Before we talk about the ice, let's set the scene! Nestled within the breathtaking Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Oirase Gorge is a stunning, 14-kilometer-long mountain stream that flows out from the pristine waters of Lake Towada. Famous across Japan for its tumbling cascades, unique rock formations, and dense, moss-draped forests, it is a year-round paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

While summer brings vibrant greenery and autumn paints the valley in blazing reds and golds, winter works a completely different kind of magic. As sub-zero temperatures sweep through the gorge, massive waterfalls freeze mid-flow into giant, shimmering ice sculptures known as hyobaku (ice waterfalls). Navigating this wild, snow-blanketed wonderland on your own can be tough—which is where these expert-guided bus tours come in!

Daytime Tours: Perfect for nature lovers! Wander through snow-draped forests under the crisp winter sun, spot animal tracks across snowy banks, and capture sunlight glittering off frozen ice pillars.

Night Tours: Pure magic. Specialized vehicles equipped with custom lighting lead the way through the dark to illuminate five distinct snow and ice formations. Each stop features a unique light show—varying in color and intensity—transforming the frozen forest into a glowing, dreamlike spectacle.

Tours will run primarily on weekends from December 25, 2026, through February 28, 2027, with prices ranging from 3,300 to 4,400 yen for adults and 1,650 to 2,200 yen for elementary school children, and include both bus transport and guide fees.

To secure your spot, head directly to the Official Oirase Ice Waterfall Tour Website (links below) to complete your reservation by credit card.

Departure Points: Towada City Center & Oirase Gorge Onsen Area.

The Experience: Hop aboard after dinner for a relaxing ride into the pitch-black gorge. Because there are zero streetlights, this tour uses an eco-friendly "mobile illumination" vehicle that travels right alongside your bus, lighting up 5 major ice and snow spots only when you stop. Watch in awe as custom-colored lights (like brilliant blues and purples) wash over towering ice formations (hyobaku), turning frozen waterfalls into glowing, otherworldly glass sculptures.

Exclusive Highlights: This route features exclusive stops like the serene Shimobamonzawa stream and the jaw-dropping, massive Mamonaiwa rock formation.

Booking Cutoff: Book by 4 PM on the day of your tour.

Departure Points: Shinchinohe-Towada Station (super convenient if you're arriving via the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train), Towada City Center, and Oirase Gorge Onsen Area.

The Experience: If you prefer your winter wonderland bathed in crisp daylight, this 14-kilometer gorge-spanning tour is your ticket. While you ride comfortably, expert nature guides point out everything from tree branches heavily coated in pristine snow to intricate ice pillars glittering under the winter sun. You’ll hop off at several scenic points to explore up close and even hunt for adorable animal tracks (like rabbit prints!) in the snowbanks.

Exclusive Highlights: Day-only photo ops include the Oirase Stream Museum, the delicate Tamasudare Waterfall, and the rushing Ishigeto no Se rapids.

Booking Cutoff: Book by 10 AM on the day of your tour.

Departure Points: Lake Towada Area (Yasumiya district / lakeside hotels).

The Experience: Setting off from the shores of a silent, mist-shrouded Lake Towada, this nighttime journey plunges you deep into the winter wilderness. As your guide regales you with local myths and legends of the lake, the bus snakes down into the gorge to reveal illuminated ice masterpieces.

Exclusive Highlights: This is the only tour plan that treats night owls to a rugged, beautifully lit view of the dramatic nighttime Ishigeto no Se rapids. Pro-tip: Time your trip for early February to easily combine this tour with a visit to the nearby Towada Lake Winter Story festival!

Booking Cutoff: Book by 1 PM on the day of your tour.

To wrap it up, whether you choose a sunlit daytime trek or an illuminated night journey, these guided excursions offer an unforgettable way to experience Aomori’s magical winter wonderland!