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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Oirase Winter Illuminations
Frozen waterfalls lit up in a river valley in northern Tohoku
Towada ＆ Oirase Tourism Bureau
One of the most beautiful river valleys in Japan, Oirase Gorge in Aomori Prefecture runs for 14km, through mountains and forests, from Yakeyama at the foot of the Hakkōda Mountains to Lake Towada.
Part of the Towada Hachimantai National Park, the gorge is protected as a special scenic spot and a natural monument of Japan.
Although popular year-round with hikers and nature lovers, the gorge is at its most magical in the heart of winter, when the waterfalls along the river freeze, creating majestic icefalls and icicles.
You can see this winter wonderland illuminated by night by taking a bus tour from Towada City to five famous spots, including Makado Iwa rock formation, Kumoi Falls, and Shiranuno Falls. For the coming winter, bus tours will run 17 December 2021 through 6 March 2022. Contact Towada Travel for details (see link below). (Night illuminations are only visible to tour participants.)
How to get there
Towada City is 1 hour by bus from Hachinohe Station. Get off at Towada City Chuo Bus Stop.
