Oirase Stream

From 14th to 16th July, hubby and I visited a few places in Aomori prefecture. On the 14th, we visited Oirase Stream which is one of the most popular sightseeing spot in Aomori prefecture. The place is a popular destination for tourists during spring and summer seasons of new fresh green leaves as well as during autumn season of colored foliage. A river named Oirase River flows from Lake Towada, a caldera lake on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures. In fact, this river is the only outlet draining Lake Towada. The river flows in the eastern direction and exits into the Pacific Ocean. The uppermost initial 14-kilometer section of Oirase River between Nenokuchi Town and Yakeyama Town is called the Oirase Stream. Oirase Stream flows along the floor of a scenic gorge with numerous rapids and waterfalls. Actually more than a dozen waterfalls cascade down into the stream all along its length from the walls of the gorge. The stream runs through virgin forest containing white cedar, Japanese beech, and maple trees. Oirase Stream along with Lake Towada has been designated as a national special place of scenic beauty and as a natural monument.

Oirase Stream starts from Lake Towada at Nenokuchi where there is a bus stop and a boat pier with connections to nearby Yasumiya Town. There is an easy hiking trail along the most scenic upper passage of the stream between Nenokuchi and Ishigedo, with many bridges and waterfalls along the way. This trail is about 9 kilometers long and takes about 2.5 hours to walk one way. Walking the entire 14 kilometers passage of the stream up to Yakeyama takes about 5 hours. A road runs alongside Oirase Stream which provides a convenient transportation along the stream for visitors not wishing to walk.

On 14th July, we left our home at about 9.30 am. Lake Towada and Oirase Stream area is located about 210 kilometers northeast of our home and it took us about 4.5 hours to reach there by our car. Initially we went to see Lake Towada but we did not spend much time at the lake as we had already visited the lake in June 2009. Please click here to read my blog post about Lake Towada. This time we spent a few minutes walking along a pier and enjoyed the cool lake breeze and the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains.

A pier on Lake Towada

The pier, the lake, and the surrounding mountains

Beautiful scenery

I am standing on the pier

Hubby standing on the pier

Crystal clear water of the lake

We drove another 3 kilometers north and reached a favorable spot near Oirase Stream. We parked our car at a small parking area and started walking along the hiking trail from Nenokuchi side towards Ishigedo. While walking along the banks of the stream, we enjoyed viewing the dense green vegetation and the stream itself.

Oirase Stream and greenery

Stream and I

Stream and green vegetation

I am walking along the stream

Hubby standing on the bank of the stream

While walking along the trail, we reached a breathtaking waterfall named Choshi Otaki Waterfall. The waterfall is 20 meters wide and 7 meters high, and it is the only waterfall flowing in the main stream of Oirase River. There is natural mist everywhere around the waterfall. Because of this waterfall, fishes living in Oirase River have been unable to enter into Lake Towada. We loved viewing this wonderful waterfall. Tourists with limited time visit Oirase Stream to see only a few favorite spots and this waterfall is one amongst such spots. Therefore for an easy access to the waterfall, there is a bus stop and a parking area nearby.

Hubby standing next to a board indicating that he is only 100 meters away from Choshi Otaki Waterfall

Side view of Choshi Otaki Waterfall

Front view of Choshi Otaki Waterfall and the greenery

Breathtaking waterfall

I am standing in front of the waterfall

Hubby and the waterfall

Near Choshi Otaki Waterfall, we saw a small stream coming down the rocks. The hiking trail weaves around Oirase Stream. While walking along the trail, we saw close-up the beauty of nature, such as fresh green forest, luxuriant ferns, and rich mosses. We crossed a moss covered wooden bridge over the stream and saw beautiful ripples in the stream. Along the trail, there are huge rocks and several more wooden bridges covered with plants and mosses. While walking further, we saw steep dark-stoned cliffs of the scenic gorge. We enjoyed the treasure of natural green beauty all around us.

