Oirase River

Overview

The Oirase River (Oirase-gawa) is a second-class river in eastern Aomori Prefecture, in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan, and the main stream of the Oirase River system. It has a basin area of about 819.9 square kilometers and a length of 70.7 kilometers, and was formerly called the Aisaka River.

Highlights

• ●A second-class river in eastern Aomori that drains into the Pacific
• ●The only river flowing out of Lake Towada
• ●A scenic gorge of rapids and waterfalls in its upper reaches
• ●A landscape selected among the 100 Landscapes of Heisei

History

The Oirase River is the only river that drains Lake Towada, a caldera lake on the border of Aomori and Akita Prefectures. Flowing in a generally eastern direction, it passes through Towada, Rokunohe, Oirase, and Hachinohe before reaching the Pacific Ocean. It was formerly known as the Aisaka River. Its upper reaches form a scenic gorge with numerous rapids and waterfalls, while its lower reaches are used extensively for irrigation.

Map

40.6050, 141.4633 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Visit near the river's source where it flows out of Lake Towada
2. 2Take in the scenic upper gorge lined with rapids and waterfalls
3. 3Appreciate a landscape chosen among the 100 Landscapes of Heisei
4. 4Follow the eastward flow from Towada toward Hachinohe

Did you know?

💡 In 1996 the sound of the flowing water at the Oirase River was selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

Nearby spots