What is Oirase Gorge?
The Oirase River is the only outflow of Lake Towada. This iconic scenic river stretches approximately 67–75 km from the lake to the Pacific Ocean near Hachinohe. The most celebrated 14‑km section—from Nenokuchi (the lake outlet) to Towadabashi Bridge in Yakeyama—is known as Oirase Gorge, designated as both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument. With dozens of waterfalls along its banks, it is often called the “Waterfall Highway.”
How to Enjoy Oirase Gorge
A footpath runs nearly at water level, allowing visitors to experience ever-changing water scenes—from rushing rapids and serene pools to cascading falls and moss-covered rocks. Untouched forest, wildflowers, beech and horse-chestnut groves enrich the walk. The peak season for fresh greenery is mid‑May to early June, offering crisp air and vibrant foliage that reflect beautifully on the clear stream.
Autumn Colours
Ranked among Japan’s “100 Soundscapes,” Oirase’s autumn is renowned for its symphony of sound and color. Maples such as yama‑momiji, onii‑taya, and hauchiwa‑kaede turn brilliant shades from mid‑October to early November, blending with waterfalls, rocks, and moss.
Winter Ice Waterfalls
In winter, Oirase transforms into a frozen wonderland. Waterfalls freeze into spectacular ice formations known as icefalls—especially Chōshi‑Ōtaki Falls and Sō Shirahige Falls. These stalactite-like ice sculptures are most striking from January to February, under clear skies and pristine snow.
Trails & Road History
A narrow woodland path was first laid out in 1903. By 1920, a motorized road and bus service reached Nenokuchi. In 2025, construction of the Aobunayama Bypass began, with the aim of diverting through traffic and restoring the gorge’s peaceful natural ambience.
Key Waterfalls of Oirase Gorge
Chōshi-Ōtaki Falls
The gorge’s most iconic waterfall—7 m tall and 20 m wide—named for its resemblance to a sake-pouring spout.
Kumoi Falls
A graceful, three-tiered cascade also known as “Cloud-Well Falls.”
Goryō Falls
The first waterfall encountered from Nenokuchi, part of the famous “10,110,105‑ryō View.”
Kudan Falls
Also called “Nine-Step Falls,” flowing over layered rock formations.
Shimai Falls
“Sister Falls”—twin streams flowing side by side.
Sō Shirahige Falls
“Twin White‑Beard Falls,” renowned for its winter icicle formations.
Furō Falls
“Eternal‑Youth Falls,” named for a legend that its water grants longevity.
Shiraito Falls
“White‑Thread Falls”—delicate, silky streams of water.
Tamadare Falls
“Bead‑Curtain Falls”—water drops in bead-like droplets over striped rock.
Shirafu Falls
“White‑Cloth Falls,” said to evoke the image of a celestial robe.
Sōryū Falls
“Twin‑Dragon Falls”—water splits around a central rock. The path is off‑trail and visitors proceed at their own risk.
Matsumi Falls
A majestic 90 m fall on the Kise River, recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Access is off the main gorge trail.
Notable Rapids & Streams
Ashura Rapids
Often photographed, this dramatic rapid—Ashura no Nagare—surges powerfully between moss-covered rocks.
Manryō Rapids
The first steep-flowing rapid from Lake Towada, part of the celebrated “10,110,105‑ryō View.”
Kanzawa Rapids
A powerful chute with waterfall-like volume.
Sanran Rapids
A gentler flow, dotted with azaleas in mid-May.
Shimei‑kei
Once a clear, cobbled stream bed; now partially silted, but picturesque in winter.
Other Scenic Highlights
Makado Rock
A striking cliff said to resemble a horse’s gate.
Ishigedo
Literally “stone hut”—a giant boulder seemingly perched atop tree branches.
Nenokuchi Watergate
Controls Lake Towada’s outflow for farming and hydroelectric use.
Visitor Facilities
Ishigedo Rest Area
The only full rest stop along the gorge, offering light meals (ramen, soba, local “gravel soft‑serve”), gifts, toilets and bike rentals.
Oirase Keiryūkan Visitor Center
A free-entry facility in Towada City with nature exhibits, guided advice, a café (“Ah, Ringo.”), and nature-themed crafts.
Flora of Oirase Gorge
In May, the forest floor blooms with Kikuzaki-ichige and Nirin-sō. Dominant trees include beech, katsura, alder, horse chestnut, and maples. Ferns cover shady ground, and willow species thrive along flood zones. In autumn, yama-momiji, onii-taya, and hauchiwa-kaede paint the gorge in vivid reds and golds.
