Year 2025 edition! Enjoy autumn foliage viewing in the great nature of Lake Towada, Oirase Keiryu, Tsuta-numa in Aomori in autumn!

  • Aomori
  • Sightseeing
Towadako sightseeing boat image courtesy of Towada Kanko Dentetsu Co.
The summer heat has eased up, and the autumn air can be felt a little more in the mornings and evenings! Have you decided where to go this fall? In this issue, we will introduce the autumn foliage of Lake Towada, Oirase Stream, and Tsutanuma Swamp in Aomori Prefecture, which are usually at their best around October. There are many ways to enjoy the Towada area with its vast natural beauty, including Lake Towada. Please refer to them in your travels.

Lake Towada】Take a leisurely stroll along the serene shores of the lake.

Lake Towada is called "Mysterious Lake

Lake Towada is located on the border between Aomori and Akita Prefectures. At its deepest point, the lake is approximately 327 meters deep, making it the third deepest caldera lake in Japan. Caldera lakes are formed when water accumulates over a long period of time in land that has sunk due to volcanic activity. Once called Mt. Sacred Mountain, Lake Towada, where the legend of Nanzobo still remains, is shrouded in a mysterious atmosphere.
Autumn leaves of Lake Towada

The best time to see the autumn leaves at Lake Towada is from mid to late October!

The autumn foliage around Lake Towada usually peaks around mid to late October. When the peak season arrives, the surrounding mountains turn red and reflect the color on the lake, creating a beautiful, picturesque scene that is sure to thrill the senses. Check the SNS of "Towadako Sightseeing Boat" for information on the autumn foliage.
Autumn leaves of Lake Towada
X】Towadako Pleasure Boat

The best way to enjoy the lake is to take a cruise on the lake!

If you want to enjoy Lake Towada, you cannot miss the lake cruise! Take a boat trip to see the surrounding mountains and the sights of the autumn leaves from the lake. The boat cruise on the azure blue surface of the lake allows you to relax and fully enjoy the autumn foliage viewing, with dynamic views of the Ogura and Nakayama Peninsulas, including the 220-meter cliff of Senjomaku, which is a delicate and beautiful sight. There are two courses: Course A is a one-way course between Yasumiya and Nenokuchi, and Course B is a circular course starting and ending at Yasumiya. Both courses take about 50 minutes.
Towadako sightseeing boat image courtesy of Towada Kanko Dentetsu Co.

Details of Towadako sightseeing boats




Course B is a round-trip course that starts and ends at Nenokuchi.
- Course B: Ogura/Nakayama Peninsula Tour
April 25-October 15: 6 flights
October 16-November 5: 5 flights
November 6-November 17: 4 flights

●Fare
Adults 1,650 yen/person, children (elementary school students) 880 yen/person
*Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.
*Green room rates are also available.
Towadako Pleasure Boat Towadako Pleasure Boat

Oirase】Envelop yourself in the great nature of the Oirase Stream.

*The Oirase Keiryu Trail is partially closed due to the inflow of earth and sand caused by heavy rains since August 19, 2025. National Route 102, which runs parallel to the Oirase Keiryu, is open to traffic. Please check the Aomori Prefecture Tourist Information Website for the latest information. Aomori Prefecture

Information about the passable section of Oirase Keiryu Trail
Oirase Keiryu is a sightseeing spot in Aomori Prefecture that has been awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide. The 14-km section from Lake Towada's "Konokuchi" upstream to "Yakeyama" downstream has a roadway and boardwalk along the stream (as of August 25, 2025, a portion of the boardwalk is closed to traffic). The difference in elevation between the upper and lower reaches of the stream is 200 meters, but the very gentle slope allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll. The trail is dotted with moss-covered rocks and waterfalls, and visitors will be struck by the spectacular view of nature that spreads out so close that they can easily reach it by reaching out their hands.
Autumn Leaves of Oirase Stream

The best time to view the autumn leaves at Oirase Keiryu is from mid-October to early November!

