Mountain & highlandAutumn Leaves · Tohoku
Oirase Gorge
Lake Towada & OiraseGorge🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Late Oct
Overview
Overview
A mountain stream running for about 14 km along the Oirase River, which flows out of Lake Towada. Awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide, it lets you enjoy waterfalls, rapids and autumn leaves up close as you walk the trail.
- Address
- Okuse, Towada, Aomori
- Time needed
- Half a day if you focus on the highlights; a full day to walk the whole route
- Official website
- https://aomori-tourism.com/spot/detail_339.html
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookOirase Stream & Lake Towada Day Bus Tour (from Aomori)Bus tour from Aomori Station West Exit to Mt. Hakkoda, the Oirase Stream, Lake Towada and Towada Shrine, and Shirokura BridgeView on Klook- PRKlookHakkoda, Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada Small-Group Day Tour (from Aomori)Small-group tour from Aomori Station West Exit to the Hakkoda Ropeway (ticket not included), Oirase Gorge and Lake TowadaView on Klook
- PRKlookOirase Stream & Lake Towada Small-Group Tour (from Aomori)Small-group tour from a hotel in Aomori city to the Oirase Stream, Lake Towada, a Lake Towada cruise (fee not included) and the Hakkoda areaView on Klook
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually mid- to late October
September
October
November
December
Varies with each year’s temperatures and by location
🍁 These spots are in their typical peak period. Actual colors shift with each year’s temperatures, so check the official foliage updates too.
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
Highlights are the trail, like a tunnel of green, and the water sparkling with sunlight filtering through the trees. In autumn the trees along the stream change color, and you can see waterfalls such as Choshi Otaki Falls and Kumoi Falls together with the autumn leaves.
📷 Best views
Choshi Otaki Falls
A wide waterfall on the main stream. A classic photo spot in the autumn leaves season
Kumoi Falls
A tiered waterfall cascading down a rock face, near the bus stop
Ishigedo
A base for walks along the stream, with a rest area and bicycle rental
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Take the bus upstream and walk downstream so you can watch the flow as you go
- ✓You can also combine sections by rental bicycle
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Bus stops such as Ishigedo, Kumoi-no-taki and Choshi Otaki (JR Bus Tohoku)Stops along the stream
- From major stations & airports
- Aomori Station: JR Bus Tohoku Mizuumi-go (About 2 hours)
- Hachinohe Station: JR Bus Tohoku Oirase-go (reservation required)
- Getting back
- Buses run seasonally and are infrequent, so check return times in advance
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- On weekends in the autumn leaves season, National Route 102 along the stream tends to be congested
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- October normals for Yasumiya (Lake Towada shore): high 15.1°C, low 6.5°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- Mornings and evenings drop to single digits, so bring warm clothes such as a fleece or light down jacket. The trail has many wet boardwalks and stones, so wear non-slip shoes
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Tohoku
Mountain & highland
Mountain & highland
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Temple🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Castle🍁 Typical peakTsurugajo Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle)
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
Temple🍁 Typical peakYamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
Temple🍁 Typical peakPeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05