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Hachinohe

Towada and My Final Nights Away

Matthew Alfred Jones

• 24 min read
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Illuminated festival float decorated with lanterns and carvings, paraded through the streets of Kazuno at night, accompanied by musicians and participants in traditional dress.
A beautifully decorated float takes part in a traditional festival in Kazuno, Japan, with lanterns, music and community celebrations bringing the streets to life after dark.

So here we are now going towards my final few nights in Japan and as much as most people usually say it when on holiday, I really don’t want to go back home. There is so much to discover out here that I deffo want to come back and not do as much travelling as I did (like 2 days here and 5 there), but spend more time in each place this time (Basically 3-5 days min and ideally 5 days each)

View from Towada Prince Hotel across a lawn to Lake Towada, framed by trees, with calm water and distant mountains visible beneath an overcast sky.
The view from Towada Prince Hotel overlooks the tranquil waters of Lake Towada, with lakeside lawns, mature trees and distant volcanic hills creating a peaceful setting.

Time to Trade Rails for Wheels

20th August

Today was the day when I get to drive for the first time in about 3-4 weeks, luckily, they drive on the same side as us, but the speed limits are a fair bit different. In the UK we go at 30 MPH (48 KPH) on most roads in an urban area, sometime 40 MPH (64 KPH) if we are lucky. Then rural roads tend to be 60MPH (96.5 KPH) (sometime 50 MPH 80KPH)) if it is a single lane road or 70MPH (112.7 KPH) if it is a dual carriage way or motorway. Over here everything is in KPH which is quite a bit different and so are the speed limits. Usually in an urban area they tend to be either 30 KPH (18.6 MPH) or 40 KPH (24.9 MPH) if you are out in a rural area it tends to be 50 KPH (31 MPH) or 60 KPH (37.3 MPH) and 60 KPH is the National speed limit over here for roads that aren’t an express way. Express ways, which I would like to point out that I haven’t driven on, are basically the same as out motorways, except they aren’t free as they are all tolled like other places in Europe. Express ways have variable speed limits which will change depending on traffic and other road conditions (like our “smart motorways”) with a usual speed limit of either 80 KPH (50 MPH) or 100 KPH (62 MPH). The only exception to this is one or two express ways that go up to 120 KPH (74.6 MPH).

White Nissan Note hire car parked in a roadside lay-by surrounded by forest on the route to Lake Towada, photographed on an overcast day in northern Japan.
A Nissan Note hire car used to explore northern Japan, pictured during a stop on the scenic route to Lake Towada in the Tōhoku region.

The car I rented out was a nice little Nissan note E-Power which cost me £100 for 2 days. It is an electric hybrid car which was perfect for me especially with the fact that I was going up into the mountains. It has an electric motor to turn the wheels which is powered by a battery, but the battery is charged by either your wheels under regen braking or from the 1 litre petrol engine in the car. Because there was a fair bit of up and down due to hills and mountains where I was going and the general topography as well. It was good as the engine would hardly get touched half the time.

Elaborate miniature festival float on display at Hachinohe Station, decorated with figures, lanterns, flowers and traditional Japanese motifs linked to local celebrations.
A detailed festival float display at Hachinohe Station celebrates the city's cultural heritage and showcases the craftsmanship associated with the famous Hachinohe Sansha Taisai festival.
Traditional Japanese armour and colourful festival displays at Hachinohe Station, showcasing local heritage through historic replicas and decorative cultural exhibits.
Displays at Hachinohe Station highlight the region's history and traditions, featuring replica samurai armour alongside colourful exhibits linked to local festivals and cultural heritage.
View through the windscreen of a Nissan Note during heavy rain, parked at a Japanese convenience store, with water streaming across the glass and blurring the scene outside.
Waiting out a heavy downpour in a Nissan Note at a Japanese convenience store, as rain transformed the view through the windscreen into an impressionistic blur.

The place I was staying at is called Towada Prince Hotel which is a 4 star hotel literally in the middle of nowhere and on the shores of lake Towada. It was a 2-hour drive from Hachinohe Station which is where I picked the car up from.

Map showing the route from Hachinohe to Lake Towada in northern Japan, with the location of Towada Prince Hotel marked on the lakeshore.
A map of the journey from Hachinohe to Lake Towada, highlighting the location of the Towada Prince Hotel on the shores of one of northern Japan's most scenic caldera lakes.
Tourist information map of Lake Towada showing viewpoints, campsites, roads and attractions around the caldera lake on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures.
A visitor map at Lake Towada highlights key attractions, viewpoints and routes around one of northern Japan's most scenic volcanic lakes.
Panoramic view of Lake Towada with a sandy lakeshore, wooded hills and boats on the water, illuminated by sunlight breaking through dramatic clouds.
A panoramic view across Lake Towada, where sunlight breaks through the clouds to illuminate the waters of northern Japan's spectacular volcanic caldera lake.

