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Straddling the border between Akita and Aomori prefectures is Towadako, one of Honshu’s most scenic lakes, and hugely popular with local visitors during the turning leaf ‘koyo’ season from mid-October, when the beech and maple-clad hillsides of the Oirase Valley turn to spectacular shades of gold and crimson.
The area is replete with atmospheric inns offering traditional fare and natural hot spring bathing. A little to the north the town of Hirosaki boasts a cosmopolitan ambience belying its location, with a splendid summer festival, a fine castle and samurai district.
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Start planning your tailor-made trip to Towadako & Hirosaki by contacting one of our Japan specialists
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Suggested itinerary featuring Towadako & Hirosaki
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Towadako & Hirosaki, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Towadako & Hirosaki
- Nyuto Onsen 80 kilometers away
- Tazawako 87 kilometers away
- Kakunodate 103 kilometers away
- Hakodate 148 kilometers away
- Tohoku 168 kilometers away
- Dewa-sanzan 228 kilometers away
- Matsushima 240 kilometers away
- Sapporo 290 kilometers away
- Hokkaido 371 kilometers away
- Asahidake 391 kilometers away
- Sounkyo 401 kilometers away
- Kushiro 404 kilometers away
- Akan-ko National Park 426 kilometers away
- Nikko 430 kilometers away
- Noto Peninsula 453 kilometers away
- Yudanaka 468 kilometers away
Photos of Towadako & Hirosaki
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![Choushi Ootaki Waterfall at Oirase Gorge]()
Choushi Ootaki Waterfall at Oirase Gorge -
![Oirase Gorge]()
Oirase Gorge -
![Exploring Lake Towada and the Oirase River, Towadako]()
Exploring Lake Towada and the Oirase River, Towadako -
![Dusk, Lake Towada]()
Dusk, Lake Towada -
![Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada]()
Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada -
![Lake Towada]()
Lake Towada -
![Towadako, Japan]()
Towadako, Japan -
![View over Lake Towada]()
View over Lake Towada
Our expert guides to exploring Towadako & Hirosaki
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Towadako & Hirosaki, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Towadako & Hirosaki at its best.
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Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond ![Cherry Blossom in Kyoto]()
Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Each Japanese season brings a raft of distinct experiences, from spring’s cherry blossom to winter’s snow crab delicacies. Japan specialist Laura shares the highlights of each time of year to help you decide when to visit Japan.
Read this guide
