The 14 km Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流) in Aomori Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s most scenic spots. No matter which season you visit Oirase Gorge, you will definitely be amazed by its beauty. But getting using public transportation isn’t straightforward. So if you are unsure how to get to this picturesque destination, read on!
To get to Oirase Gorge by public transportation, you have to get to either JR Aomori, JR Shin-Aomori, or JR Hachinohe Station first. Then you can change for the connecting JR Bus, which will carry you to either end of the gorge.
One thing to keep in mind is JR Bus Mizuumi-go (みずうみ号), which departs from Aomori City, only operates from spring to autumn due to heavy snow in winter. So if you want to take a peak at the snowy Oirase Gorge, you will need to board the Oirase-go (おいらせ号), departing from Hachinohe.
Tip: You can book a tour with a government-licensed guide HERE to guide you through Oirase Gorge.
Table of Content
- How to Access Oirase Gorge – Spring to Autumn
- How to Access Oirase Gorge – Winter
- Explore Oirase Gorge With a Guided Tour
How to Access Oirase Gorge – Spring to Autumn
The JR Bus Mizuumi-go (みずうみ号) is departing from the JR Aomori Station (青森駅) and JR Shin-Aomori Station (新青森駅) from spring to autumn. From JR Hachinohe Station(八戸駅), JR Bus Oirase-go (おいらせ号) will carry you all the way to the scenic gorge.
Between spring and autumn, there are a couple of services available each day. Please find the timetable HERE.
For Mizuumi-go, please get off at Oirase Gorge Onsen Entrance (奥入瀬渓流温泉入口) or Oirase Gorge Museum (奥入瀬渓流館). For Oirase-go, please get off at Oirase Gorge Museum (奥入瀬渓流館).
In 2024, spring to autumn services is running from the 13th of April to the 5th of November.
Important: The Oirase-go requires a reservation to board. Please refer to HERE to book.
From JR Aomori Station (青森駅)
The JR bus bound for Oirase Gorge has its bus stop at the station’s east exit’s bus stop no. 11.
Please refer to the map on the right-hand side when you get there (‘ω’)ノ.
One-way bus fare (payable when you get off the bus) to Oirase Stream Museum (奥入瀬渓流館) is 2,650 yen.
From JR Shin-Aomori Station (新青森駅)
The JR bus bound for Oirase Gorge has its bus stop at the station’s east exit’s bus stop no. 1.
Please refer to the map on the right-hand side when you get there (‘ω’)ノ.
One-way bus fare (payable when you get off the bus) to Oirase Stream Museum (奥入瀬渓流館) is 2,650 yen.
From JR Hachinohe Station (八戸駅)
The JR bus bound for Oirase Gorge has its bus stop at the station’s west exit’s bus stop no. 1.
Please refer to the map on the right-hand side when you get there (‘ω’)ノ.
One-way bus fare (payable when you get off the bus) to Oirase Stream Museum (奥入瀬渓流館) is 2,270 yen.
JR Bus’s Bus Fare to Oirase Gorge
Please note the bus fare listed below are for anyone who is 13 years old and above. Elementary school students’ bus fare is half of the normal bus fare.
- From JR Aomori Station or JR Shin Aomori Station to Yakeyama: 2,650 yen
- From JR Hachinohe Station to Yakeyama: 2,270 yen
- From Yasumiya in Lake Towada: 1,330 yen
Tip: Get the 5-Day JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) to save on transportation!
Discounted 2-Days Ticket – Not Available for 2024
From spring to autumn, the Aomori, Hachinohe, and Lake Towada Free ticket (青森･八戸･十和田湖フリーきっぷ) is on sale. The ticket is valid for two days that gives you unlimited rides on Mizuumi-go (みずうみ号) and Oirase-go (おいらせ号).
You can purchase the ticket for 5,800 yen from JR Aomori Station’s Bus Tickets Office, the shop – NewDays outside JR Hachinohe Station’s ticket gate, and Lake Towada Station at Yasumiya.
Free Shuttle Bus Services from Yakeyama to Lake Towada
From mid-October to mid-December, free shuttle bus services are running between Yasumiya and the West Coast area, as well as from Yakeyama to Yasumiya. In 2021, the services operated from the 21st of October to the 12th of December. As the information for the shuttle bus isn’t available on the English official website, please refer to the Japanese website HERE. You can use Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar to translate the webpage to English.
Please note in 2021, it is essential to reserve your spot to board this free service.
How to Access Oirase Gorge – Winter
From JR Shin-Aomori Station (新青森駅) or JR Aomori Station (青森駅)
In winter, Mizuumi-go (みずうみ号) terminates at Sukayu Onsen in winter.
Oirase-go (おいらせ号) has a different name called Fuyu no Oirase-go (冬のおいらせ号), and there are only 2 services available a day.
Refer to HERE for the timetable and take note of the operating date on the 3rd row of the table.
From JR Hachinohe Station (八戸駅)
The JR bus bound for Oirase Gorge has its bus stop at the station’s west exit’s bus stop no. 1.
Please refer to the map on the right-hand side when you get there (‘ω’)ノ.
One-way bus fare (payable when you get off the bus) to Oirase Stream Museum (奥入瀬渓流館) is 2,270 yen.
You can also purchase one of the return tickets that are sold on the bus. 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for kids (winter only).
Explore Oirase Gorge With a Guided Tour
Alternatively, you can also book a tour, albeit this option is more expensive and you need to stick to the tour’s schedule.
- Oirase Gorge, Shirakami Sanchi Customizable Chartered Car Tour
- Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
Your Guide to the Stunning Oirase Gorge
So what to see in Oirase Gorge? Instead of just wandering around after getting off the bus, you can prepare to fully enjoy your visit with some knowledge about the stunning 14-km gorge.
Refer to our Oirase Gorge article, which will paint you a nice picture of what to expect on the day. Tips are also included!
Hello, thank you for the informative article
I’ve plan to go to Oirase in February.
May I know when the timetable will be available and is it better to go from Aomori or Hachinohe?
Hi Aleen,
Apologies for the late reply. We were in Japan, traveling.
The timetable link has been updated. The JR Bus official website has consolidated the summer and the winter timetable in the transition period to winter. So, note the operating date at the top of the table for the services operating in winter (11/12～4/11).
Kind regards,
Lily