Instead of going straight to the hotel I stopped in the small community on the shores of the lake and rented out a swan boat. Now you probably don’t know this, but Lake Towada is in the caldera of an active volcano, and it got its distinctive shape from secondary eruptions in the past and then the lava domes collapsing. The surface of the lake measures 23.6 Sq. Miles.

Towada Prince Hotel beside Lake Towada, surrounded by lawns and forested hills, beneath dark rain clouds gathering over northern Japan.
Towada Prince Hotel on the shores of Lake Towada offers a peaceful lakeside setting, surrounded by woodland and dramatic mountain scenery in northern Japan.
Twin room at Towada Prince Hotel, featuring two beds, a television, seating area, luggage and tea-making facilities overlooking Lake Towada.
My room at the Towada Prince Hotel provided a comfortable overnight stay beside Lake Towada, offering a relaxing base for exploring northern Japan.
Seating area inside a room at Towada Prince Hotel, featuring armchairs, a small table and tea-making facilities beside a large window overlooking the grounds.
A comfortable seating area in my room at the Towada Prince Hotel, offering a quiet space to relax after exploring Lake Towada and the surrounding countryside.
Rocky, tree-covered island in Lake Towada, with windswept pines growing from steep volcanic cliffs above clear blue water beneath a bright sky.
One of Lake Towada's picturesque islets rises from the waters of the caldera lake, showcasing the rugged natural beauty of northern Japan's volcanic landscape.
Sunbeams break through dramatic clouds above Lake Towada, illuminating the water and surrounding forested mountains after a passing rain shower.
Sunlight streams through the clouds over Lake Towada, creating a striking display of light and shadow across the waters of northern Japan's scenic caldera lake.
Rocky island in Lake Towada topped with windswept pine trees and small shrine structures, rising above clear water beneath a bright blue sky.
A small shrine-topped island in Lake Towada, where rugged volcanic rock formations and windswept pines create one of the lake's most distinctive landscapes.

After getting to the hotel to check in I wanted to go out to some food from a nearby town, unfortunately when I got there it was closed so I have to go even further afoot to get some food. I looked up places to go that was good within 10-20KM. Kazuno city is where I finally ended up, but there was a slight twist with me arriving there, there was a Matsuri on, a festival.

Traditional taiko drummers perform in an outdoor festival in Kazuno at night, with spectators seated behind barriers as large drums line the performance area.
An evening taiko drumming performance at a festival in Kazuno, where powerful rhythms and community celebrations draw crowds from across the region.
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The taiko drumming performance.

Illuminated festival float covered in lanterns travels through the streets of Kazuno at night, surrounded by spectators and participants in traditional festival dress.
A brightly lit festival float makes its way through the streets of Kazuno during an evening celebration, bringing together traditional music, lanterns and local culture.
Illuminated festival float decorated with lanterns and ornate carvings moves through the streets of Kazuno at night, surrounded by spectators and performers in traditional dress.
A beautifully decorated festival float parades through Kazuno after dark, with lanterns, music and traditional performances creating a vibrant celebration of local culture.

The festival is called Hanawabayashi which is a festival of light and music which takes place just after Obon. It has a history that dates back quite far to 1765. On the 16th (day after Obon) they get all the people who are considered unlucky and have a mass exorcism ceremony in front of the Shinto god of birth (which resides in a nearby shrine). A few days after this on the 19th and 20th there is a big, massive float parade from 10 districts in the town offering music to the deity. It was amazing to watch, and the music was awesome.

Illuminated festival floats decorated with lanterns and gold carvings move through the streets of Kazuno at night, guided by participants in traditional dress.
Festival floats parade through Kazuno after dark, their glowing lanterns, intricate carvings and traditional music creating a spectacular celebration of local heritage.
Lantern-lit festival float in Kazuno surrounded by participants in traditional dress, with spectators watching as the procession moves through the streets at night.
A beautifully decorated float takes part in Kazuno's night-time festival procession, with glowing lanterns, traditional costumes and music celebrating local heritage.
Illuminated festival float adorned with lanterns and ornate gold carvings moves through the streets of Kazuno at night, accompanied by drummers and participants in traditional dress.
A lantern-lit festival float passes through Kazuno during an evening celebration, with musicians, drummers and intricate craftsmanship showcasing the region's rich cultural traditions.
Lantern-lit festival float in Kazuno decorated with ornate gold carvings, surrounded by drummers and participants in traditional dress during a night-time procession.
A lavishly decorated festival float takes part in Kazuno's evening celebrations, with lanterns, traditional music and intricate craftsmanship reflecting the town's cultural heritage.
Rows of illuminated festival floats line the streets of Kazuno at night, surrounded by crowds of spectators and participants in traditional dress.
Festival floats gather in Kazuno for a spectacular evening procession, with glowing lanterns, ornate carvings and large crowds celebrating one of the region's most colourful traditions.
Rows of illuminated festival floats line the streets of Kazuno at night, with lanterns, musicians and spectators gathered for a traditional summer celebration.
Festival floats assemble in Kazuno for a spectacular evening gathering, creating a dazzling display of lanterns, music and traditional craftsmanship during one of the region's most celebrated festivals.

