Oirase Gorge (National Route 102): To the unexplored region on the east bank of Lake Towada │ Aomori Japan

Oirase Keiryu is a jewel-like place located in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture.

Spread out on the eastern shore of Lake Towada, it is proudly designated as a nationally designated special place of scenic beauty and a natural monument.

In this article, we will introduce the charm of Oirase Gorge divided into four blocks.

Overview and characteristics of Oirase Stream

Oirase Keiryu is located in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, and is a mountain stream of the Oirase River that stretches approximately 14 km northeast from Nenokuchi on the east bank of Lake Towada to Yakeyama.

This beautiful mountain stream belongs to Towada-Hachimantai National Park and is recognized as a nationally designated special scenic spot and natural monument (naturally protected area).

Location and characteristics of Oirase Stream

The history of Oirase Gorge is that it first formed a caldera lake due to the activity of Towada Volcano, which is now Lake Towada.

The area around Lake Towada was a pyroclastic flow plateau created by piles of rocks and volcanic ash spewed out by volcanic activity, but the current Nenokuchi outlet of Lake Towada collapsed and was eroded by running water from there. A deep valley was formed, forming the current Oirase Stream.

In 1928, it was designated as a place of scenic beauty and a natural monument, and in 1936, it was designated as Towada National Park (currently Towada-Hachimantai National Park).
In 1952, it was upgraded to a special scenic spot and natural monument.

National Route 102 runs along the mountain stream, and there are also nature trails, and many tourists visit during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves.

Oirase Gorge is a place where natural beauty and historical value are fused, and it is one of Aomori Prefecture’s leading tourist spots.

Highlights of Oirase Gorge

1. Waterfalls and Waterfall Highway in the upper reaches: In the upper reaches of the Oirase Gorge, there is a ”Bakufukaido” where waterfalls appear in succession, such as Uotome Falls and Kudan Falls.
   
   You can fully enjoy the charm of the scenery on hiking trails surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and rich nature.
   
2. Scenic spots in the middle reaches: In the middle reaches, highlights include Ashura Stream and Kumoi Falls.
   With its beautiful valleys, waterfalls and rich vegetation, it is an attractive area for nature lovers.
   
3. Culture and nature in the downstream area: In the downstream area, there is Oirase Keiryukan in the Yakeyama area, where exhibits about the history and nature of the mountain stream and products are sold.
   In addition, even though the river is widening, beautiful forests spread out in Sobe and Kise, where nature and culture coexist.
   
4. Scenery in every season: Oirase Gorge is a place where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season. Especially during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, many tourists visit to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Guide map of Oirase Stream