Day Trip to the Oirase Gorge

Oirase Gorge is regarded by many visitors and locals as the most beautiful river valley in Japan, which if you spend any time there you’ll find it tough to disagree. Dotted with waterfalls, lush foliage and hidden getaways, a day at the Oirase Gorge is completely unforgettable. Bypass the motorised vehicles and explore the area either by foot on bike to really immerse yourself in everything this area has to offer.

Rent a bike at the Oirase visitor center

Stretching 14 km from Lake Towada, the best and easiest way to experience the beauty of the Oirase Gorge is exploring the area by bicycle. With the fast flowing waterfalls and
vibrant foliage that transforms throughout the seasons, it’s clear why the gorge is considered one of the most beautiful river valleys in Japan. Aomori Cycle Tourism Association recommends a number of different cycling courses depending on what you want to see and your fitness level so it’s best to do a little research before. Once you’ve picked your course head to the Oirase visitor center for some advice and to pick up your set of rental wheels.

Rent a bike at the Oirase visitor center

Oirase Stream Museum

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Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel

When the time comes to rest your legs and sit back to soak in the surrounding beauty, stop off at Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel for tea and sweets. Tucked behind the picturesque Oirase Mountain Stream, the resort was built on a ridge facing the Oirase Mountain Stream. Even though it is a hotel, the resort’s dining area is open to the public for lunch and tea. After all that hard cycling reward yourself with something sweet from the kitchen while you admire the floor to ceiling glass walls which allow the natural beauty of the surrounding area to be your backdrop. Seeing that you’re in apple country, the kitchen’s apple milles feuilles dessert comes highly recommended, served with herbal mint tea from the pristine tea set for 680 yen.

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Hike through the trail bordering the river

Upon leaving the resort you’ll no doubt pass a number of signposts signaling the trail walk. These well marked trails will guide you through the river walk, which spans around 14 kms but can be modified depending on how far you want to go. A soothing stroll is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the powerful beauty of the area. If you are going during autumn, be sure to take a camera as the foliage bordering the river transforms from a deep lush green to fiery orange, red and yellow.

Oirase Stream

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Stop by waterfalls

Be sure while on the walk to do some serious waterfall hopping. Flowing from from Lake Towada, the water is churned as it makes its way through the stream’s various waterfalls. Don’t miss the 25 meter high Kumoi-no-taki Falls, and the Tamasudare-no-taki Falls where the water is forced down the fall in spheres, it’s like watching a natural optical illusion. Even though the walk is relatively easy, if you do stop to admire and explore the waterfalls and surrounding pockets, be sure to allow plenty of time because there is a lot to explore.

Kumoino Falls

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