A small stream coming down the rocks

Hubby walking along the hiking trail

I am enjoying seeing a fern plant

I am walking along the hiking trail. Misty Choshi Otaki Waterfall is seen in the background.

Hubby along with Choshi Otaki Waterfall in the background

Oirase Stream and green forest as viewed from a wooden bridge over the stream

Hubby walked across the wooden bridge and standing on the bank of the stream

Hubby standing next to a huge rock covered with mosses and plants

Hubby standing on a moss covered wooden bridge

Steep dark-stoned cliffs of the gorge

Dark stones of the gorge

Huge rocks covered with ferns, mosses, and plants

Next we saw a waterfall named Kudan Waterfall on the left bank of the stream. Kudan means nine steps. Here water flows gently over the nine stepped complex stone stratum. The cascading waterfall is a beautiful sight to behold.

Kudan Waterfall and greenery

Close up view of Kudan Waterfall

I am standing in front of the waterfall

As we walked further along the hiking trail, we crossed yet another wooden bridge over Oirase Stream. This bridge is located over a very rapid section of the stream. Here we saw many rocks exposed over the water surface and the strong flowing water splashing over and around the rocks. Walking further, we saw that the stream calmed down a little bit and the water flow was smoother. We also saw a fallen tree over the stream that actually spanned across the stream. We noted that various kinds of plants and mushrooms had grown on the fallen tree. As we kept walking further along the trail, we reached a section of the stream where one bank is full of dense green vegetation and the opposite bank has huge rocks covered in mosses and plants.

Rapid section of the stream on one side (Nenokuchi side) of the wooden bridge

Rapid section of the stream on the other side of the bridge

Another rapid section of the stream

Calmed down and smoother flowing section of the stream. In the background we can see the rapid section of the stream.

A fallen tree across the stream

Mushrooms on the fallen tree

I am walking along the hiking trail. The fallen tree across the stream is seen in the background.

The stream with green vegetation on the left bank and huge moss covered rocks on the right bank

Next we saw Furou Waterfall on the left bank of the stream. Furou mean eternal youth. The waterfall is named Furou because it has never been dry. It is said that we can live long after drinking this water. On the left bank near Furou Waterfall, we saw another waterfall named Shiraito Waterfall. Shiraito means white thread, and many thin lines of water flows down this waterfall.

Furou Waterfall

The stream along with the side view of Shiraito Waterfall (marked by red arrow) in the background

I am standing near the stream. Side view of the lower portion of Shiraito Waterfall is seen in the background.

Shiraito Waterfall

Walking further along the trail, we saw blooming shrubs named Oni Shimotsuke (Filipendula kamtschatica). These shrubs flower only during summer to early fall seasons. The flowers are fluffy and white in color with a tinge of pink. Walking further, we saw several fallen tree branches over the stream. At one point, we saw yet another huge fallen tree across the stream.

Hubby walking along the hiking trail

Oni Shimotsuke flowers

Fallen tree branches over the stream

Hubby standing next to a huge fallen tree across the stream

Next, we saw a board with Tamadare Waterfall written on it. This waterfall is on the right bank of the stream. However, we saw only a man-made drainage system near the board. We were very surprised and really appreciated the sense of humor of the tourism division of Aomori prefectural government. Only later, after we left the place, did we realize that we were supposed to look further up the cliff on the right bank to see the waterfall.

Hubby standing next to the board with Tamadare Waterfall written on it

We had walked about 4.2 kilometers down the hiking trail along the stream. I was a bit tired and so we decided to stop walking any further. There were many more waterfalls and scenic places to see but we decided to visit them another day in the future. We loved visiting Oirase Stream surrounded by dense green vegetation. I compiled a video of our walk down the trail along Oirase Stream.

