A Powerful Waterfall with an Impressive Flow
Choshi Otaki is approximately 7 meters high and 20 meters wide. Its relatively low height is more than compensated for by the sheer volume of water cascading across the rocks.
The broad curtain of water crashes continuously into the basin below, producing a powerful roar that can be heard throughout the surrounding forest. Fine spray rises from the waterfall, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere during the warmer months.
When sunlight enters through the surrounding trees and catches the mist, beams of light can appear among the forest, creating an almost magical scene. The combination of rushing water, moss-covered rocks, and ancient-looking trees perfectly captures the atmosphere for which the Oirase Gorge is famous.
Why Is It Known as the “Fish-Stopping Waterfall”?
Choshi Otaki has traditionally been known as the “Fish-Stopping Waterfall” because its powerful flow once prevented fish from traveling upstream along the Oirase River toward Lake Towada.
This natural barrier is believed to be connected with the old belief that there were no fish living in Lake Towada. The waterfall effectively blocked fish attempting to migrate upstream, helping create a distinctive ecosystem and inspiring stories about the mysterious lake.
Standing beside the roaring waterfall, it is easy to understand why people once viewed it as a powerful guardian protecting the mysterious world of Lake Towada. Its enormous flow gives the waterfall an almost sacred presence, reflecting the deep connection between the area’s natural landscape and traditional beliefs.
Fish can now be found in Lake Towada, but the old story of Choshi Otaki remains an interesting part of the cultural and natural history of the Oirase region.
A Spectacular View in Every Season
One of the greatest attractions of Choshi Otaki is the way its appearance changes throughout the year. Each season brings a different combination of water, forest, light, and color.
Spring: Fresh Greenery
In spring, newly emerging leaves surround the waterfall with fresh shades of green. The forest gradually comes back to life, and the combination of young foliage and rushing water creates a vibrant and refreshing landscape.
Spring is an excellent season for visitors who want to experience the lively atmosphere of the Oirase Gorge after the long winter.
Summer: Cool Forest Scenery
During summer, the surrounding forest becomes lush and deeply green. The sound of the waterfall and the cool spray rising from the water provide a welcome sense of freshness.
Walking along the Oirase stream is particularly enjoyable during this season, when the dense forest creates a pleasant contrast with the bright summer landscape.
Autumn: Brilliant Foliage
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Choshi Otaki. The trees surrounding the waterfall turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a striking contrast with the white water cascading over the rocks.
The combination of colorful foliage and the powerful waterfall makes this one of the most picturesque scenes along the Oirase Gorge. Visitors can enjoy the autumn colors while walking along the stream or stopping at viewpoints near the waterfall.
Winter: A Frozen Waterfall
In winter, the severe cold of northern Japan can transform Choshi Otaki into a dramatically different landscape. Under suitable conditions, sections of the waterfall may freeze, creating an impressive icefall.
The bright colors of spring and autumn disappear, replaced by snow, ice, and a quiet winter forest. The frozen waterfall offers a particularly solemn and majestic atmosphere that cannot be experienced during the warmer seasons.
Choshi Otaki and the Oirase Gorge
The Oirase Gorge extends for approximately 14 kilometers between Nenokuchi on the eastern shore of Lake Towada and Yakeyama. It is part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park and is designated as both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument of Japan.
The gorge is one of Japan’s best-known scenic areas, celebrated for its clear stream, lush forest, moss-covered rocks, and numerous waterfalls.
The upper section of the Oirase Gorge is sometimes called the “Waterfall Route” because waterfalls appear one after another along the stream. In addition to Choshi Otaki, visitors can encounter other waterfalls such as Kudan no Taki.
Among them, Choshi Otaki is especially important because it is the only major waterfall located directly on the main stream of the Oirase River. Its prominent position and powerful flow have made it one of the symbolic sights of the entire gorge.
Walking and Exploring Around the Waterfall
The Oirase Gorge is well suited to sightseeing on foot. A walking trail runs along the stream, while National Route 102 also follows the general course of the gorge.
Visitors can combine a stop at Choshi Otaki with a leisurely walk along the river, enjoying the changing scenery along the way. Rather than viewing the waterfall as an isolated attraction, walking through the surrounding forest allows travelers to appreciate the entire ecosystem and landscape of Oirase.
The sound of flowing water, the scent of the forest, moss-covered stones, birds, and changing seasonal colors all contribute to the experience. In this sense, Choshi Otaki is not simply a waterfall to photograph—it is part of a larger natural landscape that is best experienced slowly.
A Must-See Landmark in the Oirase Gorge
Choshi Otaki Waterfall is one of the most memorable sights in the Oirase Gorge. Its approximately 7-meter drop and 20-meter-wide flow demonstrate that the power and beauty of a waterfall do not depend solely on its height.
The waterfall’s impressive volume of water, surrounding forest, traditional stories, and seasonal scenery make it an especially rewarding destination for visitors exploring northern Japan.
In spring, fresh greenery surrounds the rushing water. Summer brings cool forest scenery and refreshing spray. Autumn transforms the gorge with brilliant foliage, while winter can create a striking landscape of snow and ice.
For travelers visiting Lake Towada and the Oirase Gorge, Choshi Otaki is a natural highlight that should not be missed. Take time to listen to the sound of the water, observe the forest surrounding the falls, and appreciate the powerful relationship between the river and the landscape that has shaped this remarkable part of Aomori Prefecture.