Japan’s charm is deeply rooted in its diverse natural beauty, which changes with each region and season. If you’re seeking a break from the city’s bustle to connect with nature, the Oirase area in Aomori Prefecture, located in the northeastern region of Tohoku, is a top recommendation.

As an experienced overseas tour guide and traveler in Japan, I’ve been personally captivated by the Oirase Keiryu in Aomori after witnessing its beauty firsthand. It has become one of my favorite spots to suggest to international visitors searching for a fresh destination. In this article, I’ll share some of Oirase’s seasonal highlights and the exciting activities it offers.

Let’s start with some basics about Oirase. Oirase Keiryu (or Oirase Gorge) is one of the most famous attractions in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu.

Located in Towada City, this 14-kilometer valley stretches from Lake Towada’s shore at Nenokuchi to Yakeyama, straddling Aomori and Akita prefectures. Situated within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, this scenic gorge is protected as a Special Scenic Spot and Natural Monument by the Japanese government.

As someone who has traveled all throughout Japan, there are many reasons to recommend Oirase to international visitors. Here are three of them.

To reach Oirase, ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. It takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to get to Aomori-Hachinohe Station from there. Next, catch the bus at the west exit rotary of Hachinohe Station. From there, it should be about another 90 minutes to Oirase. While it may take a bit of time, the route is straightforward and easy to follow, even for first-time visitors.

And best of all, the Japan Rail Pass, a special discount ticket for international visitors, can be used for both the Shinkansen and buses. This perk is exclusively available to foreign visitors, so if you’re visiting Japan, be sure to take full advantage of it!

When you arrive at the Oirase Keiryu-kan bus stop, you’re already right at the entrance to the incredible natural scenery surrounding the Oirase Stream!

Typically, getting to such untouched, natural areas requires a lengthy walk from the nearest bus stop (sometimes as long as an hour!), as vehicles are often restricted from entry.

However, there is a national road running conveniently alongside Oirase Keiryu, making it accessible by car, foot, or bicycle - or practically any other mode of transportation!

And while there may sometimes be restrictions on vehicle access for the purpose of nature conservation, at present, the road is open to all.

There’s also a pedestrian promenade along the stream, allowing those not traveling by car or bike to experience its breathtaking beauty and natural formations up close.

No matter when you visit, Oirase Keiryu offers a different experience in every season, each presenting its own unique landscape and hues.

There are also plenty of outdoor seasonal activities to enjoy, including nature walks along the stream, forest bathing, cycling, and autumn leaf viewing. In the winter, you can try forest snowshoeing. There’s even camping and canoeing in Lake Towada, the very source of the stream!

The season for foliage is from mid-October to early November, and is especially popular with visitors. However, Oirase boasts stunning scenery and exciting activities all throughout the year. This is why it's safe to say that any time of year is a great time to visit and fully experience everything that Oirase has to offer!

And when it rains in Oirase... Well, that only enhances the experience! The plants and trees look even more vibrant when wet, giving the area its own special charm after rainfall. The moss in particular becomes a strikingly bright, vivid green, it practically glows!

One of the highlights of a Japan visit is its hot springs, and Oirase Keiryu offers several nearby inns where you can enjoy them. Relaxing in the springs while taking in views of the stream is a truly delightful experience. And the inns, along with the local restaurants and cafes, serve delicious dishes made using many of Aomori's famous local ingredients.

Looking for a bucket list of things to do in Oirase in every season? We’ve got you covered!

The Moss Walk is a guided tour led by a specialist, designed to fully immerse you in the world of moss, an essential part of the Oirase Keiryu experience. Using a magnifying glass, you'll have the chance to get up close and personal with the diverse moss species that inhabit the area.

Today we joined the Moss Walk tour offered by Hoshino Resort Oirase Keiryu Hotel. Our adventure began with a bus ride to the Kumoino Falls, lead by nature expert Mr. Ito, followed by a 2-hour stroll to explore and observe the mosses up close.

Magnifying glasses are an essential item for a Moss Walk, and are lent to participants free of charge.

During the tour, we were provided with macro lenses for our phones, which allowed us to capture detailed images of the moss from up close, including little details like the tiny water droplets that are usually hard to see.

Oirase Keiryu is home to over 300 moss species, making it a true sanctuary for these remarkable plants! The vitality of this natural environment is astonishing, with moss flourishing not only on the ground, but on stones, tree trunks, ropes, signboards, and nearly every other surface you can see!

At first glance, the mosses may all appear the same. However, that’s little more than a huge misconception! Every moss is completely different from the next, with various species boasting different colors and textures depending on their location. This diversity of moss truly makes for a fascinating world!

The scenery of Oirase, with its moss and trees, is indeed a natural work of art.


“We think of the entire Oirase Keiryu as an outdoor museum,” explains our guide, Mr. Ito. “Some of the plants and scenery you see now might change or disappear within a week. Even the large trees may decay after a few months or years, so there’s always something new to see.”


You’ll spend about two hours walking along the stream, taking in the beauty of the moss at a relaxed pace.

Walking is wonderful, but cycling allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Oirase Stream at your own pace. Along the 14-km stretch of the stream, you'll find plenty of spots to pause and admire the beautiful waterfalls and streams.

