Things To Do
in Oirase

A regional soup made with crushed rice crackers (senbei), vegetables and miso/broth; warming and traditional — find it at local inns and family restaurants in Towada and Oirase.

Must-Try!

Fresh scallops sourced from Aomori’s coastal waters, often simply grilled with soy or butter; commonly available at seafood stalls and izakaya in nearby port towns.

Aomori’s famous apples appear in pies, tarts, jams and local craft ciders — try them at cafes and souvenir shops in Towada and along routes into Oirase.

Handmade buckwheat noodles served cold or in hot broth, paired with tempura made from seasonal mountain vegetables — widely available at small soba shops and ryokan.

Small local market stalls (seasonal) selling fresh produce, apples, snacks and prepared dishes; great for tasting local sweets, grilled seafood and picking up fruit.

Seasonal stalls and festival vendors sell grilled fish, skewers and apple treats during peak visitor months and festival days around the lake and trailheads.

Maintain low volume in public spaces, especially trains and small towns; avoid loud phone conversations and respect others’ tranquility.

Remove shoes when entering homes and some ryokan; follow posted rules at onsens (wash before entering, no swimsuits, tattoos may be restricted — ask in advance).

Form orderly lines at bus stops and shops; use simple polite phrases (arigatou, sumimasen) and bow slightly when appropriate.

Stay on trails, pack out trash, and avoid picking wild plants or disturbing wildlife; mountain and stream areas are protected and culturally important.

Tipping is not customary in Japan; attempts to tip may be politely refused. Exceptional service is appreciated with a verbal thank-you and positive feedback instead.

Cash (Japanese yen) remains essential in rural areas — small shops, markets and some ryokan may be cash-only. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants, but bring cash and use ATMs at 7-Eleven or Japan Post for international withdrawals. IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) have limited usefulness in very rural zones.

Late April–May brings cool weather and the spring green-up; cherry blossoms bloom later than southern Japan. Trails can be muddy during snowmelt; some higher routes may still have snow early in the season.

June–August is mild and relatively cool compared to southern Japan — pleasant for hiking but expect mid-summer rain and occasional humid days. Mosquitoes are active near water, so bring repellent.

Mid-September to early-November offers spectacular fall colors; peak foliage is often in October. This is the busiest scenic season, so expect more visitors at viewpoints and trailheads.

November–March brings heavy snow, freezing temperatures and icy roads. Many mountain trails are closed; winter access requires snow-ready vehicles and gear, and guided winter activities are recommended.

A chain of walking paths following the stream with boardwalks and footpaths, connecting multiple waterfalls and scenic points; sections can be tailored from short walks to a several-hour trek.

Extensive alpine routes with volcanic terrain, highland marshes and dramatic vistas; accessible via Hakkoda Ropeway for shorter hikes or as part of multi-day mountain treks.

Trails and viewpoints around the caldera rim offer panoramic lake views, quieter forest walks and access to small shrines and lookouts — best enjoyed at sunrise or during autumn.

Shorter local peaks suitable for day hikes provide vantage points over Towada and the surrounding highlands; check local trail conditions and routes at visitor centers.

Baseball is extremely popular across Japan; local youth and community teams are active, and professional baseball draws regional interest.

Soccer enjoys strong participation and spectating; local clubs and school teams are common in the region.

Nearby mountains and heavy snowfall make skiing, snowshoeing and other winter sports seasonal favorites, especially in Hakkoda areas.

Both freshwater river fishing and coastal fishing are popular recreational activities; anglers fish for trout, char and coastal species depending on location.