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Japan’s stunning autumn foliage makes the season undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of year, but it also signifies that winter is just around the corner. Of course, there are also a number of gorgeous winter destinations around Japan. But for a truly whimsical winter wonderland, look no further than the Oirase Ice Falls Tour in Aomori prefecture.
The bus tour takes you on a journey through the Oirase Gorge in Towada Hachimantai National Park, which stretches between Lake Towada and Yakeyama. The waterfalls throughout the gorge freeze over in winter and turn into stunning clusters of icicles known as icefalls. When the area is covered in a blanket of snow, it looks like something from a fairytale.
Tours are available both during the day and in the evening. However, the evening tour is one to go for as the icicles are illuminated with colourful lights. The evening tour stops off at a total of five spots along the gorge, while a special lighting car travels along with the tour bus to light up each spot in different colours.
The tour has been held annually since 2017 and will run again from December 17 2021 to March 6 2022. Tickets cost ¥3,000 per person (children ¥1,500). You can book the evening tour via Voyagin here or book the daytime tour here (in Japanese only).
For more information on the tour, visit the website.
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