This is a daytime tour that can be boarded from Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen or in front of Towada Art Center .
You will travel by bus along the 14km long Oirase Gorge, so you can enjoy the sights of the entire area even in winter, when it is difficult to walk or drive on your own .
In addition to the views from the car windows, you can also get off at several sightseeing spots.
Your nature guide will provide detailed explanations about the natural features that can only be observed during the day , such as ice formations and animal tracks .
This plan is recommended for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the Oirase Gorge in winter .
Departing and arriving at the city center and Oirase Gorge Hot Springs
*At the Oirase Keiryu Onsen bus stop, you can wait inside the bathing facility "Shimin-no-Ie" opposite.
■Due to road conditions in December and March, the schedule may be delayed by around 30 minutes. Thank you for your understanding.
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unforgettable experience!
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Let's dive into the world of Oirase
First, let's take a bird's-eye view of the Oirase Gorge, which we will soon enter. By looking at the 3D diorama and learning about its origins and shape, you will undoubtedly feel more immersed.
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A wall of ice looms before your eyes!
It's just a rock wall except in winter. There is no waterfall there. The dripping water freezes and for a limited time, creating an icefall that looks just like a wall! Experience the overwhelming dynamism of nature right before your eyes.
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A winter wonder:
A rolling, unfrozen waterfall!?
This waterfall is called “Tama-sudare,” which literally means “beaded bamboo blinds” in Japanese, because the trickling water flows as if rolling down strings of beads. The layers of clay and sandstone create a striking striped pattern. For some mysterious reason, the icefall here never freezes, making it a truly enigmatic waterfall.
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The wind blows from Lake Towada to Oirase.
A magnificent winter landscape that presses against your body.
This is the place where Lake Towada burst its banks about 16,000 years ago, marking the beginning of the Oirase Gorge. The strong winter winds blowing from the lake into the mountain stream are reminiscent of the great floods of that time. If you're lucky, you might even be able to get into the middle of a snowstorm.
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Follow the sound and discover
a waterfall hidden quietly deep in the forest.
Let's experience a little walk along the Oirase Gorge in winter. As you walk, you'll feel not only the waterfalls and the stream, but also the entire forest, and at the end of the frigid cold, you'll find a majestic frozen waterfall.
*Depending on the road surface and snow conditions, we may change from getting off the bus to sightseeing from the train window. Thank you for your understanding.
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Tiny mounds of snow take shape.
Immerse yourself in the winter of Oirase.
The day tour ends with a quiet, deep stream covered in snow. This is a hidden gem that many people usually pass by. Experience the vastness of Oirase in winter, which is different from the night.
*Depending on the road surface and snow conditions, we may change the sightseeing from the bus to a window-view sightseeing. Thank you for your understanding.
Don’t miss this
unforgettable experience!
Just by getting off the Shinkansen and taking a bus, you'll be deep in the forest. The ice sparkled blue in the sunlight and it was truly beautiful. I was so happy to see even the single snowflake that fell in my hair so clearly.
Couple in their 20s
It's fun to get off the bus and walk on the snow every now and then, but it's also nice to get off and walk on the snow. I found rabbit footprints and felt like a child again. The guide's explanations helped me make many new discoveries.
Couple in their 40s
I love nature, but I'm not good at long hikes or walks. I was invited by a friend to join, and I was able to enjoy nature comfortably on the bus. The cool air was refreshing.
Male in his 30s
I was worried about whether there would be toilets, but there were several toilet breaks during the tour, which was very reassuring. The guide's promptings and consideration were also wonderful.
Female in her 50s
The 002 tour is a very popular daytime tour that can be enjoyed by both overnight guests and day trippers .
Located on the traditional Samba-dori Street, it is close to Sanban-gai, where there are many restaurants, making it an ideal place for a stroll around the city. Enjoy delicious local cuisine. The Towada Central Transit Hub is a 10-minute walk away.
3-16 Higashisanbancho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, 034-0031
by foot
In the town of Towada, you'll encounter plenty of art, food, and people. Take a walk around the town and you'll discover the charm of Towada, without any pretense. Enjoy these little encounters that you wouldn't notice unless you were walking around.
by foot
Not only inside the museum, but the entire Kanchogai Street is treated as a single museum, and various art works are also exhibited in the outdoor space. Discovering new things while walking through the town is similar to enjoying the Oirase Gorge. You can also enjoy light meals at the attached cafe "Cube Cafe" inside the museum, allowing you to relax while appreciating the art.
