The Oirase Gorge is one of the most beautiful river valleys in Japan, with vibrant and fast flowing water. The gorge extends over 14 km from the contrastively calm Lake Towada. The Oirase Gorge shows its beauty in different ways throughout the four seasons. However, the gorge is mostly known for its spectacular autumn foliage in the fall season.
The Oirase Gorge has an enchanting atmosphere with many waterfalls and thick woods. Starting in October, the leaves of the trees begin to change to vibrant red and yellow, adding to the already vivid green of the moss on the rocks, adding colors to a magnificent sight. The autumn colors peak every year around the end of October to the beginning of November. Visitors can hike around the gorge on the hiking trail. The gorge is a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty and National Natural Monument.
Rental Bicycles
Rental Bicycles are available for visitors who prefer cycling to walking.
| Basic Fee | 4 Hours Regular bicycle ¥1,000 Electric bicycle ¥1,500 |
|---|---|
| Rental Hours | 8:30~16:30 |
| Rental Location | Oirase Sream Museum TEL:0176-74-1233 Ishikedo Rest Area TEL:0176-74-2355 JR Bus Nenokuchi TEL:0176-75-2244 |
The Oirase Stream Museum
The Oirase Stream Museum is located conveniently at the mouth of the Oirase Gorge for visitors to enjoy a break with a light meal or shop for souvenirs.
| Address | 183 Tochikubo, Okuse, Towada-shi, Aomori 034-0301 |
|---|---|
| Contact Information | 0176-74-1233 yuusuikan@oirase.or.jp |
| Business Hours | 9:00~16:00
|
| Admission Fee | Free |
| URL | (Japanese) http://www.oirase.or.jp/keiryu/keiryu.htm |
Oirase Information “hakocco”
At “Hakocco”, located at the Lake Towada Onsen area, information about lodging, local activities and sights is provided to visitors. Various workshops are held for visitors to enjoy a different experience from typical information centers.
| Address | 64-165 Yakiyama, Horyo, Towada-shi, Aomori 034-0303 |
|---|---|
| Contact Information | 0176-74-2700 hakoccco@gmail.com |
| Business Hours | 9:00~17:00 |
| Days Closed | None |
| Admission Fees | None |
| (Japanese) https://www.facebook.com/oiraseareainfo |
Basic Information
| Address | Oirase Stream Museum 183 Tochikubo, Okuse, Towada-shi ,Aomori 034-0301 |
|---|---|
| Tel | Lake Towada National Park Association 0176-75-2425 |
| Fax | Lake Towada National Park Association 0176-70-6002 |
| URL |
Lake Towada National Park Association (Japanese) |
Transportation
Bus Timetable(PDF) Get off at Yakeyama Bus Stop 5-minute walk *Between mid-November and mid-April, the JR Bus service is suspended for the winter.
