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Oirase Gorge Aomori Attractions Travel Japan

Leo Migdal
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oirase gorge aomori attractions travel japan

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp The Oirase Stream flows from Lake Towada on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures through the equally scenic Oirase Gorge. Hiking or biking along it, you'll see why the stream and the gorge have inspired painters and poets for centuries. The area is full of lush woods, waterfalls and odd outcroppings of rocks. Examples of the latter two have even acquired names over the years. Oirase Gorge is most easily reached by JR bus from either Aomori or Hachinohe stations.

Please note service is suspended in winter. From either station, you'll take the bus bound for Towada-ko. There are numerous bus stops, such as Yakeyama, from which the trailhead can be reached. Choose where to disembark based on what you want to see, and how long you want to hike. 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 are available for visitors who prefer cycling to walking. 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. Nestled in the heart of Aomori Prefecture, Oirase Gorge stands as one of Japan's most captivating natural wonders. This picturesque river valley stretches for 14 kilometers, offering visitors a mesmerizing journey through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams. Known for its stunning beauty in all seasons, Oirase Gorge attracts nature enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking a serene escape into Japan's wilderness. As you explore this enchanting landscape, you'll discover why Oirase Gorge has inspired artists and poets for centuries, and why it continues to be a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the raw...

Oirase Gorge is located in the northeastern part of Honshu, Japan's main island, within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The gorge runs between Yakeyama at the foot of Mount Hakkoda and Nenokuchi on the shore of Lake Towada. This pristine area is characterized by its gentle gradient, dropping only 200 meters over its 14-kilometer length. The Oirase Stream, which flows from Lake Towada, is the lifeblood of the gorge, carving its way through the landscape and creating a diverse ecosystem. At the heart of the gorge lies the charming Ishigedo rest area, serving as a central point for visitors to pause and take in the surrounding beauty. The gorge is easily accessible by car or bus, with National Highway 103 running parallel to the stream, making it convenient for travelers to explore various points of interest along the way.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, a well-marked hiking trail follows the river, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the gorge's natural splendor. National Highway 103 is the road that follows Oirase Gorge in Aomori Prefecture Oirase Gorge is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unique natural features. The crystal-clear Oirase River is the star attraction, flowing through a beautiful deciduous forest and creating a symphony of rushing water and rustling leaves. Along the gorge, visitors will encounter numerous waterfalls, each with its own character and charm. Some of the most notable include:

Located in Towada City, Oirase Gorge is widely recognized as a must-visit destination in Aomori Prefecture. Nestled within lush natural forests, this enchanting gorge offers convenient access, with a dedicated sightseeing route that can be explored by car, making it perfect for casual visitors. In this guide, we will share about the wonders of Oirase Gorge and provide valuable tips for first-time visitors, ensuring an unforgettable experience. (Main image provided by General Incorporated Association Lake Towada National Park Association) Oirase Gorge is a designated natural monument and natural special scenic spot, and is one of the most well-known scenic spots in Japan. With a 14-kilometer long path surrounded by nature and untouched by mankind, from the huge waterfalls to the beautiful streams flowing, there are numerous breath-taking spots there.

To reach Oirase Gorge, there are two main transportation options: ・Option 1: Renting a car from Aomori Airport Rent a car from Aomori Station, which will take around an hour and 15 minutes to... ・Option 2: Taking public transportation If you prefer to travel by bus, from Aomori Station, take a JR Bus that directly heads to Oirase Gorge. Make sure to get off at the designated stop called "Oirase Field Museum (Oirase Keiryū-kan)." Notably, the JR Bus departs from both Shin-Aomori Station and Hachinohe Station, both of which connect to the Shinkansen... This convenient public transportation option ensures that Oirase Gorge, despite being a natural treasure spot, is easily accessible to foreign visitors without much difficulty. Get 10% off when you book via the special site. (Coupon code: iUzM2RfVlJ)

The JR Bus Tohoku offers convenient bus transportation between JR Bus Towadako Station, Hachinohe Station, and Aomori Station. Please note that both the JR EAST PASS and The JAPAN RAIL PASS are valid for the local line of JR Bus Tohoku. It's important to be aware that the buses can accommodate around 50 passengers and may become crowded during peak seasons. As the buses do not have onboard toilets, it is advisable to plan accordingly and make necessary restroom arrangements before boarding. Sample itinerary: ・Depart Aomori Station at 8:10 AM; arrive at the Oirase Field Museum stop at 10:07 AM. ・Walk or cycle from Oirase Field Museum stop to the Nenokuchi bus stop (around 3 hours) ・Take the 3:15 PM bus at the Nenokuchi stop back to Aomori Station (arriving at 4:38 PM)

The Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture offers easy day hiking in a pristine forest setting. Oirase stream is amazing in any season. In summer the green color of leaves and moss is unbelievable. Enjoy the emerald colors of summer in Tohoku on a walk along the Oirase Stream in Aomori. Japan always holds a special place for us and each time we visit, we seek out more immersive and culturally significant experiences. On a recent trip, we came across a true hidden gem in the Tohoku region of Japan that surpassed all expectations in both areas.

That gem was the Oirase Gorge in Aomori Prefecture. For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Japan, Oirase Gorge is a must-visit natural wonder. Known for its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams, this breathtaking gorge is not to be missed. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, an overnight stay at Oirase Gorge offers the perfect balance of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and relaxation. A visit to Oirase Gorge is not just about hiking its scenic trails—it’s about immersing yourself in the natural and cultural landscape of Japan. And there’s no better place to stay than Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel, which offers world-class amenities, traditional onsen baths, and a prime location near the gorge.

Oirase Gorge is a scenic river valley stretching approximately 14 kilometers along the Oirase Stream, connecting Lake Towada to the plains of Aomori. The gorge is known for its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and moss-covered rocks, creating a landscape that feels like a scene from a fantasy novel. The Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流) is a breathtaking mountain stream located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, scenic waterfalls, and picturesque natural surroundings. The Oirase Stream flows from Lake Towada, one of the largest caldera lakes in Japan, starting from the Nenokuchi outlet. The mineral-rich water from the lake contributes to the stream’s clarity and purity. Flowing through the mountainous terrain of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the Oirase Gorge, a roughly 14-kilometer stretch of the stream, is enveloped by lush forests and dramatic rocky cliffs.

Several hiking trails run along the banks of the stream, offering stunning views of the waterfalls and the surrounding natural beauty. The most popular trail, the Oirase Gorge Trail, takes roughly four hours to complete. Along this well-maintained path, hikers can admire numerous waterfalls, including the iconic Choshi Otaki Falls, one of Japan’s most famous and selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, as well as other scenic... The trail is also known for its diverse landscapes, featuring moss-covered rocks and enchanting beech forests. The Oirase Gorge Trail runs alongside a road with bus stops, allowing hikers to adjust their route based on their fitness level and time constraints. Visitors can also enjoy other activities in the area, such as fishing, kayaking, and camping.

The Oirase Stream region is particularly renowned for its vibrant autumn foliage, attracting numerous visitors from late September to early November.

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Share Your Travel Photos With Us By Hashtagging Your Images

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp The Oirase Stream flows from Lake Towada on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures through the equally scenic Oirase Gorge. Hiking or biking along it, you'll see why the stream and the gorge have inspired painters and poets for centuries. The area is full of lush woods, waterfalls and odd outcroppings of rocks. Exam...

Please Note Service Is Suspended In Winter. From Either Station,

Please note service is suspended in winter. From either station, you'll take the bus bound for Towada-ko. There are numerous bus stops, such as Yakeyama, from which the trailhead can be reached. Choose where to disembark based on what you want to see, and how long you want to hike. The Oirase Gorge is one of the most beautiful river valleys in Japan, with vibrant and fast flowing water. The gorge ...

The Oirase Gorge Shows Its Beauty In Different Ways Throughout

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...

Rental Bicycles Are Available For Visitors Who Prefer Cycling To

Rental Bicycles are available for visitors who prefer cycling to walking. 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. Nestled in the heart of Aomori Prefecture, Oirase Gorge stands as one of Japan's most captivating natural wonders. This picturesque river valley stretches for 14 kilometers,...

Oirase Gorge Is Located In The Northeastern Part Of Honshu,

Oirase Gorge is located in the northeastern part of Honshu, Japan's main island, within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The gorge runs between Yakeyama at the foot of Mount Hakkoda and Nenokuchi on the shore of Lake Towada. This pristine area is characterized by its gentle gradient, dropping only 200 meters over its 14-kilometer length. The Oirase Stream, which flows from Lake Towada, is the...