Lake Towada — Volcanic Caldera on Akita-Aomori Border

Lake Towada (十和田湖) is a double-caldera lake straddling the Akita-Aomori border, formed by volcanic eruptions 13,000 and 5,500 years ago. At 327 meters deep, it's Japan's third-deepest lake, with steep forested cliffs rising directly from the water. The lake's remote location in Towada-Hachimantai National Park ensures pristine water quality and minimal development — only a few small villages and lakeside hotels break the wilderness.

The lake's most photographed landmark is the Statue of Maidens (乙女の像, Otome no Zo) at Yasumiya Peninsula — two bronze figures facing each other, hands touching, symbolizing eternal companionship. Created by sculptor Kotaro Takamura in 1953 in memory of his late wife (poet Chieko Takamura), the statue overlooks the lake's tranquil blue expanse. Autumn (mid-to-late October) transforms the surrounding forests into fiery red and orange, making the lake one of Tohoku's premier koyo (autumn foliage) destinations.