Shuttle Bus · Tour Boat
During the private vehicle traffic restriction and Oirase Open-Air Museum period, a limited-period shuttle bus service operates in Oirase Gorge. This page provides information on the shuttle bus schedule, ticket sales locations, fares, and other details.
The 2026 Oirase Gorge Shuttle Bus will operate during the following periods.
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September 7 (Mon) – September 11 (Fri), 2026
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September 12 (Sat) and September 13 (Sun), 2026
【Service Ended】View the Oirase Gorge Shuttle Bus timetable
For information on access to Oirase Gorge by Shinkansen, bus, private vehicle, and other transportation, please see the Access page.
Limited-Period Oirase Gorge Shuttle Bus Service: Purpose and Background
Oirase Gorge is a valuable natural asset and one of the region's most popular sightseeing destinations. During the peak tourist season, however, large numbers of vehicles enter the area, causing traffic congestion and various impacts on the environment.
National Route 102, which runs alongside Oirase Gorge, also serves as an important local and industrial road. However, some sections of the alternative route around the gorge are too narrow for large vehicles to pass each other safely.
The private vehicle traffic restrictions and shuttle bus service are implemented primarily to help protect the rich natural environment of Oirase Gorge.
For visitors arriving by private vehicle or sightseeing bus
During the private vehicle traffic restriction period, please refrain from entering the restricted section by vehicle.
If you are visiting Oirase Gorge by private vehicle or sightseeing bus, please park at the Parking Area in front of Oirase Gorge Onsen Ski Resort (free) or the Yasumiya Parking Area (paid), and use the shuttle bus (paid).
Limited-Period Oirase Gorge Shuttle Bus Route, Bus Stops and Ticket Sales Locations
When using the Oirase Gorge Shuttle Bus, please check the route, bus stops, ticket sales locations, and other information below in advance.
Shuttle Bus Fares
Oirase Gorge Shuttle Bus tickets can be purchased either as an online electronic ticket or at a ticket sales location or ticket machine.
One-Day Unlimited-Ride Pass: Adults ¥2,000 (elementary school children and younger ride free)
Electronic Ticket: Adults ¥1,500 (¥500 discount)
【Service Ended】Purchase an electronic ticket here (Japanese website)
Ticket Sales Locations
Oirase Gorge Shuttle Bus tickets can be purchased at the Parking Area in front of Oirase Gorge Onsen Ski Resort, Nenokuchi Bus Stop, and the JR Bus Lake Towada Station ticket sales location.
Shuttle Bus Timetable
Operating Period
・September 7 (Mon) – September 11 (Fri), 2026
・September 12 (Sat) and September 13 (Sun), 2026
【Service Ended】
View the Oirase Gorge Shuttle Bus timetable
Weekday Schedule: September 7 (Mon) – September 11 (Fri), 2026
Weekend Schedule: September 12 (Sat) and September 13 (Sun), 2026
Parking Access Map for the Oirase Gorge Onsen Area
Lake Towada Tour Boat
During the private vehicle traffic restriction period, visitors can also access Oirase Gorge by using the Lake Towada Tour Boat. Take the boat from Yasumiya on the shore of Lake Towada to Nenokuchi, then enjoy exploring Oirase Gorge from there.
Another popular option is the round-trip course departing from and returning to Yasumiya. This route travels around the Nakayama Peninsula and Nakanoumi before passing through the middle of Lake Towada on the return journey.
Yasumiya ⇔ Nenokuchi Route [Approx. 50 minutes]
This route connects Yasumiya, one of the main sightseeing areas on Lake Towada, with Nenokuchi, the gateway to walking through Oirase Gorge. The cruise passes the Nakayama Peninsula, Nakanoumi, and the tip of the Ogura Peninsula.
Operating Hours
Yasumiya → Nenokuchi (9:30–14:45)
Nenokuchi → Yasumiya (11:00–16:00)
※ Please check the website below for the detailed timetable.
Lake Towada Tour Boat (Towada Kanko Electric Railway) Official Website
Regular Fare
Lake Towada Tour Boat (Towada Kanko Electric Railway)
Adults: ¥1,760 / Children: ¥880 (group discounts available for groups of 15 or more)
Yasumiya Round-Trip Route [Approx. 50 minutes]
This round-trip route departs from Yasumiya, travels around the Nakayama Peninsula and Nakanoumi, and passes through the middle of Lake Towada on the return journey.
Operating Hours
Yasumiya → Yasumiya (8:45–16:00)
※ Please check the website below for the detailed timetable.
Lake Towada Tour Boat (Towada Kanko Electric Railway) Official Website
Regular Fare
Lake Towada Tour Boat (Towada Kanko Electric Railway)
Adults: ¥1,650 / Children: ¥880 (group discounts available for groups of 15 or more)
Tour Boat Inquiries
Lake Towada Tour Boat Operations Office
Group Reservation Center
TEL: 0176-75-2909