From the starting point at Lake Towada’s shore in Nenokuchi to the endpoint in Yakeyama, there’s an elevation difference of about 200 meters. Due to the ups and downs along the way, we recommend using an e-bike - power-assisted sports bike that makes it easier to handle steep climbs.

During our visit, we tried the 2-hour E-Bike Rental Course at Hoshino Resort Oirase Keiryu Hotel. Before heading out, be sure to get instructions on basic usage and riding precautions.

The Hoshino Resort Oirase Keiryu Hotel is located right next to Oirase Keiryu-kan. From there, it’s a two-hour bike ride to Kumoino Falls, which is roughly halfway along the stream.

Because the national highways are frequented by large trucks and buses, it's important to be extra cautious when cycling along them. Always wear a helmet, stick to the left side of the road, and avoid speeding.

As long as you keep these safety measures in mind, the thrill of biking through the fresh air is unmatched, especially in early summer! You can easily stop at any time to do some exploring and take snapshots along the stream.

With the flexibility an e-bike offers, you can easily enjoy the tour at your own pace, taking breaks at rest areas along the way, or hopping off your bike to explore on foot.

Oirase Keiryu offers diverse scenery, from waterfalls in the upper reaches, to the stream area in the middle, and forests in the lower areas. The water flow, natural atmosphere, and scenery change dramatically as you go along, and can all be experienced up close and personal with the help of an e-bike.

Another essential part of any travel experience is indulging in the local foods!

At Oirase Keiryu-kan, the starting point for the Oirase Keiryu walk, you'll find local Aomori specialties and foods exclusive to the region.

Aomori is famous for its apples. There are about 2,000 varieties grown across Japan, around 40 types of which are from Aomori.

The Aomori apple specialty shop known as “à la ringo” is located in the Oirase Keiryu-kan, and offers a range of unique apple-based treats, including apple pie, financiers, gelato, and more, along with juices made from different apple varieties.

They also have an eat-in cafe!

The Apple Pie (380 yen, tax included) stands out with its subtle sweetness, highlighting the flavor of the apple itself. It’s light on the palate, making it an ideal dessert to enjoy after breakfast before your stroll.

You’ll also want to pair it with the Oirase Cider (480 yen, tax included), available only in the summer. This original drink features 100% Aomori apple jelly and a bright, blue cider topped with a generous amount of whipped cream.

And to rehydrate during your walk, we recommend the Aomori Apple Juice from à la ringo. Made from a variety of Aomori apples, this juice offers a distinct balance of sweet and tart. As a fan of sour flavors, I particularly recommend the "Beni no Yume” flavor!

You’ll also want to try the baked goods. The Benidama Apple Pie (480 yen, tax included) is crafted with the perfect varieties to use for pies, offering a robust apple flavor and the perfect balance of sweet and sour. It’s a delicious treat for a break during your streamside stroll.

The Apple Pound Cake (380 yen, tax included) is adorably shaped and packed with apples and butter. Available only in summer in cassis flavor, it’s a refreshing treat to enjoy in the open outdoors!

Inside Oirase Keiryu-kan you'll find other specialties like Oirase Beer and Oirase Beer Curry, which also make great souvenirs.

Next door at the Oirase Yusui-kan (Oirase Water Museum), you can also try the Koke Soft, a unique soft drink inspired by Oirase’s moss, and a great way to prepare you for your stroll.

(*Product lineup and prices as of June 2024.)

The entire Oirase area transforms with the seasons, each with its own distinct charm. While just walking around and admiring the scenery is wonderful, having a professional guide lead you through a Nature Walk enhances your experience with insights into the area's unique plants and topography, making your visit even more fascinating and rewarding than if you were to go it alone!

In spring, Oirase is particularly lovely with its vivid, fresh green-yellow hues of new growth.

Spring is a special time in Oirase when the mosses begin to flower, offering an experience known as “okoke-mi” (お苔見, moss viewing), a unique alternative to your typical cherry blossom viewing!

Summer transforms Oirase into a lush paradise, with contrasting shades of deep green shimmering under the bright summer sun.

For the best autumn foliage, visit between mid-October and early November, when the entire Oirase area becomes a vibrant display of reds and yellow hues!

In the winter, Oirase is blanketed in snow, creating a magical snowy landscape from December to mid-March, when visitors get to witness the “ice falls”, where the water cascading over the falls and cliffs of Oirase Keiryu freezes, creating icy formations.

In winter, we highly recommend the Nature Walk in the snow. Strap on your snowshoes, and get ready to venture off the trails and follow animal tracks to areas you won’t find along the regular walking trails. While the idea of venturing out into the harsh, unfamiliar winter landscape might be daunting, a guide will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, carefully choosing routes that are both interesting and secure.

Oirase Keiryu boasts endless beauty in every season, making it stand out amongst all Japan’s valleys for its appeal and ease of exploration. With something new and delightful to experience in any weather or season, Oirase is one spot you’ll definitely want to visit on your next trip to Japan, and immerse yourself in the richness of its natural beauty.

With cooperation from: Hoshino Resort Oirase Keiryu Hotel


English translation by: Krys Suzuki