Towada Lake, Towada
About the Lake Towada Camera
This camera looks over Lake Towada, which straddles the boundary between Aomori and Akita in northern Honshu. It is a caldera lake, formed in the collapse following volcanic eruptions, and it is one of the deepest lakes in Japan at over 300 metres.
The depth explains its behaviour. Lake Towada does not freeze over in winter despite the severity of the climate here — there is simply too much water to lose its heat. The colour is exceptional for the same reason: great depth and very little sediment inflow give it a dark blue that changes markedly with the light.
The surrounding forest carries the seasons. Autumn colour through the Oirase gorge, which drains the lake to the northeast, is among the best known in Tohoku and usually peaks from mid to late October. Winter brings heavy snow to the rim, and the area is quiet outside the main seasons.
Highlights & Nearby
- •Watch for: the colour of the water, weather crossing the caldera, seasonal colour on the rim
- •Nearby: Oirase Gorge, Towada Shrine, Hakkoda mountains, Aomori
- •Note: autumn colour usually peaks mid to late October; the lake does not freeze in winter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lake Towada camera live?
Yes. Lake Towada on the Aomori and Akita border streams live 24 hours a day.
What can I see on this camera?
The lake and the colour of its water, weather moving across the caldera, and seasonal colour on the surrounding slopes.
How deep is Lake Towada?
Over 300 metres, making it one of the deepest lakes in Japan. It is a caldera lake formed by collapse after volcanic eruptions.
Does the lake freeze in winter?
No. Despite the severe winters in this region, the lake is too deep to lose enough heat to freeze over.