A compiled video of our walk down the trail along Oirase Stream

It took us almost an hour to walk back up to the car parking area. We left the Oirase Stream area at about 5 pm and drove up to Misawa City in Aomori prefecture. Misawa City is located about 55 kilometers east-northeast of Oirase Stream and it took us about 1.5 hours to reach there by our car. That night we stayed at a hotel in Misawa City, and the next day we visited Omazaki Cape in Aomori prefecture about which I will write in the next post.

Lake Towada

On June 27th, hubby and I went to see Lake Towada. Lake Towada (Towada-ko in Japanese) is neither the biggest nor the deepest lake but arguably the most beautiful lake in Japan. The lake is so beautiful that Japan’s notable travel writer Keigetsu Omachi from the Meiji era admired the beauty of the lake saying ‘There is no other lake as Lake Towada in the world just as there is no other mountain like Mt. Fuji’.

Map of Lake Towada and surrounding area

Lake Towada is located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, which occupies a mountainous area on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures. Lake Towada is believed to have been created by volcanic activities about 200000 years ago, assuming its basic shape as a result of a great volcanic eruption of Mt. Towada that occurred about 40000 years ago. It is a double caldera lake located at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level with a perimeter of approximately 46 km. At 59.58 km2 area, the lake is almost square, extending about 10 km from north to south and east to west. The lake is about 327 meters deep at its deepest point, which makes it the third deepest lake in Japan. A Caldera is a large crater created by a volcanic eruption and the mountain ridges that surround a caldera lake are called its outer rim. Lake Towada is surrounded by outer rim composed of mountains 600 to 1000 meters high including Mt. Ohanabe, Mt. Towada, and Mt. Towari. The lake water drains from the northeastern part via Oirase River. The bright blue color of the lake is due to its depth. Two peninsulas Nakayama-hanto and Ogura-hanto stretch out toward the center of the lake and Nakanoumi between these two peninsulas has the deepest part of the lake.

Lake Towada was designated a national park in 1936. A natural forest of beech and Japanese Judas trees is spread around the lake. Wild cherry and Magnolia kobus trees bloom in spring. The forest is covered with fresh green leaves in summer, which all turn red and yellow in fall and provides a gorgeous view. The transparent crystal water of the lake reflects the lakeside rocks and colorful trees creating beautiful scenes through all the seasons. This lake is the most notable scenic sites of Tohoku region and is very popular tourist attraction.

Hubby and I started from our home at about 9.30 am. It took us about four hours to reach Towada lake area by our car. First we went to Hakka Pass (Hakkatoge) observatory deck in Kosaka town of Akita prefecture. In fact, there are three more main observatories named Kankodai, Mt. Ohanabe, and Takinosawa around Lake Towada that offers the fun of viewing panoramic beauties surrounding Lake Towada from various angles. Winding mountain road led to Hakka Pass observatory, which is located at the end of Jukai line road. The observatory is situated at a height of 631 meters and is popular among tourists for its clear full view of the lake, which is believed to be the best amongst all observatories in the area. The highest mountain of the area, Mt. Ohanabe, could be seen in front while the Hakkoda Ranges were visible at the rear. The jutting peninsulas of Nakayama and Ogura were to the right and thick foliage of the lakeside trees could be seen on the left. A stunning landscape weaving together the tranquil surface of a lake surrounded by an outer ring of lava domes, the distinctive forms of the Nakayama and Ogura peninsulas, and thick woods that grow at the lakeshore was simply amazing and breathtaking. After enjoying the view from the observatory hubby bought dango and softcream from a shop-cum-restaurant. We enjoyed eating them at the car parking area.

