Nestled in the foothills of Aomori Prefecture’s Hakkoda Mountains, Towada is world-famous for its natural beauty, including Oirase Gorge and the city’s namesake, Lake Towada. However, the downtown area has undergone an artistic renaissance in recent years, transforming it into an attraction on its own.
Towada was built around horse breeding and trading, primarily for the Imperial Army. While the cavalry has since become obsolete, the city’s fondness for horses never faded, and they are still abundant in local art and real life.
Horseback Archery
Photo by: Tessa Matsubara Yabusame riders during October’s World Yabusame Championship
Originally used on the battlefield, yabusame later developed into a ritual associated with Shinto shrines and restricted to male riders. However, it has recently evolved into a sport, and Towada’s horseback riding community has played a major role in its increasing popularity. The Sakura Yabusame tournament brings female riders from across Japan to Towada Central Park each April, where they compete under blooming cherry blossoms. Dressed in traditional clothing, the riders and their horses move in perfect harmony as they aim to strike three targets in quick succession. During the peak of fall foliage in mid-October, the town hosts the World Yabusame Championships under the golden autumn leaves.
Komakaido (Horse Highway)
Photo by: Tessa Matsubara Bronze horse statues along Kanchogai-dori in autumn
Horses remain central to Towada’s identity, especially along its main street, Kanchogai-dori, also called komakaido (horse highway). Bronze horse statues line the sidewalk, horseshoes are embedded in the pavement and the iconic “Flower Horse” stands in front of the Towada Art Center. With over 100 cherry and pine trees, this picturesque street is a popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot each spring.
Towada Art Center
Photo by: Tessa Matsubara Love Forever, Singing in Towada by Yayoi Kusama
Towada Art Center is a museum that constantly collaborates with the local community. Visitors experience exhibitions framed by the changing scenery outside through the museum’s large windows and maze-like layout.
Across from the Art Center, a row of previously vacant lots is now a public Art Square. Here, Yayoi Kusama’s “Love Forever, Singing in Towada” acts as a colorful playground for all ages. Countless other public artworks are scattered throughout the streets and local shops of the downtown area, waiting to be discovered.
