30 minutes by car from downtown Kosaka, Lake Towada is the centerpiece of the Towada/Hachimantai National Park. It is a double caldera lake formed by the collapse of Towada Volcano. It has a circumference of 44 kilometres, a depth of 327 metres, and a water transparency of 12 meters. Lake Towada is the third deepest lake in Japan. In the mountains surrounding the lake, one can clearly see distinct mineral layers in the earth documenting the region's volcanic activity. When seen reflected in the lake, spring's cherry blossoms, summer's greens, autumn's colours, and winter's whites take on a new meaning.

On the lake's west side is Kosaka's Okawatai area, the less touristy, more natural shore of the lake. Here, one can find the Wainai Shrine, dedicated to Wainai Sadayuki, the man who successfully transplanted Himemasu trout into the lake. Towada Furusato Center, a general use hall, holds a restaurant and introductory videos about the national park. The beautiful green lawns surrounding the center and the walking paths on the lakeshore provide ample space to pass a relaxing afternoon. You will hear the Juon no Kane ("gift of the trees clock") chime the hour.

East, on the Aomori side of the lake, is Yasumiya, where one can find the tour boat dock, the bus station, busy souvenir shops and hotels. The famous Otome no Zo bronze statue by Takamura Kotaro that has become a symbol of Lake Towada is here. From the statue one can take either a short path or a one hour nature trail to the Towada Shrine. In the winter, you can rent snowshoes from the visitor's center here.

Further east around the lake near Nenokuchi, the Oirase River leaves Lake Towada on its way to the Pacific Ocean. The fourteen kilometres of ever-changing waters fascinate all visitors. Bicycle rental is avaliable. Whether seen from the road or the footpath, the gushing waters of the river, plentiful waterfalls, and oak, beech, and maple forests, put on a first class show.