🗺️ Statue of the Maiden of Lake Towada乙女の像

Standing by the shores of Lake Towada is a pair of bronze statues. These statues were erected in 1953 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Lake Towada being designated as a national park, honoring three individuals who made significant contributions to promoting Lake Towada and the Oirase River, leading to their designation as a national park: the literary figure Ouchi Keigetsu, the then governor of Aomori, Takeda Chiyozaburo, and the local village chief, Ogasawara Koichi. The author of the sculptures is the sculptor and poet Takamura Kotaro, and this was his final work. The two figures, standing at 2.1 meters tall, are naked women facing each other, holding hands with their left hands. Their facial features are said to be modeled after his frail wife, Chieko. The pedestal is made from black granite from Chieko's hometown of Fukushima, reflecting Takamura's deep affection for her. Additionally, a stone monument engraved with the poem "Nude Statues by Lake Towada" is also worth a visit. The Otome Statue is not only a symbol of Lake Towada but also the best photo spot that can capture both the statue and the lake together. If visiting in winter, be aware that there may be snow, so it is advisable to check the traffic conditions before setting out.

A pair of bronze statues standing by the shores of Lake Towada. Built to commemorate the 15th anniversary of its designation as a national park. The last work of Takamura Kōtarō. The prototype for the bronze statues is Kōtarō's wife, Chieko. Please check the snow conditions in advance when visiting in winter.