Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流, Oirase Keiryū) is a picturesque mountain stream in Aomori Prefecture and one of Japan's most famous and popular autumn colors destinations. The stream flows along the floor of the Oirase Gorge, winding among trees, which - while a lush green in spring and summer - turn brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange from late October through early November. Over a dozen waterfalls cascade down into the stream all along its length from the walls of the gorge.
Oirase Stream is the only outlet draining Lake Towada. It starts at Nenokuchi where there is a bus stop and a boat pier with connections to nearby Yasumiya Town. An easy-to-walk hiking trail leads along the most scenic, upper passage of the stream between Nenokuchi and Ishigedo, with many bridges, waterfalls and bus stops along the way. The trail is about 9 kilometers long and takes about 2.5 hours to walk one way.
Unfortunately for hikers, a busy road runs alongside the Oirase Stream, often crisscrossing the stream and hiking trail. This can be a distraction from the natural surroundings, although the traffic noise is somewhat overpowered by the rushing stream and absorbed into the forest. At the same time, the buses, which travel on this route, provide convenient transportation along the stream and an escape from bad weather.
Many cars and tour buses travel through here, and there is a good view of the stream from the road. It has become so congested in recent years, that it is now closed to cars on certain days during the peak autumn season. Free parking is available in Yasumiya and Yakeyama.
Getting there and around
The Oirase hiking trail runs between Nenokuchi and Ishigedo with multiple bus stops along the way. The hike can be made in either direction, utilizing buses for the return journey.
Outside of winter there is roughly one bus per hour between Yasumiya (Towadako bus stop) and either Aomori City (165 minutes, 3480 yen) or Hachinohe (135 minutes, 3050 yen). The buses run along the Oirase Stream, serving all the bus stops along the hiking trail, including Nenokuchi and Ishigedo. During winter from early November to mid April, buses operate only to/from Hachinohe. Seat reservations are required when boarding buses from Hachinohe in the direction of Lake Towadako, but not on other buses.
Boats provide an alternative to buses for transportation between Yasumiya and Nenokuchi. The boat cruise, which offers excellent views of Lake Towadako's forests from the water, takes 50 minutes and costs 1650 yen one way.
How to get to and around Towada
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