Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Towada (十和田市, Towada-shi) is a city in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 October 2025, the city had an estimated population of 56,766 in 28222 households, and a population density of 78 persons per km2 The total area of the city is 725.65 square kilometers (280.18 sq mi).Towada is home to the national and prefectural agencies that administer the Kamikita region, and is the central city of the region. In October 2012, the city signed an agreement with nine surrounding municipalities to improve the living environment, and has a cooperative relationship with Misawa City, which has an airport and a U.S. Air Force base.
Within Aomori Prefecture (Tohoku region), Towada (十和田市) serves as a city in aomori prefecture. Travelers exploring Aomori often combine a stop in Towada with regional highlights such as Hirosaki Castle cherry blossoms, Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge, Shirakami-Sanchi UNESCO beech forest, Nebuta Matsuri floats, and Tsugaru Strait coastal scenery.
| Fact | Details for Towada (十和田市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 十和田市 (Towada) |
| Administrative Status | City in Aomori Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Aomori Prefecture (Capital: Aomori) |
| Region of Japan | Tohoku |
| Population | 66,834 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 688.60 km² · 97.1 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 2005-01-01 |
| Coordinates | 40.6128°N, 141.2058°E |
Getting to Towada & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Shin-Aomori Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) & Aomori Airport (AOJ)): 3h 20m from Tokyo Station on theJR Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa to Shin-Aomori or Hachinohe.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Aomori Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Aomori with Towada. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Aomori have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Towada en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Towada are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Aomori can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Towada & Aomori
Towada shares the culinary traditions of Aomori Prefecture and the wider Tohoku region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Aomori apples & apple pie — a signature specialty across Aomori Prefecture.
- Nokke-don (customizable seafood rice bowl) — a signature specialty across Aomori Prefecture.
- Igamenchi (minced squid patties) — a signature specialty across Aomori Prefecture.
- Senbei-jiru (cracker soup) — a signature specialty across Aomori Prefecture.
- Mutsu Bay scallops — a signature specialty across Aomori Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Towada.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Early August for the Aomori Nebuta & Hirosaki Neputa festivals; late April for Hirosaki Castle's 2,600 cherry trees; late October for Oirase Gorge autumn leaves.
Regional highlights across Aomori Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Towada include: Hirosaki Castle cherry blossoms, Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge, Shirakami-Sanchi UNESCO beech forest, Nebuta Matsuri floats, and Tsugaru Strait coastal scenery.
Practical Travel Tips for Towada
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Towada (or at Shin-Aomori Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) & Aomori Airport (AOJ)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Towada accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Towada (十和田市) located in Japan?
Towada (十和田市) is a city located in Aomori Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan (coordinates: 40.6128°N, 141.2058°E). It has a population of approximately 66,834 across an area of 688.60 km².
How do I get to Towada by train?
Most visitors reach Towada via the main prefectural gateway of Shin-Aomori Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) & Aomori Airport (AOJ). 3h 20m from Tokyo Station on theJR Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa to Shin-Aomori or Hachinohe. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Towada. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Towada and Aomori known for?
In Towada and across Aomori Prefecture, top local dishes include Aomori apples & apple pie, Nokke-don (customizable seafood rice bowl), Igamenchi (minced squid patties), as well as Senbei-jiru (cracker soup) and Mutsu Bay scallops. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Towada?
Early August for the Aomori Nebuta & Hirosaki Neputa festivals; late April for Hirosaki Castle's 2,600 cherry trees; late October for Oirase Gorge autumn leaves. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: