The Lake Towada Lake Festival Executive Committee (Secretariat: Towada Oirase Tourism Organization) has decided to hold the 61st Lake Towada Lake Festival on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
A Deliberate Choice for a "One-Day Event" at a Historical Milestone The Towada-Hachimantai region, which was designated as a national park on February 1, 1936, celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.
The Lake Towada Lake Festival, which has traditionally been held over two days at Yasumiya on the shores of Lake Towada, faced extreme difficulties in securing operating funds due to rising prices and labor shortages, leading to discussions about a potential cancellation. However, driven by the pride of having continued the event for 60 years—even through disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic—and a desire to celebrate this important 90th-anniversary milestone with the community, the executive committee held repeated discussions and decided to condense the festival into a one-day event this year.
"Generational Change" and "Succession" Under New Executive Committee Chairman, Mr. Shimoyama Starting this year, Mr. Masakazu Shimoyama (Marutetsu LLC) has been appointed as the new chairman to oversee the event's restructuring and pass the baton to the next generation. Mr. Shimoyama, who operates a restaurant on the shores of Lake Towada, grew up experiencing the excitement of the festival and expressed his desire to ensure that the pride of his hometown does not fade away.
"There were stern voices suggesting we should cancel, but I was concerned that once we stop, it would be extremely difficult to revive it. While the content and form of the festival may change with the times, I have a strong desire to ensure that the name 'Lake Towada Lake Festival' does not disappear," he said.
Passing the Beauty of Lake Towada to the Next Generation In 1936, the Towada-Hachimantai region, which features landscape elements such as volcanoes, caldera lakes, primeval natural forests, and gorges within its vast area, was designated as a national park as one of Japan's representative natural scenic areas. Later, the Hachimantai region was added to the park area, and it is now known as Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Lake Towada, a double caldera lake, was recognized for its outstanding, distinct volcanic topography and serene beauty. Since its designation as a national park, Lake Towada and its surroundings have been enjoyed by many visitors for nature sightseeing, driving, pleasure boat cruises, and hot spring bathing.
To mark 90 years since the national park designation, and to share the beauty of Lake Towada—which remains both magnificent and accessible through the preservation and utilization of its precious nature—with as many people as possible, we will hold the 2026 Lake Towada Lake Festival on Saturday, June 13. In this important year, as we connect the beauty of Lake Towada, which our predecessors have protected, to the next 100 years, the Lake Towada Lake Festival Executive Committee is working hard on preparations. Detailed information regarding the event content and applications for paid activities will be released sequentially starting in April.
We apologize for the intrusion during your busy schedule, but we would be very grateful if you could cover or introduce this event.
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Event Overview
Event Name The 61st Lake Towada Lake Festival
Date Saturday, June 13, 2026 *The event may be postponed or canceled due to severe weather or other circumstances.*
Venue Yasumiya, Lake Towada Shore
Organizer Lake Towada Lake Festival Executive Committee
Inquiries Lake Towada Lake Festival Executive Committee Secretariat (Located within Lake Towada Tourism Exchange Center "Plat", Tel: 0176-75-1531)
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: event