W10B's Reviews Page 19/20

Lake Towada

Lake Towada spans over Towada City, Aomori and Kosaka Town of Kazuno county, Akita. The volcanic activities of Mt. Towada, which began almost 200,000 years ago, has created the caldera lake. The 12th largest lake in Japan, the 3rd in depth, it is designated as Japan's Area of Special Scenic Beauty and a natural monument along with the Oirase Gorge stemming from the lake.

• Aomori
• Akita
• Nature Spots

Statue of Maidens

A pair of bronze statues standing on the lakeshore of Yasumiya at Lake Towada. Built in 1953 to mark the 15th anniversary of Lake Towada’s designation as a national park, the statues honor three key figures who helped introduce Lake Towada and Oirase to a wider audience and contributed to the national park designation: writer Keigetsu Omachi, then Aomori Governor Chiyosaburo Takeda, and local village mayor Koichi Ogasawara. Created by sculptor and poet Kotaro Takamura, it’s also known as his final work.

• Aomori
• Tourist Attractions

Oirase Stream

Oirase Stream, a renowned tourist attraction awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide, stretches approximately 14 kilometers from the shores of Lake Towada at Nenokuchi to Yakeyama. It's a national Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, celebrated for its waterfalls, clear streams, giant rocks, and steep cliffs.

• Aomori
• Nature Spots

Resort Shirakami

A sightseeing train that runs from Akita Station to Hirosaki Station and Aomori Station via the JR Gonō Line. From the windows, you can enjoy spectacular views of Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and the Sea of Japan. Since its debut in 1997, it has continued to captivate many visitors. Three train sets are in service: Buna, Aoike, and Kumagera. The green Buna train is inspired by the primeval beech forests of Shirakami-Sanchi.

• Aomori
• Akita
• Trains & Subway

Lake Juniko (Aoike / Blue Pond)

In the west Part of Shirakami Sanchi (Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage site, a group of 33 lakes are nestled in the beech forest. They are said to have been made by an avalanche due to a huge earthquake. The name came from the view from the top of the mountain which shows only 12 lakes / ponds.

• Aomori
• Nature Spots

Oga Aquarium GAO

Along the west coast of Oga Peninsula, there is an aquarium where you can meet fish in the sea of Oga and other popular ocean creatures.

• Akita
• Zoos & Aquariums

Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum・Namahage Museum

”Oga no Namahage" is a traditional event of the Oga Peninsula, designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural property and registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. On the evening of New Year's Eve, people say, "Any lazy people out there? Any crybaby out there?" and walk from house to house to warn people of their misdeeds.

• Akita
• Museums

Oga Onsen Village

This hot spring village is located in the northern part of the Oga Peninsula. It is said that Sakagami Tamuramaro, a Seii Taishogun (Barbarian-subduing Generalissimo,) discovered the hot spring during his expedition to the east, and the feudal lord of Akita also visited this historic hot spring resort during the Edo period (1603-1868).

• Akita
• Famous Places

Ani Gondola

Mt. Moriyoshi, also known locally as "Mt. Akita" and popular as a ski resort in winter. The Ani Gondola takes only 20 minutes to the 1,167-meter-high summit station, making it easy for anyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountain.

• Akita
• Ropeway

Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo (Akita Inland Railway)

This railway literally goes across Akita’s inland, connecting almost 94.2km between Takanosu and Kakunodate Stations. The route is along Japan’s traditional local scenery and its beauty puts smiles on locals and tourists. Thus, the name “Smile Rail” for this popular railroad.

• Akita
• Trains & Subway