■Introduce
Xin chao! Hello! My name is Nguyen Le Lan Linh, and I come from Sai Gon (also known as Ho Chi Minh City), where it has two seasons: dry season and rainy season. I started to learn Japanese as a secondary language beside English in junior high school, and then I moved to Japan when I got into high school. So, I have been living in Japan for over 10 years. Time flies!
I’m currently working as a registered nurse, during the time living in Japan I have lived and traveled many different places. However, I feel it isn’t enough to know all about this country. I am also pursuing a master’s degree in public health (MPH), where I have come to understand the importance of utilizing local resources to engage communities. From a public health perspective, community-based approaches not only enhance health promotion efforts but also make them more sustainable. Therefore, I am eager to continue learning and striving toward my dream of fostering community-based initiatives to promote health and well-being.
※After war, Sai Gon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. However, “Sai Gon” always has a special place in our hearts and remains familiar with our people. So, this time, I wanted to say, “I come from Sai Gon”.
■Have you ever been to Aomori Prefecture？
Out of the blue, can I ask you guys one question “Have you ever been to Aomori Prefecture?”. Aomori prefecture is in Tohoku region and is northernmost of Honshu. It is also blessed with abundant nature, including the Shirakami Mountains (a World Natural Heritage Site) and Lake Towada, the third deepest lake in Japan, making it an ideal region for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, when people hear the name Aomori Prefecture, they probably think of "Apples" and the “Nebuta Festival”. Keeping that in mind, this time, as someone who lives in Aomori Prefecture, I would like to introduce you to the charm of Oirase Gorge, the most recommended place in Aomori Prefecture.
■What’s Oirase Gorge？
・How to say: Oirase Keiryu
・Length: about 14km
・Required time: 4 to 5 hours
※It was awarded two stars by the Michelin Green guide.
Oirase Gorge is a beautiful mountain stream located in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, and is a natural landscape created by the Oirase River flowing out of Lake Towada. The 14-kilometre-long mountain stream is also a two-star Michelin Green Guide for its beautiful scenery surrounded by rocks, waterfalls, boulders and forests.
■The attractive things about Oirase Gorge: Significance awaits with every step！
The first charming thing of Oirase Gorge is every path reveals a story. Last June, a friend from Kanto region came to visit me, so we went to Oirase Gorge together. The gorge is dotted with varieties beautiful photography spots, from breathtaking landscapes and lush green forest to powerful waterfalls that show the strengthen of nature. Therefore, even if an amateur photographer can take stunning photos here- images can surprise the world. Because this was my first time to visit Oirase Gorge in June, we were enthusiastic about the sight of the dense growth of various trees and the creation of a deep green tunnels.
Since the national highway run along the promenade, it is possible to watch the sceneries by car or bus. However, there are many spectacular views that can only be seen by those who stroll along the promenade. Therefore, if you have the physical strength and time to spare, please take a walk along the beautifully maintained promenade. (* There is also a rental cycle!) That time, we drove to the Ishigedo rest area and then walked around.
※Ishigedo is a local dialect word meaning “a hut made of stones.
※Ishigedo rest area has a store that is the only one store in Oirase Keiryu. Therefore, if you have not prepared snacks or water, be sure to purchase them here!
■Some popular spot in Oirase Gorge
Flow of Ashura
Kumoi Falls
Choshi Falls
①Flow of Ashura/one of the most intense flow in the gorge
②Kumoi Falls/a waterfall about 20m high
③Choshi Falls/famous with 7-meter-high, 20-meter-wide that spans the main stream
These three places are popular spots representing Oirase Keiryu. My job is hard-working and full of stress, but when I am in the forest surrounded by clear air, watching the sunlight shining through the trees and the expressive flow of the water, nature tells me, “It is okay to relax and unwind. You can relax.” Just having one day off like this makes me think, “Let's keep going tomorrow! And work harder”. That why, I recommend Oirase gorge for those people who want to refresh your mind and soul.
■Notes
①Please be sure to check the bus schedule
②To avoid leaving trash behind, bring some plastic bags
③Make sure you can use the translator application
If you are going to use bus, be sure to check the bus schedule. Unlike in Tokyo and Osaka, buses run infrequently in rural areas. Next, garbage bags. The Oirase Gorge creek introduced here is designated as a special conservation area. Therefore, be sure to put the garbage you bring in a garbage bag and take it home yourself. (*It is prohibited to take plants, stones, and other items from within the Oirase Gorge, so please do not bring back items that were originally found in nature). Finally, since there are still few foreign tourists in the Towada Lake and Oirase area, you may only be able to speak to them in Japanese. If you go to a rural area, use a Japanese translation application or try to speak in Japanese.
※If you are going by car, you can park at Spring water bottling factory and Café (Oirase Yusuikan) in the entrance, or at Ishigedo rest area. (Both are free)
■Conclusion
As someone currently living in Aomori, I wanted to share its charms beyond just “apples” and the “Nebuta Festival”. That’s why I introduced Oirase Gorge, my top recommendation in Aomori. What did you think?
Aomori faces a declining birthrate and aging population, with fewer young people, but the locals, surrounded by rich nature, are kind and full of charm. I aim to continue learning about ways to protect nature and leverage regional characteristics through Aomori’s abundant environment. Ultimately, I hope to use the knowledge I gain here to contribute to the revitalization of my home country, Vietnam.
To achieve that, I first want to share Aomori’s beauty with people around the world. So, please come visit Aomori!
"Aomori-sa koihee, Aomori-sa kasamai, Aomori-sa ondeyase!"
(These are Aomori dialect phrases meaning "Please come to Aomori!")
Thank you for reading my article! See you again!
・ For more details, please visit the official website of Oirase Gorge
・It also have a digital map for those who want to fully experience
