Towada-Hachimantai National Park

One of the best sightseeing places in Iwate-ken is Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The Towada-Hachimantai National Park, at the Northern tip of Honshu, is divided into two separate sections. The Northern Section includes the area around Lake Towada, while the southern section consists of the Hachimantai Plateau, with Mounts Iwate, Nyuto and Koma. The Natural beauty of these regions, with their magnificent forests, crystal clear lakes and volcanic cones is still largely untouched.

Lake Towada is the largest caldera lake in Honshu island of Japan. Located on the border betwwen Aomori and Akita prefectures, it lies 400 meters above sea level and is 327 meters in depth. With a surface area of 62.2km squared, Towada is Japan`s 12th largest lake. This lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.

Towada lake is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano and as a result is surrounded by small mountaions. These mountains make for some great overhead shots of the lake, but there are also trails that go around the entire lake if your up for some hiking. While the lake is beautiful be sure not to miss out on Oirase stream.

The Oirase Stream is a beautiful stream and just can`t be missed. Starting from Towadako the stream runs for about 10km and is easy accessibleby car. During the autumn months, Oirase Stream comes alive with visitors who come to view its beautiful foloages. This is also the time

when the area can be congested with visitors. However, if you start the day early, you`ll be one of the early birds to catch the amazing scenery Oirase straem has to offer.

The southern section of Towada-Hachimantai Park consisted of the Hachimantai Plateau, with views of Iwate, Nyuto and Koma Mountains. Hachimantai is a plateau-like volcanic terrace, 1,400-1,600 meters above sea level, extending over Iwate Prefecture and Akita Prefecture in the west, and is a part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. A swamp near the top of Hachimantai is a treasure trove of over 160 kinds of alpine and swamp plants, and visitors can enjoy the mizubasho (Japanese skunk cabbage) and nikko-kisuge (yellow alpine lilies) in full bloom from spring through autumn. The beech forest also contains the radiant emerald green Hachiman-numa Marsh as well as Gama-numa Marsh and Kagami-numa Marsh.

If traveling to the Tohoku region of Japan the Towada-Hachimantai National Park is a site that truly can` be missed.