07/06/2025
# Oirase Stream: Aomori’s Emerald Ribbon of Life
Flowing 14 kilometers from Lake Towada through the heart of Aomori Prefecture, the Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流)is a masterpiece of untouched nature within Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Renowned as one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain streams, it carves a vibrant path through ancient beech forests, creating a dynamic ecosystem where crystal-clear rapids dance over moss-covered volcanic rocks and tumble down the 14 distinct waterfalls,including the dramatic Choshi Otaki.
Walking the well-maintained riverside trail immerses you in a living emerald world. Sunlight filters through dense foliage, illuminating curtains of moss that drape boulders and tree roots. The constant melody of rushing water and birdsong replaces urban noise, offering profound tranquility. Each season paints the gorge anew: spring’s fresh greenery, summer’s cool canopy, autumn’s explosive red and gold foliage (peaking mid-October), and winter’s frozen, silent waterfalls.
Accessible from Nenokuchi(Lake Towada) or Yakeyama, the mostly flat trail is ideal for all walkers. Whether you hike its entirety or explore shorter sections, Oirase’s pristine beauty—a symphony of water, stone, and forest—leaves an indelible impression of nature’s artistry. It’s not just a stream; it’s a breathing, whispering landscape.
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