Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada Area
Blessed with pristine water and soil, Oirase Gorge has vibrant and lush greenery during Aomori’s mild summers, making it a wonderful hiking spot. The river flows from the picturesque Lake Towada, hidden in a national park where you can experience true serenity.
Car / Taxi
1 hour and 30 minutes from Aomori Station or Shin-Aomori Station to Oirase Gorge
50 minutes from Shichinohe-Towada Station to Oirase Gorge
1 hour and 10 minutes from Hachinohe Station to Oirase Gorge
Bus
2 hours from Aomori Station or Shin-Aomori Station to Oirase Gorge
2 hours and 40 minutes from Aomori Station or Shin-Aomori Station to Lake Towada
1 hour and 30 minutes from Hachinohe Station to Oirase Gorge
2 hours and 15 minutes from Hachinohe Station to LakeTowada
Recommended hiking spot
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1
Oirase Gorge
Hardcore hikers can enjoy a 14 km long trek along Oirase Gorge in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Head out from Yakiyama through the expansive woods filled with numerous waterfalls and various streams with gentle currents, which bring the mountain’s nature to life.
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2
Choshi Falls
Along Oirase Gorge you can find Choshi Falls, a waterfall that is 7m tall and 15m wide. The mist created by the waterfall is especially refreshing in the summer, making this the perfect spot to have a rest during your hike.
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3
Lake Towada
Located in the middle of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Lake Towada is the largest crater lake in Japan and the third deepest at 327 metres. With an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, the fresh air and pure waters are the best part of the park. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the lake, which has a total surface area of 60km². The boats operate throughout the year, and you can revel in the vibrant scenery of the surrounding national park.
Other
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Lake Towada Boat Cruise
Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Towada, which has a total surface area of 60km². The boats operate throughout the year, and you can revel in the vibrant scenery of the surrounding national park.
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Cycling along Oirase Gorge
This wonderful spot can also be enjoyed from the road by cyclists. You can enjoy cycling along the gorge on the 24km long ride, which takes just under two hours and starts from Lake Towada Onsen Resort on the southern side of Lake Towada.