Mito Castle is the former residence of the Nanbu clan in northern Oshu. Today, only historical ruins and a replica castle tower remain. Admission is just JPY 220, and there are many historical artifacts on display, including real armor. Although the building is somewhat old and even a little damp, the view from the top floor is quite nice. There are very few tourists here, and the overall atmosphere is peaceful, making it a great place to explore at a leisurely pace for those who enjoy Japanese history and lesser-known attractions.
Mito Castle | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Towada Shrine
Located on Nakayama Peninsula, which juts into Lake Towada, this ancient shrine is said to have been founded in 807 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, a shogun who enshrined Prince Yamato Takeru as a warrior deity. During the Edo period, Towada Shrine was revered alongside Mount Osore as one of the two great sacred sites of the region, flourishing as a place of ascetic practice.
Towada Shrine is located on the shore of Lake Towada and is a well-known spiritual spot in the Tohoku region, famous for its "Uranai-ba," where fortunes are told. As you walk along the lakeshore toward the shrine, you are surrounded by dense forest. The atmosphere is especially peaceful and secluded, making you feel far removed from the hustle and bustle. If you're planning a day trip to Lake Towada, I highly recommend including the lake, a sightseeing boat cruise, and Towada Shrine in your itinerary. Besides enjoying the beautiful lake and mountain scenery, you can also experience the shrine's unique, mysterious atmosphere. It's well worth stopping by for a walk.
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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.
The Statue of Maidens on the shore of Lake Towada is the final work of renowned Japanese poet and sculptor Kotaro Takamura, and one of the lake's most iconic landmarks. The statues of two young women stand quietly by the lake, creating a picturesque scene with the surrounding mountains, forests, and water. We were very lucky to have beautiful weather that day and took many postcard-like photos. After seeing the Statue of Maidens, you can also stop by the shrine and take a leisurely walk while enjoying the scenery of Lake Towada. It's a very relaxing way to travel.
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Towada Lake Sightseeing Cruise
Lake Towada is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity that began roughly 200,000 years ago. Renowned as one of Aomori’s most scenic destinations, it offers breathtaking views that can be fully enjoyed from the water aboard a sightseeing cruise.
Take a sightseeing cruise across Lake Towada, one of Aomori's famous scenic destinations. The boat ride takes about 50 minutes, with beautiful views of the lake and mountains all along the way. The water is clear, and the lake is surrounded by mountains and forests. It's especially breathtaking in the fall, when the red and yellow foliage is reflected on the surface like a natural painting. There are two cruise routes, and the fare is JPY 1,650 per person. If you have enough time, you can also walk from the pier to Towada Shrine and the lakeside statue to experience the unique tranquility of Lake Towada.
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