So on each float there was at the back 3 shamisen players, then 3 flute players in front and then 2 rows of 3 drummers, but the drummers walked as well even as the float was moving and there would be a few other people on the floats as well with fans and small metal timing cups which they used to help keep the tempo. It was amazing to watch.

As part of my Websites revamp, please see below a video of the festival, but it is 10 mins long, please bear that in mind.

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Festival floats in Kazuno, going around the square, with their dazzling display of lanterns, music and traditional craftsmanship.

When I was on the way back to my hotel and I don’t know how well you can see it, but I was in the middle of nowhere and it was awesome to be able to see hardly any light and to just see the stars.

Night sky above silhouetted trees, with stars visible between thin clouds and a faint glow on the horizon in a rural area of northern Japan.
A clear night sky over northern Japan, where stars shine above the treetops and a faint horizon glow contrasts with the surrounding darkness.

Hirosaki City

21st August

Today I decided to get up and go to Hirosaki city, I wanted to also go to Mount Iwaki-San as well, but unfortunately it was clouded over and it wouldn’t be the best idea to go up it, even though I would be via car and chairlift and then walk the rest of the way. So instead, it was time to go to the castle instead and see if it cleared up later. First off, I went to the botanical gardens there and got a combo ticket which only cost 500 yen (About £2.70). On the way though I stopped off on the way at a roadside cafe and got a nice bowl of ramen for only 700 yen. (About £4).

Information board showing a walking trail map around Lake Oirase, with route distances, viewpoints and local attractions marked, set against trees and nearby buildings.
A trail map near Lake Oirase helps visitors explore the area's scenic walking routes, viewpoints and natural attractions in northern Japan.
Roadside stop at Lake Oirase in northern Japan, with forested hills, quiet roads and dramatic summer clouds breaking to reveal patches of blue sky..
A roadside stop near Lake Oirase offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills and changing summer skies, showcasing the natural beauty of northern Japan.
View across Lake Oirase, with forested hills reflected in calm water, framed by trees and a wooden fence beneath dramatic summer clouds.
A peaceful view over Lake Oirase in northern Japan, where forested hills, still water and changing skies showcase the region's natural beauty.
Visitor making a peace sign in front of a traditional gate at Hirosaki Castle, with dark wooden architecture and tiled roofs visible in the background.
A selfie at Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture, featuring one of the historic castle gates and showcasing the rich heritage of northern Japan's former castle town.
Stone monument at Hirosaki Castle bearing Japanese inscriptions, standing beside an earthen embankment, pine trees and historic castle grounds.
A stone marker at Hirosaki Castle identifies the site of the former Tsugaru clan stronghold, one of northern Japan's best-preserved Edo-period castles.

The botanical garden has loads of different flowers and a bunch of different gardens and Japanese gardens. The first few things I came across were a forest, rock garden and a floral calendar.

Information board at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens showing a map of the rose garden and photographs of different rose varieties grown within the grounds.
A guide to the rose collection at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, highlighting the many varieties cultivated within the castle's historic parkland setting.
Large red hibiscus flowers bloom in a garden bed at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, surrounded by dense green foliage and bordered by low brick edging.
Vibrant red hibiscus flowers on display at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, part of a diverse collection of plants cultivated within the castle's historic park grounds.
Woodland path through the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, surrounded by mature trees, native plants and information signs, with sunlight filtering through the canopy.
A peaceful forest trail in the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens showcases native woodland plants and trees, offering a tranquil contrast to the nearby historic castle grounds.
Tree-lined path through the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, bordered by shrubs and mature trees, with dappled sunlight illuminating the peaceful garden landscape.
Tree-lined path through the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, bordered by shrubs and mature trees, with dappled sunlight illuminating the peaceful garden landscape.
Colourful flower bed of snapdragons in the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, featuring red, pink, yellow and white blooms bordered by low brick edging.
A vibrant display of snapdragons at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens adds a splash of colour to the park's diverse collection of ornamental plants and flowers.
Small stream winding through the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, bordered by moss-covered rocks, ferns and woodland plants beneath a canopy of mature trees.
A tranquil woodland stream in the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens creates a natural oasis among the gardens' diverse collection of plants and trees.
Close-up of a pine tree trunk at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, with several cicadas clinging to the deeply textured bark and blending into their surroundings.
Cicadas rest on the bark of a pine tree in the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, their natural camouflage making them easy to miss among the tree's rugged textures.

