Local Guide
Check out the seasonal temperatures and clothing for Towada and Oirase Keiryu!

Located on the border with Akita Prefecture, the Towada City/Oirase Keiryu area is home to magnificent and unspoiled nature, including Lake Towada and the Oirase Keiryu mountain stream. In the center of the city, the Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art is the center of attention for its artistic community development.

Cool temperatures prevail throughout the year in the Oirase Keiryu area of Towada City. Spring comes late and fall comes early. Compared to the average monthly temperature in Tokyo, the temperature is about 5°C to 7°C lower. The temperature is even lower in the national park area, including Lake Towada, which is located 400 m above sea level, and the Oirase Keiryu mountain stream, which is covered with dense virgin forest.
The urban area to the east of Mt. Hakkoda has a Pacific Ocean climate, with less snowfall than other areas in Aomori Prefecture. However, the area from around Lake Towada to Mt. Hakkoda has a Sea of Japan climate, which results in heavy snowfall. Every year, snow accumulates to the extent that some national highways are closed during the winter, so it is necessary to dress for the snow.

Annual temperature in Towada

Cherry blossom trees along Kanchogaidori
Cherry blossom trees along Kanchogaidori

The average temperature in March is 1.7℃. The average temperature in March is 1.7°C, which is lower than the lowest average temperature in midwinter in Tokyo, and it is bitterly cold. The Hakkoda-Towadako Gold Line, a national highway that had been closed during the winter, opens to traffic in early April, revealing a 7-meter snow corridor.
From late April to G.W., the 156 cherry trees along the Kanchogaidori Avenue, selected as one of the "100 best roads in Japan," are at their best. Although there are days when the maximum temperature exceeds 20°C, the average minimum temperature is around 1°C. It is very cold, and a heavy coat or scarf is necessary at night.
In May, the average maximum temperature rises to 13.1℃. However, in national parks such as Oirase Keiryu, snow remains until mid-May, and grass and trees finally begin to sprout in late May. If you enjoy trekking or other activities, prepare a jacket to block the wind, such as a windbreaker over a heavy inner layer.

Oirase mountain stream
Oirase mountain stream

Summer in the Oirase Keiryu area of Towada City is crowded with tourists enjoying forest walks and lake activities. Average summer temperatures are 16.9°C in June, 21.4°C in July, and 23.0°C in August. These figures are 5°C lower than the average temperatures in Tokyo.
During this time of year, temperatures plummet when the cold, moist northeasterly "Yamase" winds arrive from the Sea of Okhotsk air mass. It is recommended to always have a thick jacket such as a parka. When the Yamase occurs, it tends to create dense fog, so be careful when driving.
In years when the Yamase does not occur, average maximum temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F) from July until after the Bon Festival in August. During the day, it is hot enough to make you sweat even in short sleeves, but at night it cools down, so be prepared with a cardigan. When walking along the Oirase Keiryu, be careful of bees and ticks, and wear long sleeves and long pants even on hot and humid days.

Canoeing on Lake Towada in the autumn leaves
Canoeing on Lake Towada in the autumn leaves

In September, the average temperature is 19.0℃, and the weather quickly turns autumnal. Lake Towada and the Oirase Keiryu Stream, which are famous for their autumn foliage, are decorated with autumn colors from mid-October to early November. The city center is also visited by many tourists enjoying the arts, and the city enters its busiest tourist season throughout the year.
The average temperature in October is 12.3°C, and 6.5°C in November, around 6°C lower than in Tokyo. The morning and evening temperatures are also severely cold, and rise and fall greatly depending on the weather. It is especially cold on rainy days, so be sure to take warm clothing when going out to the Oirase Keiryu, where the weather can change easily. Wear a fleece or down jacket and long pants.
In early November, when the first snow falls at Lake Towada and the Oirase Keiryu, direct buses from Aomori and Hachinohe Stations are suspended until spring, and the Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line is closed in mid-November. The long winter begins.
(During the winter, local buses are scheduled to operate extra services on weekends.)

