Oirase Stream

What to know

Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流, Oirase Keiryū) is a scenic mountain stream in Aomori Prefecture and one of Japan's top destinations for autumn colors. It flows along the floor of Oirase Gorge, winding through trees that are lush green in spring and summer but turn brilliant red, yellow, and orange from late October to early November. Along its length, over a dozen waterfalls cascade into the stream from the gorge walls.

Oirase Stream is the only outlet of Lake Towada. It begins at Nenokuchi, where there is a bus stop and a boat pier with connections to nearby Yasumiya Town. An easy hiking trail follows the most scenic upper section 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 roughly 2.5 hours to walk one way.

Unfortunately for hikers, a busy road runs alongside the stream, often crossing both the stream and the trail. This can distract from the natural surroundings, though the traffic noise is somewhat drowned out by the rushing water and absorbed by the forest. At the same time, the buses on this route provide convenient transportation along the stream and an escape from bad weather.

Many cars and tour buses travel through here, and the road offers good views of the stream. In recent years, congestion has become so heavy that the road is closed to cars on certain days during peak autumn season. Free parking is available in Yasumiya and Yakeyama.

The Oirase hiking trail runs between Nenokuchi and Ishigedo with multiple bus stops along the way. The hike can be done in either direction, using 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 Oirase Stream, serving all bus stops along the hiking trail, including Nenokuchi and Ishigedo. However, there is no bus service in winter from mid-November through March. Seat reservations are required when boarding buses from Hachinohe toward Lake Towadako, but not on other buses.