Towada, Oirase, HakkodaTowada-Hachimantai National Park
- MOE
- National Parks of Japan
- Towada-Hachimantai National Park
- Towada, Oirase, Hakkoda
- Recommended courses
- Lake Towada, Oirase, Hakkoda Mountains Course
Lake Towada, Oirase, Hakkoda Mountains Course
Course Outline
Hakkoda, Towada, and Oirase, all formed through volcanic activity, are mountainous national parks. The many sights of these parks are across a wide area, and persons wishing to see them all should tour by automobile.
Lake Towada is circled by a road (closed on the north side in winter). The ridges of the outer rim mountains have several viewpoints, offering complete views of the lake that change dramatically from each vantage point. From Lake Towada, pass the Oirase stream and move onward to Hakkoda Mountains. Enjoy the attractions along the way, including strolls through the marshes and a ride on the ropeway to the mountain heights. A stop at a secluded hot spring is also recommended.
Highlights
Lake Towada as seen from the Ohanabeyama Viewpoint
The road around Lake Towada, which is about 50 km, offers a pleasant lakeside drive. Viewpoints are located on the ridges of the outer rim on Mt. Ohanabe, at Takinosawa Pass on the northern side, at Hakka Pass and Kankodai on the southern side. Campgrounds are situated on the lakeside at Utarube, Oide, and Takinosawa.
A drive through a tunnel of forest trees
Walking or cycling on the paths adjacent to the road is good for visiting to Oirase stream. However, traveling by car on National Route 102, which is called the Towada Road, is also recommended. You can drive through tunnels of trees with different color in each season.
The view from Suirennuma Pond in spring
The route from Oirase passes by Tsuta Onsen, along the southern foot of Hakkoda Mountains, to Sukayu. Another route passes from the northern foot of Hakkoda Mountains, through Gudarinuma Pond and Tashirotai Marshland to Sukayu. Both routes offer exciting views of the grand landscapes of Hakkoda Mountains. From April to May each year, the section on the Hakkoda Gold Line from Yachi Onsen to Sukayu offers a drive through a snow corridor that reaches up to five meters high.
Course Map