Ice Fall in Oirase Keiryu
Ice Fall in Oirase Keiryu

The cold weather is severe, with an average temperature of 0.5°C in December, -2.7°C in January, -1.9°C in February, and a minimum average temperature of -7.5°C in January, the coldest month of the year.
In the central part of the city, where there is little snow, you can spend your time wearing a heavy coat, scarf, gloves, and body warmer, which is similar to winter clothes in Tokyo. However, when you visit Lake Towada or Oirase, where the snow is deep, you should wear snow boots and snow wear to protect yourself from the cold and snow.
Winter is also a special time to visit Towadako and Oirase Keiryu, which are quiet with few tourists, and one of Aomori Prefecture's most popular events, "Towadako Winter Story," held for about three weeks in February, featuring winter fireworks, 6,000 snow lamps, ice monuments, and other attractions. In addition, the Oirase mountain stream offers beautiful scenery such as tundra and icefalls that can only be seen in the extreme cold of nature.

The heat of Nebuta is 365 days a year! Aomori's theme park-like inn

In addition to the fantastically scenic
In addition to the fantastically scenic "floating hot spring" (photo), visitors can enjoy a variety of hot springs, including the refreshingly fragrant "hibayu" hot spring.

Approximately 40 minutes from Hachinohe Station by free shuttle bus. Aomoriya is a hot spring hotel where you can fully enjoy Aomori's festivals, dialect, and other cultural aspects. Every part of the hotel is decorated with festival decorations, making just walking around the building exciting. Every night, a musical show of Aomori's four major festivals is held. Visitors can enjoy Aomori's unique culture through activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides through the park, which stretches over an area of approximately 220,000 tsubo, and "Ukiyu," a hot spring that soothes visitors with its high quality spring water.

Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya by Hoshino Resorts

An inn where you can enjoy the beauty of nature all year round: fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and ice falls

French Restaurant
French Restaurant "Sonore". Enjoy a special time on the terrace overlooking the mountain stream.

A resort hotel located along Oirase Keiryu Hotel by Hoshino Resorts, which runs through Towada-Hachimantai National Park. With a Restaurant overlooking the mountain stream, hot springs, and Guest rooms, guests can fully enjoy a stay in a place where they can experience the beauty of nature. The hotel also offers seasonal activities such as "Moss Walk" and "Ice Fall Light-up Tour," so you can enjoy the nature of the national park throughout the year. Nature guides who are well versed in the surrounding nature will guide you to the most beautiful scenery of the season, such as fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowy landscapes.

Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel by Hoshino Resorts

Relax in a bathtub of Aomori hiba (cypress) and be overwhelmed by the sound of Tsugaru shamisen.

At Tsugaru Shiki no Mizuniwa, you can spend a cool moment in a hot spring bath while taking a swing at Tsugaru's traditional crafts.
At Tsugaru Shiki no Mizuniwa, you can spend a cool moment in a hot spring bath while taking a swing at Tsugaru's traditional crafts.

KAI Tsugaru is a hot spring ryokan located in Owani Hot spring ryokan, an area with a history of about 800 years, about 10 minutes by train from Hirosaki. Guests can soak themselves in the soft, soothing water of the Aomori hiba (cypress) hot spring baths and enjoy the view of the seasonal gardens from the large windows. The meals are KAI Local Flavors, featuring Aomori's abundant seafood from the mountains and the sea. In spring, enjoy hanami crab, in summer abalones, and in fall and winter, tuna from Oma, and other sumptuous dishes. All Guest rooms are "Tsugaru Kogin-no-Ma" with traditional crafts. Guests can spend a relaxing time in a modern Japanese-style space.
In front of the mural "Shunju Habor" by the master of Japanese painting, Matazo Kayama, a national champion Tsugaru shamisen player and his trained Staff/staff members perform live every night. Please enjoy the powerful sound that shakes the air.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.