Towada, Oirase, HakkodaTowada-Hachimantai National Park
- MOE
- National Parks of Japan
- Towada-Hachimantai National Park
- Towada, Oirase, Hakkoda
- Recommended courses
- Oirase-Keiryu (Oirase stream) Long Trail Course
Oirase-Keiryu (Oirase stream) Long Trail Course
Course Outline
The Oirase stream is the only river flowing from Lake Towada, stretching about 14 km from Nenokuchi to Yakeyama. The walk along the mountain stream has gentle ups and downs, it’s good for forest bathing. You will enjoy an inspiring landscape created by the ever-changing flow of water amid deep natural woods. You can walk to Lake Towada, or use a rental bike as well. A bus route runs parallel to the walk. You can take a bus from a bus stop on the way.
Highlights
A perfect place to start a walk
Located on Yakeyama at the furthest point downstream on the Oirase stream, Oirase Stream Museum offers a variety of information as well as a bike rental service. Guided tours start from this facility. While walking the hiking trails along the river, you can appreciate the forest trees, wild birds, and other natural surroundings of Oirase. During winter, the “Snow rambling tour” is also recommended. You can enjoy snowshoeing at the snow-covered Oirase Area with a guide.
Beautiful mountain stream, stretching for 14 km
The main attraction of Oirase is the beautiful mountain stream that flows through the forest. As you walk alongside the stream, you will find superb views of waterfalls and rapids. It’s not too much to say all locations are the best for photography. On your visit, please fully enjoy the most beautiful mountain streams representing Japan, such as the well-known “Ashura Stream” and “Sanmidare Stream”, trees lining the streams and many wild birds.
A cool and refreshing walking path
Surrounding the Oirase stream are Japanese beech, Japanese oak, Japanese Judas tree, Japanese horse-chestnut, and other broad-leaved trees. The fresh greenery in spring and colorful foliage in autumn are especially beautiful. In summer, it looks as if there is a green tunnel. You can enjoy a variety of plants and flowers of each season, while enjoying a full-body, sensory experience of the forest's abundance.
Course Map