In the Oirase area, the morning and evening temperatures become colder from mid-September, and the leaves begin to change color from mid-October. This cooler weather adds even more color to the autumn foliage in Oirase. The most beautiful time to view the autumn leaves is from mid-October to early November.
Autumn Leaves of Oirase Stream

The best way to enjoy Oirase Keiryu is to rent a bicycle!

If you are looking for photo-worthy spots, we recommend strolling from downstream to upstream. It is said that taking pictures from the bottom will show a more beautiful reflection toward the flow of the river. If you stroll on a sunny day, you will see beautiful scenery with the sun shining through the trees. You can also tour the area by bus or car, but we recommend renting a bicycle!

By renting a bicycle, you can take your time and fully enjoy the area without worrying about crowds or bus schedules. E-bikes (sports bike type bicycles with electric power assist), which have become a hot topic, are also available, and you can easily pedal uphill. If you want to enjoy the Oirase mountain stream at your own pace, this is the perfect option.
Strolling in Oirase during the autumn foliage season

About Oirase Keiryu Rental Bicycles

●Basic fee
E-Bike 3,000 yen for 4 hours (excluding Ishigado Rest Area), Electric bicycles 2,000 yen for 4 hours, City bicycles 1,000 yen for 4 hours
●Additional fee
Additional 300 yen for every 30 minutes of extension (applies to electric bicycles and city bicycles)

Web reservations are accepted only if use starts in the morning Web reservations are accepted only for use starting in the morning.
Please note that same-day reservations via the web are not accepted.
Oirase Keiryu Rental Cycle

Tsuta-numa Swamp】The autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the water are a spectacular sight to behold.

In Towada-Hachimantai National Park, there is a group of lakes and marshes called Tsuta Nanuma, consisting of Tsuta-numa, Kagaminuma-numa, Tsukinuma, Naganuma, Suganuma, Hyotanuma, and Akanuma. With the exception of Akanuma, which is located a little further away, there is a 3-kilometer-long "Numazu Meguri no Koji" (Swamp Touring Path) that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to hike around the six swamps. If you do not have time, we recommend hiking to Tsuta Swamp, which is about a 10-minute walk from the rest stop at the beginning of the "Swamp Tour Path.
This area has been designated as a wildlife sanctuary and is also a good spot for bird watching.
Autumn Leaves of Tsuta Marsh

Take a stroll along the "Swamp Tour Path" to Tsutanuma Swamp.

Of the six swamps, Tsuta-numa is the most recommended! The largest of the seven Tsuta swamps is about 1 km in circumference. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from mid to late October. From the deck on the water's edge, the autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of the water and are a sight to behold. If your timing is right, you will be able to hear the chirping of wild birds and spend time purifying your mind.

Please follow "Tsutanuma Rules" and have fun!

In order to prevent traffic congestion, protect the environment, and preserve the beauty of Tsuta Marsh for future generations, visitors will be required to pay a cooperation fee to enter the Tsuta Marsh Observation Deck from October 23 (Thursday) to November 3 (Monday, national holiday), 2025. During the same period from 5:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., admission is by advance reservation only. We would like to enjoy Tsutanuma and Towada-Hachimantai National Park by following these "Tsutanuma Rules" to preserve the natural beauty of the park! Please check the official website for more information before visiting.

About the Cooperation Fee

＜For early-morning visitors＞
● Visitors on foot, by bicycle, or by cab will need an admission ticket for Tsutanuma Observation Deck (2,000 yen/person).
Visitors by car or motorcycle need "Tsutanuma Observation Deck Entrance Ticket (2,000 yen/person)" and "Parking Lot Ticket (1,000-2,000 yen/vehicle).

<Daytime visitors>
●No charge for visitors on foot, by bicycle, or by cab
●Cars, motorcycles, and sightseeing buses require a "Congestion Countermeasures and Environmental Conservation Cooperation Fee (1,000-10,000 yen/vehicle)".
About the admission restriction around Tsuta-numa
The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
All images are for reference only.

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