The history of the modern city of Towada is inextricably linked to the development of the Sambongi plateau. Until the mid-19th century, this territory was a deserted, windswept plain covered in volcanic ash, where farming was practically impossible due to a lack of water. The turning point came in 1855, when a large-scale land irrigation project began at the initiative of Nitobe Tsutou (grandfather of the famous educator Nitobe Inazo).
Key Factors in its Establishment
The transformation of a lifeless wasteland into a thriving city was driven by several important factors:
Heroic Irrigation: The construction of a tunnel and canal to divert water from the Oirase River was an engineering feat of its time. This allowed dry lands to be turned into fertile rice fields and spurred the settlement of the area.
Horse Breeding: Historically, the region, which was part of the Nambu clan's domain, was famous for its horses. In the late 19th century, an army horse breeding office was established here, which significantly accelerated economic development and population influx.
Urban Planning: Unlike many old Japanese cities with chaotic layouts, the settlement (then called Sambongi) was originally designed with a clear grid of streets, resembling a chessboard, modeled after Kyoto.
Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics
The early economy was built on agriculture and livestock. The city's cultural identity was formed under the influence of the settlers who developed the new lands and the traditions of the samurai class that governed the region. An important milestone was the renaming of the city from Sambongi to Towada in 1956, which symbolically linked the settlement to the famous lake and national park, opening a new chapter in the development of tourism.
Timeline
Major Milestones in the History of Towada
The city's history is inextricably linked with the development of the Sambongi Plain and the growth of tourism around the famous lake.
1855 — Nitobe Tsutou begins a large-scale project to develop the Sambongi wasteland, digging an irrigation canal and turning the land into fertile fields.
1889 — As part of a nationwide administrative reform, the village of Sambongi is officially formed.
1910 — Thanks to population growth and economic development, the village attains the status of Sambongi Town.
1936 — Lake Towada and the surrounding areas are included in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, giving a boost to tourism.
1955 — Sambongi Town merges with the neighboring villages of Ofukanai and Fujisaka, attaining city status.
1956 — The city is officially renamed Towada to associate with the famous lake and strengthen the tourism brand.
1986 — The city's official symbols are approved, reflecting its natural wealth: the pine, the orchid, and the swan.
2005 — Towada City merges with the town of Towadako, significantly expanding the city's territory to the shores of the lake.
2008 — Opening of the Towada Art Center, which became the core of the "Arts Towada" project to fill the urban environment with art objects.
2010 — The opening of Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line improved the region's transport accessibility for travelers from Tokyo.
Milestones
Key Stages of Development and Transformation
Towada’s development is a story of transforming barren lands into a thriving agricultural and cultural center. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern face of the city:
Agricultural Revolution of the Sambongi Plain (from 1855). The construction of an irrigation canal by the Nitobe family allowed the barren volcanic plateau to be converted into fertile agricultural land. This event laid the economic foundation for the settlement and created conditions for population growth.
Defining Tourism (1936). The inclusion of Lake Towada in a national park shifted the region's developmental focus. The city began to evolve as an important transport and service hub for travelers seeking to see the famous landscapes.
Rebranding and City Status (1956). Renaming the city from Sambongi to Towada was a strategic move. This decision linked the administrative center with the popular Lake Towada tourist brand, increasing the city's national recognition.
Territorial Unification (2005). The merger with the town of Towadako was of great administrative importance: the city gained direct access to the shores of Lake Towada, bringing both the urbanized center and the main natural attraction under one management.
Cultural Revitalization "Arts Towada" (2008). The launch of the project to integrate contemporary art into the urban environment and the opening of the Art Center fundamentally changed the city's image. Towada transformed from a transit point into a standalone destination for lovers of architecture and art objects.
Architecture
Architectural Face and Urban Planning
Towada's architecture is a unique example of how strict 19th-century planning met 21st-century avant-garde art. The city lacks the chaotic medieval layout common elsewhere; its structure follows a clear logic established during the initial development of the Sambongi Plain.
