This was the reason why we wanted to come to Aomori. Once again, it was the travels of Singapore’s Mediacorp artistes Jeremy and Jessica that sparked our wanderlust – their visit to Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流) on the Double J Baecation programme drew us in immediately.
Oirase Gorge is a must-see when exploring Aomori and the Tohoku region. It is a mesmerising 14km of unspoiled natural beauty. From cascading waterfalls to mossy rocks and winding trails alongside crystal-clear streams, it’s the perfect escape away from the hustle and bustle of daily life into Japan’s serene countryside.
Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or just looking to breathe in fresh air, Oirase Gorge promises an unforgettable experience.
Our trail: From Kumoi-no-taki Falls to Lake Towada
The entire Oirase trail stretches 14km, from Yakeyama to Nenokuchi, where Lake Towada appears in full splendour. It takes about 5 hr to walk the full trail – but like most, we started somewhere midstream, at Kumoi-no-taki Waterfall.
Waterfall highlights:
- Soryu Waterfall
- Choshi Otaki Falls (the largest waterfall in the gorge)
- Kumoi-no-taki Falls
- Shirakinu Waterfall
- Tamadare Waterfall
Tip: To truly experience its beauty, stay at least for a night , like at the Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel. It’s pricey but oh, so worth it.
We began our trek at 9.30am. On paper, it is a 2-hr journey to Nenokuchi. We took a leisurely 3-hr walk with photo stops and rest stops.
The place is massive, which would be too much to cover in a single day. This was our first experience there but we’ll be sure to return to experience the rest of it!
Lake Towada (十和田湖, Towadako)
Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge are part of the larger Towada Hachimantai National Park. The lake was formed by volcanic activity about 200,000 years ago and is known for its deep blue waters. To enjoy its breathless scenery, hop on a sightseeing boat to immerse yourself in the different views of the lake and its luscious mountains. There are two routes with about 5 to 6 rides each day between April to November. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for this.
Some photography tips
- Go early:
I like to work with natural light. Mornings are good as the sun isn’t too hot and the light is not so harsh. If you are willing to sacrifice sleep to rise up early, daybreaks are nice as they make for colourful skies. Early mornings are also a good time to capture light rays peeking through the forest foliage. - Bring a tripod (if you can):
Oirase Gorge is famous for its flowing streams and waterfalls. A tripod helps you capture that silky water effect with slower shutter speeds. Even a mini tripod works if you prefer to travel light! Or if you have sturdy hands, you could still attempt to shoot a few seconds of long exposure. - Mind your footing:
Trails are easy to follow but can be slippery or rocky in places and some run close to the stream. Wear good walking shoes and take your time. - Experiment with angles:
Instead of shooting everything straight on, try low angles, near the stream or frame your shots through tree branches. Go wide to also capture the expansive woods and the grandeur of towering trees, or the vastness of Lake Towada. - Capture the details:
Besides the big waterfalls, don’t forget the little scenes — mossy rocks, colourful maple leaves, winding streams. Sometimes the small moments tell the best stories. - Golden hour
If you can stay till sunset, the colours over Lake Towada are breathtaking. The warm light adds a soft glow to everything — perfect for dreamy landscapes. - Watch your time and enjoy:
It’s easy to get caught up and forget about time sometimes. As Oirase Gorge is huge, do keep track of time and where you are. Take note of the bus schedule and its pick-up locations so that you can catch a ride back. Buses are not very frequent if they are off-season. Walking back could take another 2 hr or more, depending on how much ground you need to cover. We would know because we missed the bus. But luckily, we met a very kind restaurant owner at Lake Towada who helped us to call for a cab and even luckier when a Taiwanese couple who stayed at the same hotel spotted us and asked to share the ride with us. Cabs are expensive in Japan, you see.
Scan this QR code which gives a very good illustration of the Oirase Gorge walking trail, featuring the various highlights along the way and the walking time required.
Image source: JNTO
🌿 Remember: There’s no “perfect” shot. It’s about capturing how the place makes you feel.
Here’s the Double J Baecation episode if you are interested to see Oirase Gorge through their eyes.
There’s a sense of peace and tranquillity at Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada that’s hard to put into words — it’s in the whisper of the stream, the golden dance of autumn leaves, and the reflections on a still lake.
If you’re planning a trip to Tohoku, don’t miss this little slice of paradise.
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