[Towada City, Aomori Prefecture] A great touring spot to visit by motorcycle: Oirase Gorge, where the clear air is pleasant.

According to online information, the best time to see the autumn leaves is predicted to be around the end of October for about 10 days. While crowds are expected during the tourist season, visiting this place is extremely satisfying, even outside of autumn foliage season. Located at the eastern end of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the beautiful, refreshing air surrounded by lush nature is truly pleasant. The address and coordinates shown below are for Ishigedo Rest Area, located along the Lake Towada Oirase Line. While there is parking on the side of the road, this spot is known as the starting point for mountain stream walks. We recommend parking your motorcycle and strolling along the footpath beside the Oirase Gorge. Ishigedo Rapids, featured in this article’s title photo, is located just 200 meters away. Ishigedo

Rest Area is located approximately 53 km south of National Route 103 from Aomori City toward Lake Towada, or a 75-minute drive. This route leads to the secondary beech forest, as previously described in “Hakkoda Beech Road.” Along the way, you’ll see Mount Hakkoda on your left and Mount Kushigatake on your right as you follow the Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line. Eventually, you’ll pass Suiren Numa on your left and Tsuta Numa on your right, before merging with National Route 102 coming from Towada City. Turn right there and you’ll be on the Lake Towada Oirase Line. Ishigedo Rest Area is about 11 km from Tsuta Numa, just over 5 km from the junction with National Route 102, and 1.5 km from where National Route 102 branches off to the Oirase Bypass (a shortcut to Hirosaki City). You’ll arrive in about two minutes. The Lake Towada Oirase Line runs parallel to the Oirase Gorge, from Yakeyama, where it junctions with National Route 102, to Lake Towada and Nenokuchi. It’s not particularly steep, with gentle gradients and turns, making for a comfortable ride. When you see the scenery of Oirase Gorge, with its moderately slow and rapid river currents and its sometimes calming width and gentle flow, you’re guaranteed to feel a deep sense of appreciation for having traveled so far.

From Lake Towada, head east on National Route 454 to Hachinohe, or head west on National Routes 103 and 7 to Noshiro City and Ogata Village, or head south via Kakunodate City to Appi Highlands. Bathed in dazzling sunlight filtering through the trees, you can sometimes turn left and right as you ride alongside the stream, which flows close to the road with little drop in elevation. This is a wonderful location perfect for a motorcycle trip, where you can fully enjoy the refreshing air.

The Towada Lake Oirase Line runs through a beech tree path.

A beautiful and pleasant stream runs alongside the road.

Lake Towada National Park Association website

URL: https://towadako.or.jp/towadako-oirase/

1-12 Okuse, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture (Approx. 47 minutes by car/Approx. 40km from Shichinohe-Towada Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen)