61st Towada Lake Water Festival to be Held on Saturday, June 13, 2026

The Towada Lake Water Festival Executive Committee (Secretariat: General Incorporated Association Towada Okuse Tourism Organization) has decided to hold the 61st Towada Lake Water Festival on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

■ A Deliberate Choice for a "One-Day Event" at a Historical Juncture

The Towada-Hakkoda region, designated as a National Park on February 1, 1936, celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.

The "Towada Lake Water Festival," traditionally held over two days in the Towada Lakeside Rest House (休屋) within the region, faced extremely difficult challenges in securing operating funds due to rising prices and labor shortages, leading to consideration of "cancellation" at one point. However, with the pride of having continued for 60 events despite natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, and a strong desire to celebrate this important "90th anniversary" milestone as a region, the executive committee deliberated and decided to condense the event into a single day this year.

■ "Succession and Generational Change" Led by New Executive Committee Chairman, Mr. Shimoyama

Starting this year, to review the event and pass the baton to the next generation, Mr. Masakazu Shimoyama (Marutetsu LLC) has been appointed as the new chairman. Mr. Shimoyama, who runs a restaurant on the shores of Lake Towada, grew up immersed in the festival's excitement since childhood and expressed his desire "not to let the pride of his hometown fade."

He stated, "Although there are strong voices urging cancellation, I was concerned that once it stops, it would be extremely difficult to revive. As times change, the content and form of the festival may evolve. However, I am determined to ensure that the name 'Towada Lake Water Festival' is never lost."

■ Passing on the Beauty of Towada Lake to the Next Generation

The Towada-Hakkoda region, possessing landscape elements such as volcanoes, a caldera lake, primeval forests, and ravines within its vast area, was designated as one of Japan's representative natural scenic sites as a National Park in 1936. Later, the Hachimantai region was also added to the park area, and it became known as the "Towada-Hachimantai National Park." Towada Lake, a double caldera lake, is recognized for its outstanding prominence due to its remarkable and distinctive volcanic topography and serene beauty. Since its designation as a park, Towada Lake and its surroundings have been enjoyed by many visitors for natural exploration, driving, sightseeing cruises, and hot spring bathing.

Ninety years after its designation as a National Park, we aim for many people to appreciate the unchanged yet easily accessible beauty of Towada Lake, preserved and utilized through careful conservation efforts. To this end, the 2026 Towada Lake Water Festival will be held on Saturday, June 13th. In this important year, as we connect the beauty of Lake Towada, protected by our predecessors, to the next 100 years, the Towada Lake Water Festival Executive Committee is diligently preparing for this event. Detailed information, including event content and applications for paid services, will be released sequentially from April onwards.

We apologize for the imposition during your busy schedule, but we kindly request your coverage and introduction of this event.

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Event Overview
Event Name
61st Towada Lake Water Festival

Date
Saturday, June 13, 2026
*May be postponed or canceled due to adverse weather conditions.

Venue
Towada Lakeside Rest House (休屋)

Organizer
Towada Lake Water Festival Executive Committee

Contact
Secretariat of the Towada Lake Water Festival Executive Committee
(Inside Towada Lake Tourism Exchange Center "Plat" Tel: 0176-75-1531)

Keywords: Lanterns, Fireworks, Sightseeing Boat, Cruise, Akita, Aomori, Night View, National Park, Community Development, Gourmet