Hubby standing next to a notice board at Hakka Pass observatory

View from Hakka Pass observatory

Another view from Hakka Pass observatory along with a sightseeing tour bus

Hubby at Hakka Pass observatory deck

Me at the observatory

Me posing at the observatory

A shop-cum-restaurant next to the observatory

Hubby with softcream and dango

After enjoying the view from Hakka Pass observatory, we went to a small town named Yasumiya, which is an area situated at the southern shore around the base of Nakayama peninsula. It was just a 10 minutes drive from Hakka Pass observatory. While parking our car in the area, we realized that we were in Aomori prefecture, and not Akita! Yasumiya serves as a transportation hub and is the tourist centre with Towada Science Museum, hotels, and souvenir shops. Shores of Lake Towada remain largely undeveloped with the exception of Yasumiya, which has a cozy atmosphere and is the busiest area around the lake.

Yasumiya town area

At Yasumiya, hubby and I took a stroll on the promenade along the lake shore, and enjoyed the views of the lake and wild plants growing in the surrounding forest. The lakeside walking trail was simply superb. The bright blue color of the lake was stunning. The peaceful lake, and beautiful mountains and forest brought a sense of peace and tranquility for hubby and me. Both of us felt a sense of inner peace.

Me at the lakeside walking trail in Yasumiya

Me at the lakeside walking trail

Hubby at the lakeside walking trail

Outer rim mountain ridge

On our way to the beach

The view of the lake and surrounding mountains and cliffs can also be enjoyed by using sightseeing cruising vessels. There were 1-2 departures from Yasumiya every hour. It is a one hour trip and took passengers to various points on the lake. We skipped cruising this time. In addition, there were pink dinosaur and swan shaped small paddle boats for boating in the lake. Hubby and I wished to do boating using these small boats. Unfortunately, it was a very windy day and we could not do any boating.

Small paddle boats and cruise vessels at the lake

After about ten minutes of walking, we reached Gozengahama beach. While walking on the lakeside trail, we saw a very small island named Ebisu Daikoku Jima. There were two Shinto shrines on the island.

Ebisu Daikoku Island

Another view of Ebisu Daikoku Island

Me at the beach near Ebisu Daikoku Island

Hubby at the beach near Ebisu Daikoku Island

Hubby and I initially took a long leisurely walk along Gozengahama beach. The waves hitting the lake shore made a superb view at the beach. Later we had lots of fun walking and running along the beach. We both got tired after sometime, and sat and relaxed at the beach and enjoyed the spectacular view all around us.

Gozengahama beach

People enjoying at Gozengahama beach

Hubby posing at Gozengahama beach

Me searching rounded pebbles at Gozengahama beach

Me relaxing at Gozengahama beach

There is a bronze statue of a pair of nude maidens (otome no zou) at Gozengahama beach, which is a symbol of Lake Towada. The statue was sculpted by Koutaro Takamura, a famous poet as well as an artist. The statue was placed by Aomori Prefecture in 1953 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the designation of Lake Towada as a national park and to honor and recognize the services of the poet Keigetsu Omachi (who introduced Lake Towada to the world), then-governor of Aomori prefecture, and then-mayor of the village.

Bronze statue of a pair of Otome maidens at Gozengahama beach

After enjoying the view of the lake and its beautiful surroundings for about two hours, we walked back to Yasumiya shopping area and restaurants. At a restaurant, we had early dinner of zaru soba (chilled soba noodles topped with shredded nori seaweed) and rice set with Himemasu trout fish, a special local product of Lake Towada. The fish was delicious. Himemasu (chippu) is a trout variety that is a dwarf form of red salmon (Kokanee salmon). In fact, originally Lake Towada was sterile and had no fishes. Sadayuki Wainai stocked the lake with red salmon of Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido in 1903. Red salmon farming was successfully developed and today over one million salmon are harvested annually. Nowadays red salmon fish delicacies are an important tourism resource in Towada area.

Rice set with Himemasu trout fish

Zaru soba set

Hubby having zaru soba

After dinner we enjoyed the lake and its surroundings for some more time and then started on our return trip at about 5.30 pm. By the time we reached home, hubby and I were tired of the long drive yet we both felt very relaxed and peaceful after seeing the wonderful beauty of Lake Towada.