Oirase Gorge & Towada-ko
Missing Lush Green Nature? Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada has to be on your Travel Itinerary
I absolutely love living in Tokyo, it’s been my home for over a decade. However sometimes the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s busiest cities can be a bit much (even though I live in the suburbs), especially as being an Aussie born and bred I had such amazing nature easily accessible in my childhood.
At times I simply wish to be surrounded by nature, by lush greenery and crystalline waters. In my time living in Tokyo, the only other place that I thought I could possibly live is Kyoto (I adore Kyoto) until I discovered Aomori Prefecture, specifically Towada-shi. There was something about Towada-shi, and its stunning environment that touched my soul and evoked the feeling of serenity and home.
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One of Japan’s Most Prettiest Nature Spots (in my opinion)
Oirase Gorge (Oirase Steam) lies on the border of Akita and Aomori prefecture. The gorge stretches from Lake Towada to Yakiyama for a total distance of 14km. It is a perfect day’s hike or you can hire bicycles to explore the area via the roads. We preferred walking as it allowed us to explore the walking paths, the pretty wooden bridges and the numerous waterfalls scattered throughout the gorge. Japan has an amazing amount of waterfalls.
Oirase is also known for its lush greenery in the spring and summer, its wonderful Autumn foliage, dreamy snowscapes and its vast array of stunning moss foliage which apparently holds about 2500 different species of the world’s 12,000.
Embracing the Peace of Shinrin-Yoku
Shinrin-Yoku, the concept and philosophy of forest-bathing in Japan is a form of nature therapy. Oirase Gorge is a beautiful place to partake in such eco therapy, with the breeze rustling through the foliage, dappled sunlight trickling through the canopy and the rippling sounds of the stream, it is utterly revitalising for the soul.
Adored stumbling across these wild mushrooms (below) as well on our hike, how fabulous are they?!
Following the Path to Lake Towada
Lake Towada, drained by the Oirase stream is part of the Towada Hachimantai National Park. It is the largest crater lake in Honshu island, and is the 12th largest lake in all of Japan. Generally circular in shape, it’s brilliant blue color is due to its great depth of 327m.
There are scenic ferries available to take your around the lake, however due to Covid the timetables were altered and didn’t fit in with our schedule. Generally the whole area is beautifully maintained, there are old hotels and establishments which have fallen into disrepair and in a way form a rather melancholy beauty to the whole area of what once was its heyday.
Aomori’s Delicious Apple Pie
The perfect afternoon snack by the lake. All they have is apple pie, coffee and tea… kinda wish they had wine or even some local cider!
OTHER PLACES TO STAY / THINGS TO DO
Aomori City - explore this metropolitan city at the top of Japan’s main island and it delicious regional flavours
Hakkoda Mountains - hike this picturesque mountain with winding duckboard paths and stunning views
Hirosaki City - meander slowly in this charming city with its historic castle and famed apple pies
Sukayu Onsen - soak or stay a night in this historic onsen, beloved for its senninburo (1000 people onsen bath)
Aoni Onsen - travel off the grid into a deep mountain valley to bathe in some restorative onsen waters
Nonahana Yakeyamaso - rest a night in this charming family onsen ryokan near Oirase Gorge with traditional tatami rooms & delicious regional kaiseki
TRAVEL FURTHER
Akita Prefecture - love beautiful rotenburo onsen in nature, make time to visit Akita
Iwate Prefecture - known as the last frontier of a wild Japan
Fukushima Prefecture - the 3rd largest prefecture in Japan has many onsen to enjoy
Yamagata Prefecture- spend a couple nights exploring the beloved Ginzan Onsen
