Access
Oirase Gorge, located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park near Lake Towada, is one of Japan's most renowned scenic destinations. Designated as both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument of Japan, the approximately 14-kilometer gorge offers constantly changing streams, waterfalls of various sizes, beautiful moss and distinctive rock formations. Its scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, from fresh spring greenery to autumn foliage and winter snow.
Here is how to get to Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada.
For bus timetables: JR Bus Tohoku Website
For Lake Towada Tour Boat timetables: Towada Kanko Dentetsu Website
By Car (Private Car / Rental Car)
Traveling to Oirase Gorge by car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, parking areas may become crowded and traffic restrictions may be implemented depending on the season and time of day, so please check the latest information before your visit.
Private Vehicle Traffic Restrictions in Oirase Gorge
Parking Information
Main Driving Routes and Approximate Travel Times
The following are approximate travel times when accessing Oirase Gorge by private or rental car.
Please note that routes and travel times may vary depending on the season, time of day and traffic restrictions. Check current conditions before traveling.
From the Tohoku Expressway
Kosaka I.C. to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada: approximately 40 minutes
Towada I.C. to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada: approximately 50 minutes
Hachinohe-Nishi Smart I.C. to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada: approximately 1 hour
From Within Aomori Prefecture
From Aomori City:
Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via National Route 103 (Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line). Please note that some sections are closed during winter.
From Hachinohe City:
Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours via National Routes 45 and 102.
Road Information and Traffic Restrictions
Expressways: Japan Road Traffic Information Center (JARTIC)
Aomori Prefecture:
Akita Prefecture:
By Bus
Bus services are a convenient way to travel to Oirase Gorge from within Aomori Prefecture, and you can enjoy the scenery along the way. As the number of services is limited, we recommend checking the timetable in advance.
From Aomori Station / Shin-Aomori Station
Take the JR Bus Tohoku "Mizuumi-go." The journey to Oirase Gorge Onsen takes approximately 2 hours, followed by approximately 50 minutes from Oirase Gorge Onsen to Lake Towada.
From Hachinohe Station
Take the JR Bus Tohoku "Oirase-go." The journey to Oirase Gorge Onsen takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, followed by approximately 50 minutes from Oirase Gorge Onsen to Lake Towada.
From Central Towada City
Take a Towada Kanko Dentetsu bus. The journey to Oirase Gorge Onsen takes approximately 50 minutes, followed by approximately 50 minutes from Oirase Gorge Onsen to Lake Towada.
Overnight / Highway Bus from Tokyo or Sendai
Overnight highway buses operate from Tokyo to Aomori Station and Hachinohe Station.
Highway buses also operate from Sendai to Aomori Station and central Hachinohe.
By Train (Shinkansen)
When traveling to Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada by Shinkansen, travel to Hachinohe Station or Shichinohe-Towada Station, then transfer to a bus, taxi or rental car. Please check travel times and schedules in advance.
From Tokyo
Via Hachinohe Station
Tokyo to Hachinohe Station by Tohoku Shinkansen: approximately 3 hours 5 minutes.
Hachinohe Station to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada by bus, taxi or rental car: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Via Shichinohe-Towada Station
Tokyo to Shichinohe-Towada Station by Tohoku Shinkansen: approximately 3 hours 20 minutes.
Shichinohe-Towada Station to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
From Sendai
Via Hachinohe Station
Sendai to Hachinohe Station by Tohoku Shinkansen: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Hachinohe Station to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Via Shichinohe-Towada Station
Sendai to Shichinohe-Towada Station by Tohoku Shinkansen: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Shichinohe-Towada Station to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
By Air
Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada can be accessed via Misawa Airport or Aomori Airport. Available routes vary depending on your departure point and airline, so please check flight and transportation information in advance.
From Tokyo
Via Misawa Airport
Tokyo to Misawa Airport: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
From Misawa Airport, continue to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada by bus, taxi or rental car.
Via Aomori Airport
Tokyo to Aomori Airport: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
From Aomori Airport, continue to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada by bus, taxi or rental car.
From Sapporo
Sapporo to Aomori Airport: approximately 45 minutes.
From Aomori Airport, continue to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada by bus, taxi or rental car.
From Osaka (Itami Airport)
Osaka to Aomori Airport: approximately 1 hour 35 minutes.
From Aomori Airport, continue to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada by bus, taxi or rental car.
From Nagoya Komaki
Nagoya Komaki to Aomori Airport: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
From Misawa Airport, continue to Oirase Gorge / Lake Towada by bus, taxi or rental car.
Other Ways to Get Here
Shuttle Bus During Private Vehicle Traffic Restrictions
During traffic restriction periods, park at a designated parking area, such as the Yakeyama or Yasumiya parking areas, and use the paid shuttle bus.
Limited-Time Shuttle Bus During Private Vehicle Traffic Restrictions
Parking Information
Lake Towada Tour Boat
You can also reach Oirase Gorge by Lake Towada Tour Boat. Take the Tour Boat from Yasumiya on the shore of Lake Towada to Nenokuchi, then continue your visit to Oirase Gorge.
Taxi
Taxis are available from major railway stations such as Hachinohe, Aomori and Shichinohe-Towada, as well as from airports. Because the journey is relatively long, fares can be high, but taxis may be convenient for groups or visitors who prioritize travel time. Fixed-fare taxi services are also available from Aomori Airport.
Hotel Shuttle Bus
Some accommodation facilities near Oirase Gorge provide shuttle services for staying guests. Please confirm availability, reservation procedures and fees directly with your accommodation when making your booking.
Tour Bus
Another option is to join a bus tour organized by a travel company. Some tours include Oirase Gorge as part of a wider sightseeing itinerary.
