Welcome to Towada: A Hidden Gem in Northern Japan
This is a Japan Rural Travel Guide for Hello to all of you planning your 109th trip to Japan!
If you glance at a map of Japan, you might notice that the area just below Hokkaido looks a bit like a samurai helmet.
Right where the crest would be, you’ll find Aomori Prefecture.
At the heart of Aomori lies Lake Towada — a beautiful, round crater lake that could easily pass as the decorative crest on that helmet.
And nearby, you’ll discover Towada City, named after the very lake that defines the region.
The lake’s waters flow into Oirase Gorge, one of Japan’s most scenic natural spots — drawing tourists from all over the world.
But here’s the real question: how many of those visitors actually stop and explore Towada City itself?
In this guide, we’ll shine a spotlight on Towada — a peaceful, creative, and often overlooked destination that deserves a place on your Japan itinerary.
How to Get to Towada and Travel Tips
Towada doesn’t have a train station, but it’s still easy to access with a little planning.
From Tokyo or Aomori: Getting to Towada
From Tokyo:
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Hachinohe Station (about 3 hours), then transfer to a bus bound for Towada City (about 1 hour).
🚙 Want more freedom? Rent a car from Hachinohe Station — the drive to Towada takes just about 1 hour.
From Aomori City
There are no direct buses to Towada City, but you can reach Oirase Gorge by bus in about 3 hours.
🚗 If you rent a car at Aomori Station, the drive to Towada takes about 1.5 hours.
Taste Towada: A Guide to the Local Bara-Yaki Dish
One of the best ways to connect with a region’s culture is through its food.
In Towada, that means trying Bara-Yaki — a sizzling, savory beef-and-onion dish that locals absolutely love.
What is Bara-Yaki?
Bara-Yaki is made with thin slices of beef rib (called bara in Japanese), lots of onions, and a sweet-savory soy-based sauce.
Everything is grilled on a hot iron plate until juicy, caramelized, and mouthwateringly fragrant.
It’s hearty, delicious, and meant to be shared — usually with rice (and maybe a cold beer 🍺).
Where to Try Towada’s Signature Dish
For Japan Beginners
Oirase Brewery & Restaurant: Operated by Oirase Brewery (est. 1997), this Western-style spot offers both local craft beer and a delicious Bara-Yaki dish.
Perfect for travelers who might feel intimidated by traditional eateries but still want to try regional food in a relaxed setting.
For Japan Experts
Want a more authentic, hands-on experience?
Visit Daisho-en, a well-known local favorite where you can grill the meat yourself at your table.
Many restaurants in Towada have their own take on Bara-Yaki, so if you’re a food lover, try more than one!
Walk the Oirase Gorge: Japan’s Most Scenic Forest Trail in Towada
Just a short drive or bus ride from downtown Towada lies Oirase Gorge (Oirase Keiryu) — a fairytale-like forest trail straight out of a Ghibli movie.
A clear mountain stream flows gently through a mossy, green forest scattered with waterfalls.
You’ll hear birdsong, rustling leaves, and the soothing sound of running water.
It’s the perfect place for a quiet walk, a relaxing picnic, or simply to unplug and breathe.
How to Get to Oirase Gorge
The journey begins at Yakeyama, the entrance to the gorge.
🚌 Direct buses are available from major stations, Aomori Station or Hachinohe Station, but note that reservations are required if departing from Hachinohe Station.
Here’s a quick travel guide:
- From Aomori Station: ~2 hours | ¥2,650
- From Hachinohe Station: ~1 hr 30 min | ¥2,270
- From Towada City: ~50 min | ¥1,250
Walking vs. Bus: Which Is Better?
You can walk all or part of the trail, or use a local bus that stops at scenic spots.
The walking time between each stop is 30–60 minutes.
Plan your route based on your pace and interests!
🧭 For details, check out the Towada Lake National Park Association website.
Towada and Art: A City Where Creativity Lives Outdoors
What sets Towada apart from other rural towns? Its passion for modern art — and not just in galleries.
Outdoor Sculptures You Can Touch and Explore
Downtown Towada is filled with quirky, colorful sculptures you can walk around, touch, and even climb on.
Look out for mirrors, oversized animals, and interactive art on sidewalks and corners.
Towada Art Center: A Must-See Museum
At the center of town is the Towada Art Center, a sleek, glass-walled museum showcasing works by top artists like Yayoi Kusama and Ron Mueck.
Many installations extend outdoors, so you can enjoy high-quality art even without stepping inside.
🎟️ The museum is small but full of surprises — from immersive rooms to giant, photogenic sculptures.
📸 Pro tip: This might just be one of the most Instagrammable towns in all of Tohoku.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Add Towada to Your Northern Japan Itinerary
Towada is the kind of place that quietly amazes you.
It’s not crowded. It’s not flashy. But it has soul.
Here, you’ll enjoy a sizzling meal rooted in local tradition.
Stroll through a dreamlike forest gorge.
And stumble upon world-class art in the most unexpected places.
So whether this is your 109th trip to Japan — or your very first —
step off the beaten path and into the heart of Aomori.
Towada is waiting for you.