The next bits I came upon was a Japanese garden exhibition and rose garden. with a big pond and some fish in it. They came up to me when I was on the rocks and I had to ask them to stop being Koi with me, ba dum tiss.

Traditional Japanese garden at Hirosaki Castle, featuring stepping stones, a pond, carefully pruned trees, rock formations and a wooden pavilion beneath a clear blue sky.
A beautifully landscaped Japanese garden within the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, combining water, stone and carefully shaped trees in a classic example of traditional garden design.
Koi carp swim in a pond within a traditional Japanese garden at Hirosaki Castle, surrounded by large rocks, manicured shrubs and reflections on the water.
Colourful koi carp glide through a pond in the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, adding movement and serenity to the beautifully landscaped Japanese garden.
Koi carp swim among reflections in a pond within a traditional Japanese garden at Hirosaki Castle, surrounded by large rocks, sculpted shrubs and stone features.
A tranquil pond in the gardens of Hirosaki Castle is home to colourful koi carp, framed by carefully arranged rocks and meticulously maintained Japanese landscaping.
Traditional Japanese garden at Hirosaki Castle featuring sculpted pine trees, carefully arranged rocks, a stone lantern and sunlit greenery beneath a clear blue sky.
A tranquil corner of the Hirosaki Castle gardens showcases the artistry of Japanese landscape design, with sculpted pines, stone lanterns and carefully placed rock formations.
Traditional Japanese garden at Hirosaki Castle featuring a pond, koi carp, stone lantern, sculpted shrubs and rock formations, viewed from beneath a wooden pavilion.
Viewed from a garden pavilion, this serene landscape at Hirosaki Castle combines koi-filled ponds, carefully shaped trees and stone features in a classic example of Japanese garden design.
Colourful flower display at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, featuring pink, white and red blooms arranged in a circular stone planter on a sunny day.
A vibrant floral display at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens showcases a variety of seasonal blooms, adding colour to the gardens surrounding the historic castle grounds.
Red roses bloom in a rose garden at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, with neatly arranged flower beds and green foliage illuminated by bright sunshine.
Red roses add vibrant colour to the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, where a wide variety of rose cultivars are grown within the historic castle grounds.

After this I headed to the rest house there and then carried onward to then cherry blossom garden (which aren’t in blooming season any more) and the aquatic plant garden as well. I even saw the lawn mower too for the open lawn area where families can sit down and have a picnic.

Pink lotus flowers and broad green leaves fill a pond at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, surrounded by trees and garden features on a bright summer day.
A lotus pond in the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens showcases one of Japan's most iconic plants, with elegant pink blooms rising above the lush green leaves.
Large lotus pond at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, filled with broad green leaves and scattered pink blooms beneath a bright blue summer sky.
A vast lotus pond at the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens creates a striking display of lush green leaves and delicate pink flowers within the historic castle grounds.
Tall conifer tree standing on a lawn within the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, surrounded by mature trees and historic gardens beneath a bright blue sky.
A striking conifer rises above the landscaped grounds of Hirosaki Castle, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the historic park and botanical gardens.
Robotic lawn mower parked beneath a painted wooden shelter in the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, with artwork depicting Mount Iwaki on the front panel.
A robotic lawn mower rests beneath a decorative shelter in the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Gardens, where practical technology is blended with artwork inspired by nearby Mount Iwaki.

Next it was time to go to the castle and have a look around, not that there wasn’t loads there, but one of the things that was fascinating was they actually had to move one of the keeps due to the wall it was on was bulging out and they was worried that it was going to collapse and take the castle with it. They are now working on the wall and repairing it.

Red wooden bridge at Hirosaki Castle crossing a moat, with trees and landscaped grounds beyond, beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
A striking red bridge spans the moat at Hirosaki Castle, providing a colourful focal point within the historic castle grounds and surrounding parkland.
Hirosaki Castle keep in Aomori Prefecture, featuring white walls and dark tiled roofs, surrounded by lawns and trees beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
The elegant keep of Hirosaki Castle stands at the heart of one of Japan's best-preserved castle grounds, reflecting the history of the Tsugaru clan and northern Japan.
Information board inside Hirosaki Castle explaining the Heisei-era repairs to the castle's stone walls and keep, with photographs and text in Japanese and English.
An exhibition at Hirosaki Castle explains the major restoration work undertaken during the Heisei period, including repairs to the stone walls and relocation of the castle keep.
Information board at Hirosaki Castle showing historical photographs, a site map and details of restoration work, explaining the relocation of the castle keep.
An information panel at Hirosaki Castle explains the restoration of the stone walls and the temporary relocation of the castle keep during major conservation work.
Scale model of Hirosaki Castle and its surrounding palace complex, showing defensive walls, gates, buildings and streets within the historic castle grounds.
A detailed scale model of Hirosaki Castle illustrates the layout of the castle complex and surrounding buildings during its period as the seat of the Tsugaru clan.
View from Hirosaki Castle across a pond and treetops towards Mount Iwaki, with dramatic clouds gathering above the mountain beneath a bright summer sky.
Looking towards Mount Iwaki from the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, where the distinctive volcanic peak forms a dramatic backdrop to one of northern Japan's most historic landscapes.