Urban development can be divided into two key stages that define the city's modern appearance:
"Goban-no-me" Layout (since the 1850s). The city was built on a strict grid system, resembling a chessboard or the layout of Kyoto. This structure was laid down by Nitobe Tsutou while transforming the wasteland into an agricultural center. Straight, wide streets provide excellent visibility and logistics, which is atypical for many old Japanese cities.
"City as a Museum" Concept (since the 2000s). This modern development stage aims to integrate architecture and public art into the urban environment. Streets and squares become extensions of exhibition halls.
Key Styles and Iconic Landmarks
In Towada, it is difficult to find ancient temples in the traditional Japanese architectural style characteristic of Kyoto, or European classicism. The city's appearance is shaped by functionalism and bold contemporary architecture.
Kanchogai-dori Street (Historical Heritage/Landscape Design)
The city's main axis, laid out back in the Meiji era. It originally served as a horse training ground, which explains its extraordinary width (about 36 meters). Today, it is known as "Government Office Street," lined with hundreds of pine trees and cherry blossoms, and is featured on the list of Japan's 100 finest streets.
Towada Art Center (Minimalism/SANAA Style)
The city's most famous building, designed by Pritzker Prize winner Ryue Nishizawa. The complex is not a monolithic building but a cluster of independent white cubes of various sizes connected by glass corridors. This style blurs the boundaries between the museum's interior and the city street, making art accessible to passersby.
Towada City Plaza Community Center (Modern Japanese Style/Kengo Kuma)
A building designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma. The design actively uses natural wood and warm tones, creating a contrast with concrete buildings and referencing the region's natural aesthetics. The facade has a dynamic structure reminiscent of mountain ranges.
Towada Library (Modernism/Brutalism)
A building designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando. It features the master's signature use of exposed concrete, strict geometry, and the play of light, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and focus.
Notable People
Notable Figures of Towada
The history of Towada is a chronicle of human perseverance and talent. The city owes its existence to the visionary pioneers of the 19th century, while its modern fame is sustained by figures in culture and sports. Below are the key figures whose names are inextricably linked to this region.
Nitobe Tsutou (1793–1871) Role: Samurai, land development initiator
The founder of the modern city. As a samurai of the Morioka clan, he developed an ambitious plan to turn the barren Sambongi volcanic plateau into agricultural land. Under his leadership, the construction of an irrigation canal began, bringing life to the region.
Nitobe Jujiro (1820–1868) Role: Engineer, urban planner
Tsutou’s son, who continued his father's work. It was he who designed the city's unique grid street layout ("goban-no-me"), which is still in use today. His engineering solutions allowed for efficient water distribution and settlement of the territory.
Nitobe Inazo (1862–1933) Role: Educator, diplomat, author of "Bushido: The Soul of Japan"
Grandson of Tsutou and son of Jujiro. Although he became famous as an international figure and Under-Secretary General of the League of Nations, Inazo maintained close ties with Towada. The city is home to the Nitobe Memorial Museum, dedicated to the contributions of three generations of this family to the region's development.
Koji Nakamura (born 1977) Role: Musician, composer
A Towada native who became an icon of the Japanese rock scene. Founder and vocalist of the cult band Supercar, which had a huge influence on the development of indie rock and electronic music in Japan in the late 1990s and 2000s.
Junji Ishiwatari (born 1977) Role: Music producer, songwriter
Born in Towada. Former guitarist of the band Supercar, now one of the most sought-after producers in the Japanese music industry (J-Pop). He has worked with many popular artists, shaping the modern sound of Japanese pop music.
Koji Kumagai (born 1975) Role: Professional footballer, coach
A famous athlete born in Towada. He had a successful career with the Kashima Antlers, becoming one of the notable players in the J-League during its heyday. After retiring as a player, he moved into coaching, contributing to the development of Japanese football.