十和田八幡平国立公園
Towada Lake and Oirase River valley
Tohoku area, Northern Honshu, Japan
The Tohoku region consists of the northeastern portion of Honshu, the largest island of Japan.
The region consists of six prefectures, including Akita. Tohoku retains a reputation as a remote
region, offering breathtaking scenery but a severe climate. In the 20th century, tourism became
a major industry in the Tohoku region.
(L) A white birch at Hachimantai (R) Matsuo-Hachimantai Station
Kazuno-Hanawa railway station: A snow-removing vehicle is at the station yard.
Chonenji Temple at Hanawa, Kazuno City, Akita
(L) This shows a historic belfry and a huge amount of snow, which was accumulated at Chonenji Temple.
(M) A 400-year-old giant ginkgo tree at Hanawa district, Kazuno City
(R) Sakiwai-Inari shrine at Hanawa, Kazuno City, Akita: All above pictures were taken in March 2013.
(L) Oyu stone-circle at Kazuno (R) A grove of apple trees in Akita Prefecture: October 2013
Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Towada-Hachimantai National Park is a national park comprising two separate areas. It is located in Aomori, Iwate,
and Akita Prefectures, Japan. The Towada-Hakkoda area encompasses Lake Towada, Mount Hakkoda, and most of
the Oirase River valley.
Lake Towada is the largest crater lake in Honshu island, Japan. It is located at the border between Aomori and
Akita prefectures. It lies 400 meters above sea level and is 327m depth, and is drained by the Oirase River.
Towada is Japan's 12th largest lake, with a surface area of 61 square kilometer.
Its bright blue color is due to its great depth. The lake is roughly circular, with two peninsulas extending from
its southern shore approximately one-third into the center on the lake.
(L) A guide map shows Towada Lake and the surrounding area. (R) Towada Lake that is viewed from the southern point.
Towada Lake that is viewed from the southern point: This picture, with my family and Vista-Cruiser made by GM, was taken in October 1987 .
Towada Lake and stature:
Yasumiya is one of the busiest quarters in the area around Lake Towada. The Bronze Status of Maidens standing
on Gozengahara Bearch as a symbol of Lake Towada is the sculpture created by well-known artist Takamura Kotaro.
There is a promenade that enables tourists to stroll along the shore enjoying the views over the lake, while observing
wild plants growing in the surrounding forest.
The Towada Shinto Shrine near the lake-shoe of Towada Lake
Towada Shinto shrine area is designated as a smokefree area.
(L) A primeval forest in the shrine sector (M) A stairway to the shrine (R) How to pray toward the Shinto Shrine; its details
Towada Shinto Shrine
The west lake-shoe of Lake Towada
Oirase Stream is a picturesque mountain stream in Aomori Prefecture that is one of Japan's most famous and
popular autumn colors destinations. The stream flows along the floor of the Oirase Gorge, winding among trees
which, while a lush green in spring and summer, turn brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange from late October
through early November. Over a dozen waterfalls cascade down into the stream from the walls of the gorge.
Choushi-Ohtaki
Oirase Stream Valley
Oirase Stream Valley and a guide map
(L) An easy-to-walk hiking trail leads along the most scenic, upper passage of the stream.(M) Furou-no-Taki (R) Kumoi-no-Taki
(L) The lower starting point of the Oirase stream walk (R) Tuta-Onsen ryokan founded 1909.
(L) Tuta-Onsen (M) A delicious salt-grilled ayu (R) Jikoku-Ike
Tsuta means an ivy. Onsen means a hotspring.
Ayu means a sweet fish.
Jigoku means a hell. Ike means a pond. The maximum temperature of the pond is in temperature of 90C.
城ヶ倉大橋 The Shirogakura Bridge spans the Shirogasaki River Valley on the road between Kouroishi and Hakkouda,
is of the 360-meter long and 122 meter above the river, one of the highest in Japan.
(L) The autumn color viewed from the bridge (R) A rainbow appeared on the heap of colored leaves after a shower is over.
The autumn color around the Shirogasaki River Valley viewed from the bridge.
(L) An information board of Shirogakura Bridge. It completed in October 1995. The autumn color viewed from the bridge is marvelous.
(M) Smoking is prohibited on the bridge.
(R) Shirogasaki River Valley
Yuze-Onsen (hotspring)
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A shinkansen super-express trains to Tohoku, Japan
Shinkansen Super-Komach
All non-smoking Tokyo-Aomori bullet train 'Hayabusa' debuted in March 2011.
JR-East Max. speed: 320KM/H
All non-smoking Tokyo-Akita bullet train 'Super-Komachi' debuted in March 2013.
JR-East, Max. speed: 320KM/H
十和田湖、奥入瀬渓谷
執筆 医学博士 宮本順伯
★This Web site is link-free.
The photograph was taken and the article was written in March, revised in October 2013,
by Junhaku Miyamoto, M.D., PhD.