Now it was time to finally go back to looking at if I could go up Mt Iwaki-San which unfortunately still had a cloud covering the top so instead I went to get something to eat from somewhere I saw on the way in, and it looked nice as it said Steak and Hamburger.

Cow-themed serving robot in a Japanese family restaurant, with trays for carrying food and a digital display, standing beside booths and wooden furnishings.
A cow-themed robot server delivers meals in a Japanese family restaurant, showcasing the growing use of automation and technology in everyday dining.
Japanese steak meal served on a sizzling hot plate with rice, vegetables and sauce, accompanied by soup, juice and condiments in a family restaurant.
A hearty Japanese steak set meal featuring grilled beef, rice, vegetables and soup, enjoyed during a stop in northern Japan.
Mixed salad with lotus root slices, red cabbage, lettuce and carrot, served in a glass bowl with creamy dressing at a Japanese family restaurant.
A fresh salad featuring lotus root and seasonal vegetables, served as part of a Japanese set meal in northern Japan.
Restaurant menu at Steak Miya showing a combination meal with steak, hamburger steak, vegetables, soup, salad, bread and rice, alongside an English menu QR code.
A menu display at Steak Miya highlights a combination meal featuring steak and hamburger steak, accompanied by soup, salad and other side dishes.

After this lovely meal which was about 4000-5000 yen (about £20-£25) cheaper than the cheapest meal back at the hotel, I decided to head back and because it was still light, I thought it would be a good idea to head up to one of the highest observation points near the hotel. This was both a good idea and a mistake.

View over Lake Towada from a forested hillside, with the calm waters of the caldera lake stretching into the distance beneath misty clouds and fading evening light.
A tranquil view across Lake Towada from a high viewpoint, where mist, forested slopes and soft evening light create a dramatic scene over northern Japan's largest caldera lake.
View of Lake Towada from a wooded hillside lookout, with mist hanging over the water, a small island in the centre and soft evening clouds glowing above the horizon.
A serene view across Lake Towada from a forest-fringed lookout, where low cloud, hazy waters and softly lit evening skies create an atmospheric scene above northern Japan's famous caldera lake.
Person standing at a lakeside viewpoint above Lake Towada, with misty water, forested shores and orange sunset clouds visible beyond the railing in northern Japan.
A scenic viewpoint overlooking Lake Towada at sunset, where calm waters, drifting mist and glowing clouds create a peaceful panorama framed by the forests of northern Japan.
Person standing at a viewpoint above Lake Towada, making a peace sign as sunset clouds glow orange over the misty lake and forested shoreline in northern Japan.
A spectacular sunset view over Lake Towada from a mountain lookout, where glowing clouds, drifting mist and the expansive caldera waters create a memorable evening scene in northern Japan.

It was a good idea because of the stunning view over the lake, but a bad idea because of the cloud that was constantly on my doorstep, and my rental car doesn’t have fog lights. "Oh dear" or something similar was my thought train when I tried to drive back through it later. The two photo's of me were taken by a Japanese couple who used to live nearby and currently live in Bristol, UK and have lived there for about 7 years. It's a small world after all.

Quiet forest road disappearing into thick evening mist near Lake Towada, with damp asphalt, dense trees and fading daylight creating an atmospheric mountain landscape.
A mist-shrouded road winds through dense woodland near Lake Towada, where drifting evening fog softens the landscape and creates an atmospheric scene in northern Japan's volcanic highlands.

There was also a nice little thing about how the lake was formed which I ran through google translate and then took screenshots of, so they are ready below for you browsing and perusal.

