Choshi Otaki Waterfall
A majestic waterfall in Oirase Gorge, Aomori, offering stunning natural beauty year-round, especially vibrant in autumn and spring.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular flow from snowmelt
Choshi Otaki Waterfall
Best Time
Spectacular flow from snowmelt
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic waterfall in Oirase Gorge, Aomori, offering stunning natural beauty year-round, especially vibrant in autumn and spring.
"The combination of moss, sunlight and waterfall is beautiful."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be slippery; comfortable walking shoes are a must for enjoying the scenery safely.
📸 Capture the Majesty
The waterfall is grand! Bring your camera to capture its power, especially with surrounding moss and light.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Choshi Otaki Waterfall
Oirase Gorge
A powerful cascade amidst lush greenery, especially stunning with autumn foliage or spring snowmelt.
Oirase Gorge Scenery
Surrounding area
Enjoy the serene beauty of the river and forest, a perfect spot for casual wandering and nature appreciation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Footwear for the Path
Peak Flow and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be slippery; comfortable walking shoes are a must for enjoying the scenery safely.
📸 Capture the Majesty
The waterfall is grand! Bring your camera to capture its power, especially with surrounding moss and light.
🚗 Parking Availability
Check if the nearby car park has reopened for convenient, potentially free parking.
🌬️ Feel the Mist
Prepare to feel the cool mist as you get closer to the impressive cascade.
First time in Aomori - 4 full days - is this sensible?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be slippery; comfortable walking shoes are a must for enjoying the scenery safely.
📸 Capture the Majesty
The waterfall is grand! Bring your camera to capture its power, especially with surrounding moss and light.
🚗 Parking Availability
Check if the nearby car park has reopened for convenient, potentially free parking.
🌬️ Feel the Mist
Prepare to feel the cool mist as you get closer to the impressive cascade.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the beauty of Choshi Otaki Waterfall, especially during peak seasons like autumn and spring snowmelt. The surrounding Oirase Gorge offers a serene natural escape. While generally accessible, some note the waterfall's grandeur might not meet extreme expectations, and caution is advised on paths.
"I visited in October 2025, and the waterfall was full and flowing strongly, which was absolutely beautiful. The path is easy to walk on, but you should still wear appropriate footwear. Seniors can manage the walk well, though caution is needed in certain spots."
Chatchamon Ing
"Visited mid April. Wonderful spectacular view with lots of water, probably from melting snow. The combination of moss, sunlight and waterfall is beautiful.
The nearby car park seems to have reopened. If available, you can park for free and see the falls in a few minutes walk."
ShigsMaps
"I visited Chosi Falls on Friday afternoon 31st October 2025. I accessed the falls by parking my car at Ouse parking area and catching the shuttle bus to the falls. During busy periods cars are not allowed to travel down the gorge road to Lake Towada. The shuttle bus ticket is 1500 yen per day for unlimited trips which is a good way to see the best areas without having to walk the entire gorge which is 14km. There were many people at the falls but there was still opportunity to get photos without people in them. The Autumn colours were at their peak as was the flow of the falls. Friday night it rained heavily, the shuttle bus was cancelled on Saturday 1st November and the gorge was closed at the top end. I decided to drive the road over the mountain to Lake Towada, which was spectacular in its own right, and hike the gorge track from the lake end. The weather had kept people away and I was completely by myself on the track for the 4 hour journey to Kumoi falls and back with ample time to stop with my camera and tripod to capture the beauty of the Autumn colours."
Mike Banks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While specific public transport details are scarce, many visitors access Choshi Otaki Waterfall as part of a larger Oirase Gorge exploration. Renting a car is a popular option for flexibility. If using public transport, research bus routes that service the Oirase Gorge area from Aomori.
Yes, a nearby car park is mentioned as having reopened, potentially offering free parking. It allows for a short walk to the falls.
The path to the waterfall is described as easy to walk on, making it accessible for casual wanderers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of admission fees for Choshi Otaki Waterfall itself, suggesting it's freely accessible as part of the Oirase Gorge.
As a natural attraction within Oirase Gorge, Choshi Otaki Waterfall is generally accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and optimal viewing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The waterfall is spectacular in mid-April due to snowmelt providing strong flow, and in October for vibrant autumn foliage.
The path is generally easy, and seniors can manage the walk well, though caution is advised in certain spots.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the path conditions.
It's a popular spot, especially during peak seasons like autumn, so expect to share the view with other visitors.
While described as the largest waterfall on the hiking route and grand, one reviewer felt it was 'a little not worthy of the word "grand"' compared to their expectations.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the powerful cascade, the surrounding moss-covered rocks, and the interplay of light. Autumn foliage provides a stunning backdrop.
Consider using a tripod for long exposures to capture the silky water effect. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks as amenities might be limited. Ensure children wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as the paths can be damp. It's a great opportunity for kids to experience the tranquility of nature and appreciate the power of a waterfall in a safe environment.
🚶♀️ Casual Wanderers & Nature Lovers
Take your time to appreciate the moss, the trees, and the clear water. The combination of the river, forest, and waterfall creates a deeply serene experience. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with nature, as many visitors have found.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Oirase Gorge
The walking path along the river allows you to immerse yourself in the lush environment. Whether it's the vibrant autumn leaves or the fresh greenery of spring, the scenery is consistently praised. Remember to wear appropriate footwear as some sections might require a bit of care.
While Choshi Otaki is a significant feature, the entire gorge offers a beautiful landscape that many find incredibly rewarding. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature and appreciate the tranquility of the Japanese countryside.
Seasonal Beauty of Choshi Otaki
During autumn, typically in October, the gorge transforms into a riot of color. The vibrant red and orange leaves create a breathtaking contrast with the cascading water, making it a prime destination for photographers and nature lovers alike. This is a particularly popular time, so expect more visitors.
Even outside these peak seasons, the waterfall offers a serene beauty. The moss-covered rocks and the constant sound of rushing water provide a calming atmosphere. The surrounding forest also maintains its charm, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection with nature.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit