Oirase Gorge

Choshi-Ootaki Falls

About Oirase Gorge

Oirase River is the only river to flow out from Lake Towada. The Oirase Gorge section is about 14km long, from Nenokuchi to Towada-bashi Bridge at Yakeyama. Oirase Gorge is also known as “Bakufu Kaido (Great Waterfall Road)” because of the numerous waterfalls dotted along the mountain stream. In May while the winter snow still remains, the flowers of species of anemone bloom and the green season of Oirase starts. Not only is there the beauty of the sunlight shining off the fresh greenery and the wonderful waterfalls, you’ll also be captivated by the glossiness of the species of mosses covering the rock surfaces. The scenery is even more incredible in autumn when the leaves of the broad-leaved trees turn yellow, orange and red. A travel writer of Meiji era, Keigetsu Omachi, spoke highly of Ashuranonagare Stream. Come and enjoy the different mountain streams here which each have their own special kind of beauty.