Illustrated information board showing the early stages of Towada Volcano, with a diagram of an erupting mountain and text explaining its formation around 200,000 years ago.
An interpretive display illustrates the early formation of Towada Volcano, showing how volcanic activity and layers of ash and rock gradually built the mountain that would later shape the Lake Towada caldera.
Educational display showing a volcanic eruption diagram and text explaining a major eruption of Towada Volcano about 30,000 years ago that led to caldera collapse.
An interpretive diagram illustrates a major eruptive phase of Towada Volcano around 30,000 years ago, when violent explosions and collapsing ground helped begin the formation of the vast caldera now occupied by Lake Towada.
Educational diagram showing a caldera after volcanic collapse, with text explaining how eruptions and subsidence eventually formed a lake resembling present-day Lake Towada.
An interpretive illustration shows the final stages of Lake Towada's formation, where repeated eruptions and ground subsidence created a large caldera that gradually filled with water to form the lake seen today.
Educational display showing renewed volcanic activity inside the Towada caldera about 10,000 years ago, with a diagram of a central cone forming within the collapsed basin.
An interpretive diagram illustrates renewed volcanic activity at Lake Towada around 10,000 years ago, when eruptions within the caldera formed a smaller central stratovolcano that further shaped the landscape seen today.
Educational display showing an explosive eruption from the central cone of Towada Volcano about 4,000 years ago, with ash and pumice blasted into the air above the caldera.
An interpretive illustration depicts a powerful eruption within the Towada caldera around 4,000 years ago, when explosive activity released large quantities of ash and pumice and further reshaped the volcano's central cone.
Educational display showing the final formation of Lake Towada, with water filling a depression left by volcanic activity to create the caldera lake seen today.
An interpretive illustration shows the final stage in the evolution of the Towada caldera, where water filled a volcanic depression created by earlier eruptions, forming the crater lake that became present-day Lake Towada.
Educational display showing the final stage of Lake Towada's development, with a caldera lake formed by rising water levels, erosion and the gradual shaping of the shoreline.
An interpretive illustration shows the final shaping of modern Lake Towada, where rising water levels, shoreline erosion and natural drainage gradually created the caldera lake and surrounding landscape seen today.
Educational display showing the formation of a small volcanic dome near the Ogura Peninsula about 2,000 years ago, representing a late stage in Lake Towada's evolution.
An interpretive illustration depicts one of the most recent stages in Lake Towada's geological development, showing the formation of a small volcanic dome near the Ogura Peninsula around 2,000 years ago within the ancient caldera.

Finally, when I got back to the hotel, it was time for a dip in the open air onsen. This was more like a traditional one that I heard about where it is just a partition between men and women, and it has a fantastic view out of some of the surrounding area. Yes, the area is also cordoned off so no one can accidentally stumble upon you while you are bathing in the onsen.

Time to Start Heading Back to Tokyo

22nd August

For this day I had a bit of a cunning plan as I wanted to go and see and island out back in Hachinohe city, so I got up early, had breakfast, a quick dip in the onsen, which was lovely and refreshing in the morning, got in the car and then started making my way back. It took me a while to get back to Hachinohe, but I finally arrived at Kabushima island which only about 1-1.5 hour before I had to hand in the car in.

Interior of the Towada Prince Hotel restaurant, featuring exposed timber beams, hanging lights, dining tables and large windows overlooking Lake Towada.
The restaurant at Towada Prince Hotel combines timber architecture, warm lighting and panoramic lake views, providing an inviting setting for guests dining beside the shores of Lake Towada.
Japanese appetiser course at Towada Prince Hotel, featuring grilled fish, roe, seaweed, vegetables and assorted side dishes arranged on a tray with elegant tableware.
A beautifully presented selection of Japanese appetisers is served at the Towada Prince Hotel restaurant, showcasing seasonal ingredients and regional flavours in an elegant lakeside dining setting.
View from the Towada Prince Hotel restaurant across a green lakeside lawn, with trees framing the calm waters of Lake Towada and distant hills beyond.
A tranquil lakeside view from the Towada Prince Hotel restaurant, where expansive lawns, mature trees and the calm waters of Lake Towada create a peaceful dining backdrop in northern Japan.
Panoramic view from a pier on Lake Towada, with calm water reflecting forested mountains, light mist above the shoreline and clear blue skies overhead.
A peaceful morning view from a lakeside pier on Lake Towada, where mirror-like waters reflect the surrounding mountains and drifting mist beneath clear blue skies in northern Japan.
View across Lake Towada framed by lakeside trees, with calm reflective water, low cloud over the distant shoreline and bright morning sunshine above the caldera lake.
A breathtaking view across Lake Towada on a clear morning, where still waters mirror the surrounding forests and a band of low cloud drifts above the lake's distinctive peninsulas and islands.
Wooden boardwalk leading to a pier on Lake Towada, with calm blue water, forested mountains, a sightseeing boat and clear skies on a bright summer day.
A lakeside boardwalk leads towards the waters of Lake Towada, where forested hills, a floating pier and sightseeing boats create a picturesque scene beneath clear summer skies in northern Japan.
Calm waters of Lake Towada reflecting low cloud and blue sky, with the silhouette of Nakayama Peninsula visible across the lake beneath the bright morning sun.
A tranquil morning scene on Lake Towada, where low cloud drifts across the distant shoreline and the lake's glass-like surface reflects the bright summer sun and the silhouette of Nakayama Peninsula.

