Overall Concept for Promoting Ecotourism in Oirase Gorge
The Oirase Gorge Ecotourism Project Executive Committee formulated the “Overall Concept for Promoting Ecotourism in Oirase Gorge,” which establishes a framework and rules for the use and conservation of the natural environment in Oirase Gorge. The concept was officially certified by the national government in May 2024.
View the full Overall Concept for Promoting Ecotourism in Oirase Gorge (PDF / Japanese only)
What is “Ecotourism”?
Ecotourism is a form of tourism centered on natural environments, history, and culture. It allows visitors to experience and learn about them while taking responsibility for conserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of the destination.
Promotion Areas for Ecotourism in Oirase Gorge
The area covered by this concept includes the approximately 14-km-long Oirase Gorge and its surrounding areas, including Nenokuchi and Yakeyama. In the future, depending on the progress and needs of the initiative, expansion of the promotion area through cooperation with other areas of Towada City and neighboring municipalities will also be considered.
Overview of the Overall Concept
The basic policies for ecotourism promoted under the Overall Concept for Promoting Ecotourism in Oirase Gorge are as follows.
1. Conservation of the Natural Environment
Ecotourism that preserves Oirase, a “natural open-air museum,” for future generations.
2. Tourism and Regional Revitalization
Tourism and regional development that make use of the unique natural environment of Oirase, while creating opportunities for people to meet and connect.
3. Promoting Interaction Between People and Nature
Ecotourism that creates a “new relationship between people and nature.”
Based on these policies, various rules are established regarding the natural environment, visitor use, and the quality of ecotours. Through these rules, the area's natural environment will be conserved while also being utilized as a “natural open-air museum.”
In addition, local guides, related organizations, and relevant institutions will continue monitoring the natural environment in order to understand current conditions and support its conservation.
Rules for Enjoying Oirase Gorge
Basic Rule
Please use and enjoy the area in ways that do not alter its current natural condition.
※ Oirase Gorge is strictly protected as a Special Protection Zone within a national park, a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, and a nature conservation-type national forest. We ask for your understanding and cooperation in preserving its outstanding natural environment for future generations.
Prohibited Activities
To minimize impacts on the natural environment of Oirase Gorge, the following activities are prohibited.
- Leaving designated walking trails
- Collecting plants or animals in areas where collection is prohibited by law, including wild vegetables and mushrooms
- Trampling mosses, ferns, and other understory vegetation
- Parking in a way that causes an obstruction or inconvenience
- Bringing invasive species into the area
- Making noise that interferes with the natural sounds of the gorge
- Feeding wild animals
- Camping, sleeping outdoors, or making fires
- Littering
- Urinating or defecating outdoors except in designated restrooms
- Bringing pets without a leash or leaving pet waste or hair behind
Five Rules for Enjoying Oirase Gorge
- Do not step off the walking trails.
- Do not collect plants or animals or break plants.
- Do not park where it causes an obstruction or inconvenience.
- Do not bring invasive species into the area.
- Do not make noise that interferes with the sounds of the gorge.
Current Tours
Nature-based programs in the area include guided walks along the gorge and its many waterfalls, tours for closely observing moss and other plants nurtured by Oirase's unique natural environment, tours exploring its distinctive landforms and geology, programs for experiencing the restorative qualities of its rich natural surroundings, as well as winter snowshoe tours and frozen-waterfall observation tours.
View the tour brochure (PDF / Japanese only)
Guided Gorge Tour with a Nature Guide
Oirase Gorge Moss Walk
Moss Ball Crafting Experience
Oirase Gorge Nature Tour by Green Slow Mobility
Snowshoe Tour
Oirase Gorge Frozen Waterfall Tour
