Encounter Wild Nature of Towada-Hachimantai
Surrounded by the Bounty of the Great Outdoors among greenery and volcanoes
Tsutanuma Season of flowersMinistry of Environment
Towada-Hachimantai National Park, which spans Aomori, Akita, and Iwate Prefectures, is comprised of the Towada-Hakkoda region, with Mt. Hakkoda, Lake Towada, and Oirase Gorge, and the Hachimantai region, with the Hachiman Plateau, Mt. Akita-Komagatake, and Mt. Iwate.
One of the best things about this national park is that you can fully enjoy the abundant nature and ecosystems here, including majestic mountains, beautiful lake scenery, multiple hot springs, and heavy snow in winter.
Tamagawa Hot Springs (Onsen)Ministry of Environment
You can see the history of geological formations and beautiful landscapes formed by volcanic activity here as the entire area falls within the Nasu volcanic belt in the Ou Mountains.
Lake Towada, boasting a particularly mystical beauty, and Oirase Gorge, formed from the flow of water from Lake Towada, are both designated as special places of national beauty and as natural monuments, and the area is known as one of Japan’s most scenic spots.
Natural Forest of BeechMinistry of Environment
Nearby, a natural beech tree grove spreads out before you. Spring greenery, autumn colors, and other seasonal changes attract visitors. Uncultivated and untouched, nature has been left as it is in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, located deep in the mountains.
You can’t help but sense the power of this hallowed natural setting when surrounded by mountains, lakes, and mountain streams.
The fresh green TsutanumaMinistry of Environment
Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge: One of Japan’s most scenic spots, formed by volcanoes
Lake Towada is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity that began around 200,00 years ago. The still surface of the water and the lush greenery surrounding the lake produce a truly primeval landscape.
Mt. Ohanobe ObservatoryMinistry of Environment
You can enjoy the changing of the seasons with the mountain cherry blossoms and fresh greenery from spring to summer, sparkling golden leaves in autumn, and splash ice formed when strong wind in winter causes the splash from waves on the lake’s surface to freeze.
You can also encounter a sea of clouds that covers the lake area early in the morning in early summer. You can see the entire lake from the observation deck on the outer rim of the caldera, the recommended lookout point. From there, you can look down at the rare, magical scenery.
The Ashura StreamMinistry of Environment
Along with Lake Towada, U-shaped Oirase Gorge, formed when Lake Towada burst, was designated a special place of national beauty and a natural monument as one of Japan’s most scenic spots. The stream’s waters are beautiful, and feature moss-covered rocks, many waterfalls, and larges trees covering the banks.
The Ashura StreamMinistry of Environment
There is a path along the stream that continues for 14 km from Nenokuchi on the shores of Lake Towada to Mt. Yakeyama, and it is a treat to casually enjoy a stroll here. As you walk along the stream, your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful moss covering the rocks.
With a steady supply of water from Lake Towada and with little sunlight penetrating the forest that covers the banks, the Oirase mountain stream features a suitable environment for moss and ferns and was chosen as a precious forest for moss in Japan.
Water lily marsh to Hakkouda Autumn leavesMinistry of Environment
The natural forests covering the park and abundant ecosystem
Expansive forests spread out from the foot of Mt. Hakkoda. This includes the Maries' firs which cover the mountain and the Japanese horse-chestnuts, katsura trees, and painted maples that make up the deciduous broad-leaved forests along the Oirase mountain stream.
The primeval beech forests that cover the Shirakami-Sanchi world heritage site are also famous. Within the forest are the Seven Marshes of Tsuta, as well as the nearby Numameguri no Komichi Course walking path. You can see the beautiful scenes of the changing seasonal nature reflected in the surface of the transparent waters.
Mt. HakkodaMinistry of Environment
Untouched by humans for quite some time, these natural forests are home to Asian black bears, as well as Japanese serows, and other large mammals. Rare species of reptiles and birds also inhabit these forests, including the forest green tree frog, the Japanese black salamander, golden eagles and the mountain hawk-eagle.