10-9 Nishinibancho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, 034-0082
by foot
by bus
This daytime tour can also be boarded from Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen. The 14km-long Oirase Gorge is packed with sights from end to end. Your guide will carefully point out each tree, rock face, and other features from the bus window, and you'll get off at several particularly recommended spots.
by bus
by foot
Sanban-gai in Towada City is a gourmet street where you can sample local cuisine and local sake. Lined with old-fashioned restaurants and izakayas, it's a popular spot for tourists to casually enjoy the local atmosphere.
by foot
Enjoy the luxury of hot spring water straight from the source, even in the city. After warming up in the sodium-strong chloride strong salt spring and rocky sauna, you can take a short walk outside, an experience that is unique to Towada.
4-6 Nishiyonbancho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, 034-0084
by foot
Don’t miss this
unforgettable experience!
plan001
Night Tour
Departing and arriving at the city center and Oirase Gorge Hot Springs
After dinner, why not head out into the night forest with the city lights at your back? Hop on the bus and before you know it, you'll be transported to another world. The murmuring of the Shimomakadosawa, the pitch-black Nenokuchi, and the stunning Makado-iwa Rock are just a few of the sights you'll encounter only on this tour.
December 20, 2025 (Saturday) - March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Operates only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and during the New Year holidays
(some exceptions apply. See the calendar on the reservation page for details).
Adults (per person, tax included): 3,300 to 4,400 yen
Children (per elementary school student, tax included): 1,650 to 2,200 yen
*Free for children under elementary school age, and half-price for people with disabilities
plan002
Daytime Tour
Departing and arriving at Shichinohe Towada Station, city center, and Oirase Gorge Hot Springs
This daytime tour can also be boarded from Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen. The 14km-long Oirase Gorge is packed with sights from end to end. Your guide will carefully point out each tree, rock face, and other features from the bus window, and you'll get off at several particularly recommended spots.
December 20, 2025 (Saturday) - March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Operates only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and during the New Year holidays
(some exceptions apply. See the calendar on the reservation page for details).
Adults (per person, tax included): 3,300 to 4,400 yen
Children (per elementary school student, tax included): 1,650 to 2,200 yen
*Free for children under elementary school age, and half-price for people with disabilities
plan003
Night Tour
Departing and arriving at Lake Towada
A special night on the quiet winter shores of Lake Towada, reserved for guests staying overnight. Once you leave the inn, you'll be transported to a world of pitch black darkness and silence. As you listen to special stories about Lake Towada, the bus follows the current and heads towards Oirase. This is the only tour where you can see the rugged Ishigedo-no-se Current at night.
December 20, 2025 (Saturday) - March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Operates only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and during the New Year holidays
(some exceptions apply. See the calendar on the reservation page for details).
Adults (per person, tax included): 3,300 to 4,400 yen
Children (per elementary school student, tax included): 1,650 to 2,200 yen
*Free for children under elementary school age, and half-price for people with disabilities
The Oirase Gorge area is designated as a special protected area, and at night, a world of pitch black spreads out without even a single streetlight. In order to minimize the negative impact on the flora and fauna, the lighting equipment used for illumination is "mobile" rather than permanently installed. The lighting equipment is mounted on a vehicle and travels alongside the tour bus carrying visitors, only illuminating the area when visitors disembark for sightseeing.
The snowy scenery illuminated in various colors such as blue and purple is fantastical, and gazing at it will evoke an unprecedented feeling of awe, as if time has stopped.
This tour will take you to five recommended spots within the Oirase Gorge*. Each spot has its own lighting concept, allowing you to enjoy the changing colors of the icefalls and icicles.
*Night Course 001 or 003 only. Stops vary depending on the course.
From the Tohoku Expressway "Hachinohe JCT" to the Tohoku Longitudinal Expressway "Shimoda-momoishi IC" take National Highway 45 and 102 for approximately 90 minutes
*The above access route takes into account winter road conditions and may differ from the illustration on the right.
Access buses are currently operating between Towada city and Lake Towada.
This is a long-established restaurant in the Oirase Keiryu Onsen area. Since its founding, their signature dish, “Bara-yaki”, has been made by stir-frying thinly sliced pork or beef belly in a soy-based sauce on a hot iron plate—a local specialty of Towada. A Bara-yaki set meal will warm you up even on chilly days, satisfying both your stomach and your heart.
Beginners and families can enjoy winter activities with peace of mind at this beautiful facility, which opened in 2024. The snow park halfway up the mountain offers snow cruising, a sledding hill, and a snow escalator for practice.
