Jul 22, 2021
Saitama – A few months ago, I embarked on a three-week pilgrimage throughout the country to visit several often-overlooked historical cities and towns of note. I took this journey, masked, just as the state of emergency was lifted in late March. I did it alone. And it was transformative.
To date, the country has administered over 60 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and is currently inoculating over 1 million residents every day. On that note, we can reasonably assume that it might not be that long before we can all feel comfortable traveling among others again. And perhaps it might not be too soon to begin planning a pilgrimage of your own.
1. Oirase Gorge – Waterfalls Frozen in Time! (Aomori)
Flowing 14-kilometers through the thick wilderness of Aomori’s Towada region, Oirase Gorge is a dynamic mountain stream of powerful rapids boasting 14 waterfalls!
During winter, the surrounding boulders and trees are engulfed by thick snowfall, creating a spectacular frozen landscape that looks like a painting!
The cold is so powerful that, between mid-January and early March, many of the small waterfalls and streams will freeze in place, making it appear as if time itself has escaped for the winter.
Regular bus service is suspended between mid-November and February, so visitors will need to book a special JR ‘Fuyu no Oirase-go’ bus from Hachinohe Station.