One could say that the diverse creatures here play the leading roles in these forests.
Mt. Yake-Yama (Akita-Yake-Yama)Ministry of Environment
Many activities to experience the allure of the seasonal nature
In recent years, many tourists have visited throughout the year, seeking the abundant unspoiled nature. You can take part in many activities while among nature, including hiking and mountain climbing in summer, snowshoeing and skiing in winter, and kayaking on the water.
Nature observation meetings and nature programs are held based on the characteristics of the area, and recently, a kind of nature tour known as “rambling” has been introduced. Rambling refers to leisurely walking, and you can casually view and observe moss and ferns while walking along the path with your guide.
Hakkōda in Winter, Rime on treesMinistry of Environment
Skiing in Hakkoda is especially popular among tourists from overseas. Mt. Hakkoda is also known as a place to view “snow monsters”, or trees covered with frost, and ski and snowshoe tours are offered to enjoy these snowy trees.
The trees become covered in frost when the they are sprayed with water vapor, cooled to 5℃ or lower, and frozen water droplets. Some are more than 3 meters, or nearly 10 feet, tall. This powerful landscape is a sight worth seeing and can only be seen here in one of Japan’s leading areas of heavy snowfall.
Mt. Iwate Summer sceneryMinistry of Environment
The Mt. Hachimantai region is one of the greatest volcanic regions in Japan. Designated as a special national natural monument, the Yakehashiri lava flow was created when lava spewed from an eruption at Mt. Iwate and cooled and hardened as it flowed down the mountain slope.
The desolate landscape in this area of black lava rocks spreads out like a fan, about 3 km long and 1 km wide at its widest point, and you can get a sense of the incredible energy of mother nature while walking over the scattered rocks.
OoyunumaMinistry of Environment
A Culture of Hot Spring Healing Deeply-rooted in People’s Lives
The many high-quality hot springs and historical places of hot spring healing dotted about the area, a blessing of being a volcanic area, are another great part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
Tamagawa Hot Springs (Onsen)Ministry of Environment
There is a culture of hot spring healing that has existed for more than 300 years in the Tohoku region of Japan, and originally, it seems that feudal lords and other high-ranking people visited hot springs to treat illnesses.
Later, hot springs spread widely as places for farmers to rest their tired bodies from work in the fields. Nowadays, many people visit these hot springs from around the globe, seeking the historic waters.
Goshogake Hot Spring, ExteriorMinistry of Environment
The Gosho-gake Hot Spring, located inside the park, is a historical place of hot spring healing, located in the valley along the eastern foothills of Mt. Yakeyama in Akita Prefecture in the Hachiman Plateau.
This is one of the few places of hot spring healing where ondol rooms, which were accepted long-term stays for guests who come here for healing, remain. Currently, it is mainly an inn, but it also offers services to guests and a geothermal bathing (ondol) experience as part of a day trip plan. Despite the changes of the times, it continues to pass on its history as a plase of hot spring healing to the next generation.
Sukayu Hot SpringMinistry of Environment
Sukayu Hot Spring, located on Mt. Hakkoda, was the first hot spring to be designated as a hot spring health resort in Japan, and its large, mixed gender bath, called Hiba Sen-nin Furo, or “1,000-person cypress bath”, is quite famous.
OobukeMinistry of Environment
As this region receives the heaviest snowfall in all of Japan, they use the cold temperatures to produce a type of preserved tofu called shimi-dofu year-round. Having the tofu naturally freeze in the harsh -10℃ environment allows flavors to soak into the tofu easier, making it the perfect type of tofu for sukiyaki and soups.
Mt. IwateMinistry of Environment
The plentiful hot springs and the culture of hot spring healing have continued as an essential part of life for the people here. Immerse yourself in the exquisite hot spring waters and relax your body and soul among the great outdoors when visiting Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
Text: Renna Hata
Edit: Saori Hayashida
Production: Skyrocket Corporation
The content and titles are those at the time of the interview (2024).
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.