A special night only available to guests staying on the quiet shores of Lake Towada in winter.
Once you leave the inn, you will be transported to a world of pitch black darkness and silence.
While listening to special stories related to Lake Towada,
the bus heads towards Oirase with the current.
This is the only course where you can see the rugged Ishigedo-no-se Current at night.
Departing and arriving at Lake Towada
■Please note that in December and March, the schedule may be delayed by approximately 30 minutes due to road conditions.
Recommended for those staying in the Lake Towada area !
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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 approximately 16,000 years ago, marking the beginning of the Oirase Gorge. The strong winter winds blowing from the lake into the stream are reminiscent of the great floods of that time. If you're lucky, you might even be able to get caught up in the blizzard. Let's start by following the current downstream.
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Follow the sound and discover
a waterfall hidden quietly deep in the forest.
Take a short walk along the Oirase Gorge in winter. As you walk, you'll feel not only the waterfalls and the stream, but also the forest as a whole, and beyond the frigid cold, you'll find a majestic frozen waterfall.
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Tiny mounds of snow take shape
Immerse yourself in the winter of Oirase.
This stream, called "Se" because of its bubbling waters, is one of the streams that is said to be synonymous with Oirase Gorge. If you compare its appearance throughout the four seasons, this may be the place where the changes are most evident. This tour is the only one where you can see the stream lit up.
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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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The frozen waterfalls nestle close to the water's edge.
The silence and coldness are soothing.
It is the smallest and most downstream waterfall in the Oirase Gorge. Unlike the other frozen waterfalls, it is precisely because it is a small waterfall that you can experience the expression of the frozen waterfall in perfect harmony with the stillness of the water surface.
Recommended for those staying in the Lake Towada area !
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I definitely recommend staying at Lake Towada. There are few man-made objects and I was able to refresh myself in a nice, isolated world.
Male in his 30s
We participated in this trip for our wedding anniversary. Walking through the illuminated forest, we felt as if we had been transported to another world, and had the illusion that we had the view all to ourselves.
Couple in their 30s
Our guide gave us a humorous explanation of the history and culture surrounding Lake Towada. The light car staff also looked after us, so we were able to participate in the tour with peace of mind.
Couple in their 40s
It seemed like there were spots that were only accessible on tours departing from Lake Towada, so I felt like I'd gotten a great deal. The sudden gusts of wind at Nenokuchi felt like I was experiencing the birth of a mountain stream, and I'll never forget it.
Couple in their 20s
The closest inn to Lake Towada, opened in 2023. Indoor restaurants ASOVIVA and Sushi Ryujin, both of which are great for families, have also opened. The tour bus stop is right in front of the inn.
486 Yasumiya, Lake Towada, Okusae, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture , 018-5501
by foot
Lake Towada is at its quietest time of the year. Canoeing across the lake's surface offers an immersive experience in nature that will sharpen your senses. Another way to enjoy the lake is to visit Towada Shrine in winter on snowshoes. You can fully enjoy the silence and mystical atmosphere, and it will be a special time where you can experience the charms of both the lake and the shrine.
by foot
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.
486 Yasumiya, Lake Towada, Okusae, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture , 018-5501
by foot
The closest inn to Lake Towada, opened in 2023. Indoor restaurants ASOVIVA and Sushi Ryujin, both of which are great for families, have also opened. The tour bus stop is right in front of the inn.
486 Yasumiya, Lake Towada, Okusae, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture , 018-5501
by foot
by bus
A night tour around the illuminated frozen waterfalls and icicles of Oirase Gorge. The blue ice formations float in the darkness, creating a magical and powerful sight that will captivate you. This is the only tour where you can see the rugged Ishigedo-no-se Current at night.
by bus
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 this event, you will be a master of Towada's winter!
Lake Towada Winter Story Period: January 30th (Friday) to February 23rd (Monday, national
holiday) *Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Please check the official website for details.
16-246 Yasumiya, Lake Towada, Okusae, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture , 018-5501
by foot
All rooms at Towadakohan SAKURA are lake-view, overlooking Lake Towada. There is a large public bath and a family bath, allowing you to spend a warm and relaxing time at the inn, which will gently relieve the fatigue of your travels.
486 Yasumiya, Lake Towada, Okusae, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture , 018-5501
Recommended for those staying in the Lake Towada area !
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.