Not only inside the museum, but the entire Kanchogai Street area is treated as a single museum, and various artworks are also exhibited in the outdoor space. The new discoveries you make while walking through the town are similar to the way you enjoy the Oirase Gorge.
Enjoy the luxury of hot spring water straight from the source, even in the city. After warming up in the sodium-strong chloride strong salt spring and rocky sauna, you can take a short walk outside, an experience that is unique to Towada.
Lake Towada is at its quietest time of the year. A canoe trip on the lake will sharpen your senses and is the ultimate immersive experience in nature. Even among local residents, only a handful know this silence.
Combined with the silence of Lake Towada, you'll be able to feel the mystical atmosphere of the shrine even more. Because you're walking on snowshoes, why not take more time than usual to experience the power of Towada Shrine?
Take a break and gaze out the window at Lake Towada in winter. This cafe, nestled in the frigid waters of Lake Towada, has a retro atmosphere and the owner's kindness makes it feel even warmer. The menu is extensive, with everything from coffee and cake to toast and curry.
In the town of Towada, you'll encounter plenty of art, food, and people. Take a walk around the town and you'll discover the charm of Towada, without any pretense. Enjoy these little encounters that you wouldn't notice unless you were walking around.
Sanban-gai is packed with restaurants and bars. You can enjoy local food, of course, but also hang out at a local izakaya or enjoy socializing at a snack bar. Why not make your trip to Towada full of new encounters?
This winter event has been held on the shores of Lake Towada since 1998. The beautiful scenery and fireworks that explode into the winter night sky are only possible in the cold winter. If you can conquer the frozen waterfalls of Oirase Gorge and the Winter Tale of Lake Towada, you will be a master of Towada's winter!
The hotel boasts a spacious lobby, large public bath, and luxurious interiors. There is also a souvenir corner with plenty to choose from. The tour bus stop is right in front of the hotel.
Enjoy a unique and luxurious dinner with authentic robatayaki grilling. The tour bus stop is right in front of the restaurant.
Relax in the open-air bath made of Aomori cypress while gazing at Lake Towada. Enjoy Akita cuisine. The tour bus stop is right in front of the hotel.
A micro-hotel that takes SDGs into consideration has opened in Yasumiya. Although compact, it has a restaurant and a wide selection of unique books. Why not relax and enjoy it as if you were at home? The bus stop is a 5-minute walk away.
The closest inn to Lake Towada, opened in 2023. ASOVIVA and Sushi Ryujin, both of which are indoor restaurants for families to enjoy, have also opened. The tour bus stop is right in front of the inn.
Located on the traditional Uba-dori Street, it is close to Sanban-gai and the shopping district, where there are many restaurants, making it an ideal place for a stroll around the city. Enjoy delicious set meals made with local ingredients. Towada Central Transit Hub is a 10-minute walk away.
Located in the heart of the city, next to Towada Onsen. Enjoy a relaxing stay while also enjoying the hot springs. If you're looking for a place to explore the city and want to stay overnight without meals, this is the place for you. Towada Central Transit Hub is a 15-minute walk away.
A small inn nestled in the city center. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a retro, homey atmosphere. Conveniently located near a convenience store. 6 minutes walk to Towada Central Transit Hub.
Enjoy the hot spring water flowing directly from the source, and relax in a traditional Japanese space with a building made entirely of Aomori cypress and tatami flooring. 3 minutes walk from Oirase Keiryu Onsen bus stop.
A small inn with 7 rooms, modern yet filled with the warmth of wood. Enjoy a special time in a relaxing space. 3 minutes walk from the Oirase Keiryu Onsen bus stop.
The only resort hotel located at the entrance to a mountain stream. The tour bus stop is right in front of the hotel.
A friendly hostess will welcome you. The rainbow trout meal served in a homely atmosphere is excellent in both taste and quantity. 4 minutes walk from Oirase Keiryu Onsen bus stop
A private building with a natural hot spring for long-term stays. Recommended for families and groups. 4 minutes walk from Oirase Keiryu Onsen bus stop.
Why not stay at the entrance to Oirase Keiryu Hotel in a rental house? It's just a 3-minute walk from Oirase Keiryu Hotel.
When is the best time to see the frozen waterfall and icicles?What is the difference between the evening course and the day course?Is it okay to wear anything when participating in the tour?Do you take walks in the Oirase Gorge?Is there a place to store large luggage?Please tell me how to get to each boarding location.I would like to cancel my reservation.I want to change the date.I would like to change my pickup or drop-off location.I haven't received the reservation comfirmation email.I want to reduce the number of people.I want to increase the number of people.
