Located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Lake Towada is surrounded by dense forests that burst into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow each autumn.

The foliage typically reaches its most beautiful period from mid-October into early November, with particularly vibrant colors often appearing in mid- to late October. Reflected across the lake’s deep blue surface, the surrounding mountains can look almost like a watercolor painting.

Towada Prince Hotel sits on the tranquil western shore of the lake in Akita Prefecture. Opened in 1977, the classical 66-room hotel features a private lakeside garden, a restaurant overlooking the scenery, and a covered open-air hot spring bath.

This autumn, hotel guests can experience Lake Towada through two of the season’s greatest pleasures: peaceful mornings and exceptional food.

The highlight of the seasonal program is an exclusive early-morning cruise café reserved for just 12 hotel guests.

After departing the hotel at 5:45 AM, guests are driven approximately five minutes to the cruise departure point. A covered sightseeing boat operated in partnership with local company Enjoy Towadako then sets out across the quiet lake at 6 AM.

During the approximately 50-minute cruise, passengers can enjoy espresso lattes and hot chocolate prepared using an Italian espresso machine. The captain also shares stories about Lake Towada’s formation and surrounding natural environment.

With fewer boats on the water and barely a ripple disturbing the surface, early morning is one of the most atmospheric times to see the lake. On calm days, the crimson and golden forests are reflected almost perfectly across the water.

It is part café, part nature tour, and possibly one of the most memorable cups of coffee travelers can enjoy in Japan this autumn.

The experience continues back on shore with TOWADA Autumn French, a seasonal full-course dinner served against the changing scenery of the lake.

The menu highlights ingredients from northern Tohoku, including Towadako Himemasu, or Lake Towada kokanee salmon.

Lake Towada was once believed to contain no fish. During the Meiji Period, local entrepreneur Sadayuki Wainai eventually succeeded in breeding and releasing kokanee salmon into the lake after numerous failed attempts and years of hardship.

Today, Towadako Himemasu is a protected local specialty with its own regional collective trademark. Its salmon-pink flesh is known for its delicate sweetness, smooth texture, and lack of the strong aroma sometimes associated with freshwater fish.

Autumn is also considered an especially delicious season for the fish, as it develops a richer flavor ahead of spawning.

Served as part of the hotel’s Michinoku Dinner course, the meal offers guests a literal taste of the lake while its autumn scenery unfolds beyond the restaurant windows.

Guests can also toast the season with Koyou, an original cocktail inspired by Lake Towada’s autumn foliage.

Its red and golden color gradient recalls the changing leaves surrounding the lake, making it a photogenic companion to the Michinoku Dinner.

The restaurant also serves Kosui, a blue cocktail inspired by the surface of Lake Towada.

・Koyou autumn cocktail: 1,200 yen
・Kosui lake-inspired cocktail: 1,200 yen
・Available at the hotel restaurant

One original cocktail is included with the limited accommodation package during dinner.

Seibu Prince Global Rewards members can book the Towada Autumn Exclusive Stay, which combines the hotel’s major seasonal experiences into one package.

The plan includes accommodation in a 25-square-meter Lakeside Twin Room, dinner, breakfast, the Michinoku Dinner course, an original cocktail, and participation in the private early-morning cruise café.

Japan’s famous autumn destinations can become crowded during peak foliage season, but Lake Towada offers a more peaceful alternative surrounded by water, forests, and mountain scenery.

Here, the day begins before most travelers have finished breakfast. Instead of rushing between sightseeing spots, guests can watch the lake awaken from a private boat, soak in an open-air hot spring, and finish the evening with French cuisine inspired by the region.

For travelers searching for a scenic autumn getaway in northern Japan, this limited stay turns Lake Towada’s fall colors into a full sensory experience.