Finally, it’s time to get to Kabushima. Kabushima is a small little island by itself out just literally off the coast. It has its own shrine on it and is famous for black tailed gulls as well. It is connected to the mainland by a small dock.

Metal sign for Kabunya at Kabushima Marketplace, featuring Japanese and English text alongside a seagull logo in blue, white and yellow.
A sign for Kabunya at Kabushima Marketplace welcomes visitors to one of Hachinohe's coastal attractions, where local products, souvenirs and regional specialities are available near the famous black-tailed gull colony of Kabushima.
Large red torii gate and stone lanterns at the entrance to Kabushima Shrine, with visitors climbing a long staircase towards the hilltop shrine under clear blue skies.
The striking vermilion torii gate of Kabushima Shrine rises above a long staircase on Kabushima Island, welcoming visitors to one of Hachinohe's most iconic coastal landmarks overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Small wooden shrine at Kabushima Shrine, flanked by stone lanterns and fox statues, with coastal views and greenery surrounding the sacred site in Hachinohe.
A small auxiliary shrine stands within the grounds of Kabushima Shrine, where traditional wooden architecture, stone lanterns and fox guardian statues overlook the Pacific coast from Hachinohe's sacred island headland.
Main hall of Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe, featuring ornate wooden architecture, curved rooflines and an open courtyard beneath a clear blue summer sky.
Kabushima Shrine stands prominently on a coastal headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where elegant timber architecture, sweeping rooflines and centuries of maritime tradition make it one of Hachinohe's most recognisable sacred sites.
Visitor wearing a straw hat and sunglasses stands beneath a red torii gate at Kabushima Shrine, with sacred shimenawa rope, pine branches and shrine buildings behind.
A visitor poses beneath a vermilion torii gate at Kabushima Shrine, where traditional Shinto architecture, sacred ropes and coastal scenery combine at one of Hachinohe's most distinctive cultural landmarks.
View from Kabushima overlooking rocky coastline and the Pacific Ocean, with grassy cliffs, breakwaters, coastal buildings and clear blue skies stretching across Hachinohe Bay.
A panoramic view from Kabushima Shrine overlooks the rugged Pacific coastline of Hachinohe, where rocky outcrops, sheltered bays and expansive ocean views highlight the dramatic scenery of northern Japan's Sanriku Coast.

Once I arrived about 3-4 hours later at my new hotel in Tokyo which is my last night here, I went out to a familiar restaurant in Asakusa nearby that does Okonomiyaki. This was my Third time here and it didn’t disappoint. I got a three in one as I couldn’t decide which one to get this time.

Sign for Far East Village Hotel Asakusa beside a Tokyo street, featuring gold lettering on a black background with landscaped greenery in front.
Far East Village Hotel Asakusa provides a convenient base for exploring Tokyo's historic Asakusa district, placing guests within easy reach of famous temples, traditional streets and vibrant local culture.
Okonomiyaki cooking on a hot teppan grill, with batter, cabbage and fillings being prepared by a chef in an open kitchen at a Japanese restaurant.
A chef prepares okonomiyaki on a teppan grill, where layers of batter, cabbage and fillings are cooked fresh to order in one of Japan's most popular savoury comfort dishes.
Okonomiyaki on a teppan grill topped with bonito flakes, sliced spring onions, mayonnaise and cod roe sauce, freshly cooked at a Japanese restaurant.
A freshly prepared okonomiyaki sits on the teppan grill, topped with bonito flakes, spring onions, mayonnaise and spicy cod roe sauce, showcasing a flavourful twist on one of Japan's most beloved savoury dishes.

What was Meant to be My Final Day

23rd August

After going and getting some last-minute gifts the night before and going to get my personalised chopsticks from the Tokyo sky tree today, I could not have predicted what would happen.

I got up early and double checked that everything was packed and I had my boarding pass ready and waiting on my phone as well. So, I went out to the Tokyo sky tree again to get my own personalised chopsticks that have my name on them (one in English and other in Katakana which is Japanese phonetics). I also went to the Senso-Ji temple and Asakusa Shrine. Where I met this Australian couple who had come from Melbourne.

