Oirase Gorge & Towada-ko
I absolutely love living in Tokyo, it’s been my home for over a decade. However sometimes the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s busiest cities can be a bit much (even though I live in the suburbs), especially as being an Aussie born and bred I had such amazing nature easily accessible in my childhood.
At times I simply wish to be surrounded by nature, by lush greenery and crystalline waters. In my time living in Tokyo, the only other place that I thought I could possibly live is Kyoto (I adore Kyoto) until I discovered Aomori Prefecture, specifically Towada-shi. There was something about Towada-shi, and its stunning environment that touched my soul and evoked the feeling of serenity and home.
Oirase Gorge (Oirase Steam) lies on the border of Akita and Aomori prefecture. The gorge stretches from Lake Towada to Yakiyama for a total distance of 14km. It is a perfect day’s hike or you can hire bicycles to explore the area via the roads. We preferred walking as it allowed us to explore the walking paths, the pretty wooden bridges and the numerous waterfalls scattered throughout the gorge. Japan has an amazing amount of waterfalls.
Oirase is also known for its lush greenery in the spring and summer, its wonderful Autumn foliage, dreamy snowscapes and its vast array of moss foliage which apparently holds about 2500 different species of the world’s 12,000.
THE MOSS OF OIRASE
Was entranced by this unusual moss and foliage covering the rocks of Oirase.
Shinrin-Yoku, the concept of forest-bathing in Japan is a form of nature therapy. Oirase Gorge is a beautiful place to partake in such eco therapy, with the breeze rustling through the foliage, dappled sunlight trickling through the canopy and the rippling sounds of the stream, it is utterly revitalizing for the soul.
Adored stumbling across these wild mushrooms as well on our hike, how fabulous are they?!
Lake Towada, drained by the Oirase stream is part of the Towada Hachimantai National Park. It is the largest crater lake in Honshu island, and is the 12th largest lake in all of Japan. Generally circular in shape, it’s brilliant blue color is due to its great depth of 327m.
There are scenic ferries available to take your around the lake, however due to Covid the timetables were altered and didn’t fit in with our schedule. Generally the whole area is beautifully maintained, there are old hotels and establishments which have fallen into disrepair and in a way form a rather melancholy beauty to the whole area of what once was its heyday.
APPLE PIE DELIGHT
The perfect afternoon snack by the lake. All they have is apple pie, coffee and tea… kinda wish they had wine or even some local cider!
