CastleTsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle) in Snow
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
❄ Best season: Mid Nov – Mid Mar
✦ Illumination
Winter Scenery · Tohoku
Oirase Gorge Ice Falls
Lake Towada & OiraseFrozen waterfall & icicles❄ Best season: Late Jan – Late Feb✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
The Oirase Stream, flowing out of Lake Towada, turns into a world of frozen waterfalls and icicles in winter as its falls and rock faces freeze. In winter, a local tourism promotion organization runs Ice Falls Tours with nature guides, and on the evening course the ice is lit up.
- Address
- Oirase Stream, Okuse, Towada, Aomori
- Time needed
- Several hours on a tour (varies by course and boarding point)
- Official website
- https://www.towada.travel/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookOirase, Hakkoda & Lake Towada Small-Group Day Tour from AomoriDeparts from Aomori. Plan 1 visits the Oirase Stream, the Hakkoda Ropeway and Lake Towada (the itinerary may be adjusted in winter depending on road conditions)View on Klook- PRKlookOirase Stream & Lake Towada Private Charter from AomoriA private car with hotel pickup in Aomori City. You can plan an itinerary together, such as a route covering the Oirase Stream and Lake TowadaView on Klook
Peak Time
When to Go
Best seasonUsually late January to February
December
January
February
The size of the ice changes each year with the cold and the snow. Check the official website for the 2026–27 tour schedule
Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.
Highlights
Highlights
The frozen waterfalls and icicles are said to be at their largest and most impressive from late January to February, when the snow gets deep. On the evening tour, vehicles fitted with special lights illuminate each spot, and on the daytime tour, guides explain how the stream and its landscape were formed.
📷 Best views
Waterfalls and rock walls along the stream
Frozen waterfalls and icicles hanging from the rock faces, glowing in the lights at night
Illumination
Illumination & winter lights
- Period
- Evening course of the winter Ice Falls Tour (in 2025–26, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and the New Year holidays from December 20 to March 1)
Vehicles fitted with special lights illuminate the frozen waterfalls and icicles. Reservation-only tour
Admission
Admission & fares
Ice Falls Tour (2025–26)Adults ¥3,300–¥4,400, elementary school students ¥1,650–¥2,200
Varies by date and plan. Preschoolers free; advance booking required
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Tours require advance booking and prepayment. Boarding points vary by plan, including central Towada City, Shichinohe-Towada Station, Oirase Keiryu Onsen and the Lake Towada shore
- ✓Frozen walking paths are slippery, so wear snow boots with deep treads or ice grips
Access
Getting there
- From major stations & airports
- Central Towada City: Ice Falls Tour bus (About 40 min)
- Shichinohe-Towada Station: Ice Falls Tour (daytime course)
- Driving & winter roads
- In winter, some roads around the Oirase Stream are closed. If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, join a tour
Weather
Temperature & staying warm
- Typical temperatures
- January normals for Yasumiya on Lake Towada: high -1.2°C, low -6.7°C; February: high -0.4°C, low -6.6°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- A heavy jacket such as a down coat and snow boots you can walk on snowy paths in. At night you will walk on snowy paths with no streetlights, so dress especially warmly
Rules
Rules & safety
- !There are no streetlights along the stream and the footing is poor. Follow the guide’s instructions on the tour
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Oirase Gorge Ice FallsPR
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
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Winter Scenery in Tohoku
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Lake
Snow corridorSeasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06