ash. However, thanks to a development plan by Den Nitobe, the grandfather of Inazo Nitobe, the foundation for its development was laid. Towada City has since flourished through the perfect harmony between the blessings of nature and human wisdom. Today, Towada City and Hanamaki City in Iwate Prefecture, the hometown of Nitobe, are sister cities.

When you try your hand at making moss balls, feel awe at the powerful natural beauty of Lake Towada, relax your travel fatigue in the hot springs, and immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere of Towada Shrine, both your body and mind will feel refreshed. Sightseeing in Towada City will surely become an enriching experience. The unique memories and experiences you gain in Towada City will become treasures for a lifetime. We hope you enjoy your journey and create unforgettable memories in Towada City!

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8 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Towada City! Experience the Charm of Art and Moss