Towada Lake Water Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlights are underwater fireworks reflected on the lake, set-piece fireworks lighting up the night sky, and balloon lanterns floating over the lake.

A night cruise also operates, offering views of the lights from the lake and a different perspective on Lake Towada at night than from shore.

During the day, restaurants and food stalls line the Ichinomiya Fair. The stage at Mannaka Hiroba features singing, folk tale storytelling, acoustic performances, belly dancing, yosakoi dancing, and more.

Source: 第61回 十和田湖 湖水まつり2026｜十和田湖・休屋で開催

A day enjoying lights across the lake and night sky from the lakeside

What to expect

In 2026, the Ichinomiya Fair began at 11 a.m., followed by performer stage shows at Mannaka Hiroba from 3 p.m.

Balloon lantern pickup and the message-writing area opened at 5:30 p.m., and boarding for the night cruise began at 8 p.m. At 8:15 p.m., the lanterns were released and the cruise departed.

Message fireworks were set off at 8:30 p.m., followed by lake fireworks at 8:45 p.m.; the event was scheduled to end at 9 p.m.

Poster displays, limited-edition goshuin, and a hidden Dragon God hunt were also held around the venue.

How to take part

In 2026, visitors could stroll around the venue and watch the Ichinomiya Fair, lake fireworks, and balloon lanterns without a paid ticket.

A paid ticket is required to take part in launching a balloon lantern or to board the night cruise.

Strolling around the venue, visiting the fair, and watching the lake fireworks and balloon lanterns do not require a ticket.

To take part in launching a balloon lantern or board the night cruise, purchase a paid ticket.

Ticket sales end when the planned allocation is reached. If tickets sell out in advance, none will be available on the day.

Check participation details

Location and access

Venue and address

Around Lake Towada and Yasumiya / Yasumiya, Towadako, Okuse, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture 486

Train and bus

Approximately 3 hours by JR Bus Tohoku’s Mizuumi-go service from JR Aomori Station to Lake Towada

By car

Approximately 30 km from Kosaka IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Parking

Yasumiya North Parking Lot and Yasumiya South Parking Lot; approximately 1000 spaces; 500 yen per use. A temporary parking lot is planned for 2026.

Address Yasumiya, Towadako, Okuse, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture 486

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

June 13, 2026 (Saturday), 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

In severe weather, the event was scheduled to be postponed to June 14 (Sunday).

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

In 2026, traffic on nearby roads and parking lots was expected to become congested from around midday as people arrived for the fireworks and lanterns, with particularly heavy congestion expected from 4–5 p.m. onward.

There are no trash bins at the venue. Please take your trash home with you.

The event proceeds in light rain, but all programs are canceled in the event of strong winds, heavy rain, or an official weather warning.

Nearby attractions

Nearby are Lake Towada, Towada Lake Lakeside Hotel, and the Towada Lake Tourism Exchange Center “Platt.”

The festival’s venue guide includes the lakeside route toward Towada Shrine within the Yasumiya area, and lists activities such as poster displays and limited-edition goshuin.

Museums and art museumsTowada City

十和田市現代美術館

青森県十和田市にある美術館

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

Photo and data sources×

写真：Angaurits / CC0(resized and reformatted)

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Towada Lake Water Festival

The event is presented as a celebration of the lake’s beauty through nature conservation and responsible use, marking 90 years since Lake Towada was designated a national park.

Information for the 61st event is available, documenting the festival’s establishment year and changes in its number of editions.

Rather than emphasizing detailed historical origins, the event highlights the present-day significance of using the national park’s natural setting to host activities by the lakeside throughout the day and night.

Official information

公式サイト：第61回 十和田湖 湖水まつり2026｜十和田湖・休屋で開催↗

問い合わせ：十和田湖観光交流センター「ぷらっと」 0176-75-1531

Towada Lake Water Festival at a Glance

The Towada Lake Water Festival takes place along the lakeshore at Yasumiya, with activities that continue from daytime fairs and stage shows to balloon lanterns, a night cruise, and fireworks after dark.

In 2026, the event was held on June 13, with a postponement to the following day planned in severe weather.

Some viewing was available without a ticket, while launching a lantern and taking the cruise required paid tickets.