Aomori walking route: Oirase Gorge to Lake Towada
This 4-day route through Aomori Prefecture connects natural attractions and cultural sites including Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada, and Mount Iwaki, alongside the art-focused Aomori Museum of Art and historical landmarks like Takayama Inari Shrine and Jogakura Bridge. The itinerary covers approximately, combining exploration of Hirosaki's apple heritage with visits to Aomori City and the Aomori Nebuta Museum.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Aomori City
- End
- Mount Iwaki
- Stops
- 11
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Aomori City — Primary destination; arrival and Day 1 base
- Aomori Museum of Art — Day 2 activity; art museum visit
- Takayama Inari Shrine — Day 3; shrine on west coast of Aomori
- Oirase Gorge — Day 4; scenic gorge with riverside hotel
- Hirosaki Apple Park — Day 3; apple farm and orchard
- Aomori Nebuta Museum — Day 3; cultural museum near warehouse
- Keiryu-BASE — Day 4; lounge facility in gorge area
- Lake Towada — Day 4; scenic lake destination
- Hirosaki — Day 3; apple orchard town
- Jogakura Bridge — Scenic bridge crossing
- Mount Iwaki — Scenic mountain viewpoint
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Flying to Aomori takes 1.5 hours vs 4 hours by train. Japan Airlines domestic flights offer free wifi and quick check-in/security.
- Save money
- Skip renting the ETC card in Aomori - visitors may not need it.
- Where to stay
- Keiryu-BASE hotel is the only hotel located right next to Oirase Gorge. Book breakfast reservation in advance for outdoor riverside seating.
- Tip
- Oirase Gorge is a 14km stretch of river with a designated hiking trail taking 6 hours. Visit Ishigedo Rest Area for snacks and souvenirs.
- Food
- Aomori style ramen features rich miso milk broth with a butter cube on top. Try local ramen shops in the city.
- Tip
- Aomori Museum of Art entry is 700 yen per person. If visiting only Aomori Ken, entry is free. Currently features Marc Chagall exhibition.
- Timing
- Weather in Aomori is temperamental in fall - forecast may be unreliable. Expect variable conditions and snow even in early autumn.
- Tip
- Hirosaki Apple Park has 80 types of apples. Apple picking tours are available; apples cost 100 yen per 100g. Includes cafe and souvenir shop.
- Tip
- Takayama Inari Shrine features 200 vermillion torii gates through forest and pond. By car it's 2 hours from city centre; by public transport requires bus + 45-minute walk.
- Tip
- Aomori Nebuta Museum is close to airport and can be visited within 1 hour. Displays giant handmade lanterns from the summer Nebuta Matsuri festival.
- Timing
- Dark falls around 4-5pm in autumn. Plan museum visits and activities during daylight; gorge drives in dark are challenging.
- Tip
- Lake Towada area has scenic waterfalls and picturesque spots. Suggest starting from Lake Towada and driving backwards toward Ishigedo to avoid afternoon crowds.