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Winter Scenery · Tohoku

Lake Towada in Winter (Yasumiya)

Lake Towada & OiraseLake❄ Best season: Late Jan – Late Feb
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Overview

Overview

Lake Towada, on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures, turns into a quiet winter landscape when snow covers its shores. Every winter the Lake Towada Winter Story (Towadako Fuyu Monogatari) is held at Yasumiya on the lakeshore, with winter fireworks and a snow-lit food stall village.

Address
Yasumiya, Towadako-han, Okuse, Towada, Aomori
Time needed
About 2–3 hours for a lakeshore walk and the Winter Story
Official website
https://www.city.towada.lg.jp/kanko/event/fuyumonogatari.html
Official website (English) ↗
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonWinter (the 2026 Lake Towada Winter Story ran January 30 – February 23)
December
January
February

The Winter Story was closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (except holidays). Check the official announcement for the 2027 dates

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

In winter the air is exceptionally clear, and the winter fireworks rising over the snowy lakeshore stand out against the crisp night sky. The Yasumiya multipurpose square that hosts the event is lined with the Yuki Akari Yokocho food stall alley and more.

📷 Best views
Yasumiya lakeshore

Around the Winter Story venue, with views of the snowy lakeshore and winter fireworks

Hours

Opening hours

Lake Towada Winter Story (2026)Weekdays 16:00–20:30, weekends and holidays 11:00–21:00

Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (open February 11)

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission & fares

Lake Towada Winter Story admissionFree

2026 example

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Access buses to the Winter Story require reservations. Secure a seat early once your dates are set
  • ✓If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, a bus or private charter is the safer choice
Access

Getting there

From major stations & airports
  • Hachinohe Station: JR Bus Oirase-go (reservations required during the Winter Story) (About 2 hr 40 min)
  • Central Towada City: Lake Towada access bus (reservations required)
  • Towada IC: Car (About 34 km)
Driving & winter roads
In winter, the Yasumiya North parking lot costs ¥500 per 24 hours for regular cars (a 2025–26 winter pilot program, not applied during the Winter Story). Some roads toward Oirase and Hakkoda are closed in winter
Getting back
  • Buses to the lakeshore are limited in winter. Be sure to book and confirm your return bus before setting out
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest
Weekend and holiday evenings during the Winter Story (during the winter fireworks)
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for Yasumiya on Lake Towada: high -1.2°C, low -6.7°C; February: high -0.4°C, low -6.6°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
What to wear & bring
It stays below freezing even during the day. Bring a heavy down jacket, a hat, gloves, snow boots and hand warmers
☁ Tohoku weather by month
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Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Lake Towada in Winter (Yasumiya)PR

PRSee more places to stay near Lake Towada in Winter (Yasumiya) on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Tohoku

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Ginzan Onsen

Tohoku ・ Ginzan Onsen & Obanazawa

❄ Best season: Mid Dec – Early Mar

✦ Illumination
Snowy village

Ouchi-juku in Snow

Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku

❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb

Frozen waterfall & icicles

Oirase Gorge Ice Falls

Tohoku ・ Lake Towada & Oirase

❄ Best season: Late Jan – Late Feb

✦ Illumination
See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookOirase Stream & Lake Towada Private Charter from AomoriA private car with hotel pickup in Aomori City. You can plan an itinerary together, such as a route covering the Oirase Stream and Lake TowadaView