Crowds gather in front of Hōzōmon Gate at Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, with its large red lantern, ornate architecture and busy temple precinct on a sunny day.
Visitors gather beneath the impressive Hōzōmon Gate at Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, where vibrant vermilion architecture, giant lanterns and centuries of history make it one of Tokyo's most iconic cultural landmarks.
Visitors gather beneath the giant red Kaminarimon lantern at Sensō-ji Temple, surrounded by ornate vermilion columns and traditional architectural details in Asakusa.
The iconic Kaminarimon lantern hangs at the entrance to Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, where intricate vermilion architecture, historic inscriptions and bustling crowds welcome visitors to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple.
The giant red Kaminarimon lantern hangs beneath vermilion temple gates at Sensō-ji in Asakusa, with visitors passing beneath and temple buildings visible beyond.
The famous Kaminarimon lantern dominates the entrance to Sensō-ji Temple, where towering vermilion columns, intricate woodwork and constant streams of visitors create one of Tokyo's most recognisable cultural scenes.
Stone torii gate at Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo, with shrine buildings, trees and visitors visible beyond the entrance under a partly cloudy summer sky.
The stone torii gate of Asakusa Shrine marks the entrance to one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines, where centuries of history, traditional architecture and peaceful grounds sit alongside the bustling Sensō-ji temple complex.
Temizuya water purification pavilion at Asakusa Shrine, featuring a red wooden structure, stone water basin and decorative dragon fountains beneath leafy trees.
A traditional temizuya purification pavilion stands within the grounds of Asakusa Shrine, where visitors perform a symbolic cleansing ritual before worship beneath the shade of mature trees in central Tokyo.
Five-storey pagoda at Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, framed by temple buildings and visitors beneath bright blue skies and towering white summer clouds.
The five-storey pagoda of Sensō-ji Temple rises above the Asakusa skyline, where elegant vermilion architecture, golden finials and centuries of Buddhist heritage create one of Tokyo's most iconic historic landmarks.

After this I picked up my luggage from the hotel and started making my way back towards the station so I could get the train to Narita airport. I had to scan my passport to get my ticket as it was a special cheaper price for foreigners which was the same thing I had to do when I arrived.

Station sign for Narita Airport Terminal 1 on the Narita Sky Access Line, displaying Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean text inside the airport rail station.
A station sign marks Narita Airport Terminal 1 on the Narita Sky Access Line, a major gateway for international travellers arriving in and departing from Japan through Tokyo's busiest international airport.

I got to Narita and headed to the check in desk, and everything was going great until they asked me if I had my passport. Well let’s just say this was not a fun situation to be in and to say that I did not stress out a bit would be an understatement. After confirming I didn’t have it after unpacking my bag about 3 times, I headed back to the train terminal as I thought I might have left it on the train and thankfully the staff were all really helpful. Good news they managed to find my passport, bad news it was back in Tokyo, and I wouldn’t be able to get it in time for my flight.

To cut a long story short. I was able to get a flight the following day, but I had to do it through different airline as both booking.com and Etihad was being very useless and kept on trying to get me backwards and forwards between them. 2 morals of this mini adventure are 1. always check that you have your passport on you every 5 mins (quoted from my dad) and 2. always take an emergency travel credit card with you as you never know what will arise.

I went via Cathay on the way back home, managed to get a picture of Mount Fuji from the plane and stopped off at Hong Kong Airport on the way back to transit there. Got some rammen while at the airport and did some blog work.

View of Mount Fuji from an airplane above the clouds, with the mountain's distinctive cone-shaped silhouette visible beneath an aircraft wing high over Japan.
Mount Fuji rises above a vast blanket of clouds as seen from an aircraft window, where Japan's highest peak casts a striking silhouette across the landscape, creating one of the country's most memorable aerial views.
Bowl of tonkotsu ramen with chashu pork, seasoned egg and spring onions at Bari-Uma in Hong Kong International Airport, served with edamame and a can of Coca-Cola.
A comforting bowl of tonkotsu ramen is served at Hong Kong International Airport, where rich pork broth, tender chashu pork, seasoned egg and fresh noodles provide a satisfying meal before departure.
Traveller wearing a straw hat and glasses works on a travel blog using a tablet and keyboard at Hong Kong International Airport, while waiting near the departure gates.
Working on a travel blog during a stop at Hong Kong International Airport, a traveller updates their latest journey notes while waiting at the departure gate, making the most of time between flights.

When I eventually got back after a 12.5-hour plane journey I was greeted by my parents, including my mum. Let’s just say as soon as I saw here like in the photo below, I turned around and started walking the other way :D

Person standing in an airport arrivals hall with arms outstretched, waiting to welcome a returning traveller home amid the bright, modern terminal surroundings.
A warm welcome awaits at the arrivals hall as a family member greets a returning traveller, bringing a memorable journey through Japan to a happy conclusion back home.

After getting home, it was time to reset my countdown calendar to when I wanted to next go to Japan.

Custom whiteboard countdown to Japan featuring a torii gate, Japanese flag and travel-themed illustrations, showing the final stages of preparation before a trip.
A personalised countdown board marks the anticipation leading up to a long-awaited journey to Japan, serving as a daily reminder of the adventure ahead and the excitement of travel planning.