Tsuta Seven Lakes is a group of beautiful forest ponds located around Tsuta Onsen at the foot of the southern Hakkoda Mountains in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. The seven ponds are Tsutanuma, Kagaminuma, Tsukinuma, Naganuma, Suganuma, Hyotannuma, and Akanuma.
Surrounded by rich natural forests within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the ponds offer a peaceful landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons. Among them, Tsutanuma is particularly famous for its spectacular autumn foliage and the breathtaking reflections that appear on the water at sunrise.
The surrounding forests are dominated by natural beech woodland, creating a quiet and almost mystical atmosphere. For travelers looking to experience the peaceful side of Japan away from busy cities, Tsuta Seven Lakes offers an opportunity to walk through an ancient forest, listen to birdsong, and enjoy pristine waters surrounded by seasonal colors.
The landscape of Tsuta Seven Lakes was formed through major geological changes on the slopes of the southern Hakkoda Mountains. A large-scale landslide created a complex series of depressions in the mountain terrain, and water accumulated in these hollows, eventually forming the ponds seen today.
Each pond has its own characteristics. Their sizes, water conditions, surrounding vegetation, and scenery differ, giving every pond a distinct personality.
Tsutanuma is the largest of the ponds, with a circumference of approximately 1 kilometer. The surrounding wetland and forest environment supports aquatic life, including carp and char.
Akanuma is located approximately 2 to 3 kilometers northwest of the other six ponds. It is particularly notable for its exceptionally clear water, with recorded visibility of 18.2 meters. This remarkable clarity makes Akanuma one of the most transparent ponds of its kind in Japan.
Six of the seven ponds, excluding Akanuma, are scattered throughout Tsuta Bird Forest, an area known for its natural beech forest and abundant birdlife. The ponds are connected by a walking trail known as the Pond-Circling Trail.
The trail is approximately 2.8 to 2.9 kilometers long and generally takes about 80 to 100 minutes to complete. The route is relatively gentle and well maintained, making it suitable for visitors who want to enjoy a forest walk without undertaking a demanding mountain hike.
The scenery changes constantly as the trail passes through the beech forest and beside the ponds. Reflections on the water, moss-covered ground, tree trunks, and shafts of sunlight filtering through the leaves create countless opportunities for photography.
Before starting the walk, visitors can stop at the Tsuta Onsen Visitor Center, where materials explain the formation and history of Tsuta Seven Lakes. Information about current trail conditions and seasonal precautions can also be checked there.
The area around Tsuta Seven Lakes has been designated as a bird conservation area and is home to a wide variety of wild birds.
In addition to the Pond-Circling Trail, visitors can explore the approximately 1-kilometer Birdwatching Trail. Walking quietly through the forest with binoculars can reveal a different side of the landscape, as birdsong echoes through the beech trees.
For nature lovers, birdwatching here is less about finding a particular species and more about slowing down and becoming immersed in the sounds and atmosphere of the forest. The combination of still water, old trees, and birdsong creates a particularly peaceful experience.
In spring, fresh leaves begin to appear on the beech trees, gradually covering the forest in brilliant green. Wild plants such as Asian skunk cabbage bloom around the wetlands, adding delicate touches of white to the landscape.
As summer arrives, the forest becomes lush and deep green. Mist can sometimes drift through the trees, creating an atmospheric landscape. Under favorable conditions, visitors may even have the chance to see fireflies glowing in the summer darkness.
The cool water, dense greenery, and shaded forest make Tsuta Seven Lakes an appealing place to escape the heat of summer.
Autumn is the most popular season at Tsuta Seven Lakes. The peak foliage season generally arrives from mid to late October, when the beech forests surrounding the ponds turn vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Among all the seasonal scenery, the most famous view is the sunrise at Tsutanuma.
Early in the morning, as the sun rises, the autumn-colored trees on the opposite shore are illuminated with warm reddish light. When the surface of the pond is calm, the brilliant colors are reflected in the water, creating a mirror-like landscape.
This phenomenon is sometimes described as the “morning glow of Tsutanuma.” The combination of the sunrise, autumn foliage, and its reflection on the water can create an extraordinarily beautiful scene.
However, the perfect reflection does not appear every morning. Clear weather, suitable light, and calm water are all necessary. This makes the experience a true once-in-a-lifetime moment for photographers and nature lovers.
Because Tsutanuma has become increasingly popular, access to the viewing deck may be subject to a reservation system during the peak autumn season, and visitors may also be asked to make a cooperation fee contribution. Travelers planning to visit during peak foliage should check the latest local information before traveling.
During winter, deep snow covers the forest around Tsuta Seven Lakes, transforming the area into a quiet white landscape.
The Pond-Circling Trail is closed during the snowy season because of heavy accumulation, so visitors should not attempt to walk the trail when it is closed.
Even so, the area around Tsuta Onsen takes on a magical winter atmosphere. Snow-covered forests and the quiet mountain environment offer a completely different experience from the colorful autumn landscape.
After exploring Tsuta Seven Lakes, a visit to Tsuta Onsen is an excellent way to relax.
Tsuta Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Hot Springs. One of its most distinctive features is its floor-level spring source, where hot spring water naturally bubbles up from beneath the bath.
Day bathing is also available, allowing visitors who are not staying overnight to enjoy the hot spring after walking through the forest.
For international travelers, combining the forest trail with a traditional Japanese hot spring experience is an especially rewarding way to experience the natural environment of the Hakkoda region.
Tsuta Seven Lakes may not have the dramatic scale of a large mountain or waterfall, but its appeal lies in its quiet beauty and intimate connection with nature.
The reflections of trees on the water, the sound of birds in the beech forest, the changing colors of the seasons, and the occasional mist drifting between the trees create a landscape that encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate their surroundings.
Tsutanuma is particularly spectacular in autumn, when the famous sunrise illuminates the foliage and reflects its colors across the calm water. Yet the other ponds and the surrounding forest are equally important to the character of the area, offering a deeper experience for those who take the time to walk the trails.
For travelers exploring Aomori Prefecture and the Hakkoda region, Tsuta Seven Lakes and Tsutanuma provide an ideal opportunity to experience Japan’s forest landscapes, seasonal beauty, birdlife, and traditional hot spring culture in one destination.