List of Questions and Answers
| NO. | Questions | Answers |
| 1 | What is Eco Road Festa? |
・This event aims to preserve the Oirase Stream and introduce its charms to many visitors, so that you can enjoy the stream quietly and leisurely. ・Please note that vehicle access will be restricted (private vehicle traffic restrictions) on the day of the event. |
| 2 | Is this an annual event? Are you planning to hold it next year? |
・Vehicle access restrictions have been in place since 2003. ・It is held annually for seven days during the final week of October. ・In 2025, the event will be on from October 27th (Mon) to November 2nd (Sun). |
| 3 | Is it impossible to drive to Oirase Stream on that day? | We apologize for any inconvenience, but vehicle access is restricted from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends, except for large-size vehicles.Thanks for your understanding. |
| 4 | Why is this regulation in place? |
・The noise and exhaust fumes from cars are detrimental to both people walking along the stream and the nature. ・We operate shuttle buses so that you can enjoy walking along the beech forest and listening to the murmuring stream. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. |
| 5 | Why are there restrictions only on private vehicle? Why not on large-size vehicles or buses? |
The Nanamagari section, which serves as a detour for the Oirase Stream, is narrow and has many sharp curves, making it impossible for large vehicles to pass each other. For this reason, large vehicles are allowed to travel through the Oirase Stream. |
| 6 | Are low-emission vehicles (hybrid cars) also not allowed? | ・The purpose of this restrictions is to reduce traffic congestion and improve the environment for people walking along the stream, so we apologize for any inconvenience.。 |
| 7 | Are there restrictions on wheelchair users, people with disabilities and the elderly? |
・Individuals who use a wheelchair and have difficulty walking may enter. ・Please present your disability certificate. (Regardless of the type or degree of disability, all holders of a disability certificate are permitted to enter.) ・Please inform the staff at the entrance to the restricted area. (Prior application is not required.) |
| 8 | What types of vehicles are restricted? |
・Private vehicles, including motorcycles (even mopeds). ・Large-size vehicles, specific medium-sized vehicles, taxies, hire cars, specific small-sized vehicles and vehicles for the disabled are exempt . (What is the specific medium-sized vehicle?) Total vehicle weight: 8 to 11 tons Maximum load capacity: 5 to 6.5 tons Passenger capacity: 11 to 29 persons ・Microbus ・Truck (5 tons or more) ※Camping cars are not included Number plate categorization: Number 1-Large plate: Large-size vehicles and specific medium-sized vehicles (for freight transportation) Number 2- Large plate: Large-size vehicles (for passenger transportation) Number 2- Medium plate: Specific medium-sized vehicles (for passenger transportation) Large plate: 22cm x 44cm 4 bolts Medium plate: 16.5cm x 33cm 2 bolts *Vehicles with number-2 large plate are not restricted because they are specific medium-sized vehicles or larger. (What is the specific small-sized vehicle?) Maximum speed: 15km/h or less Length: 4.7 meters or less, Width: 1.7 meters or less Height: 2.8m (2.0m) or less ・Agricultural machinery (Tractors, pesticide sprayers, threshing machine, etc.) Construction machinery (Shovel loaders, tire rollers, graders, road stabilizers, scrapers, rotary snowplows, asphalt finishers, tire dozers, etc. that meet the above standards) ※Mini-trucks (kei trucks) are not included. |
| 9 | (Cars/ motorcycles) How much longer does the detour route take compared to the usual route? |
・The distance from Soube intersection to Nenokuchi intersection is about 10km through the Oirase Stream and about 14km via the Oirase Bypass. It usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes longer to travel through stream. However, during the autumn foliage season when there are no vehicle restrictions, traffic congestion can occur in the Oirase Stream section, so using the bypass may be quicker. |
| 10 | Can tourist buses enter during the private vehicle restriction period? |
・Tourist buses are allowed to enter during the private vehicle restriction period. ・However, in some sections, long-term parking of tourist buses can slow down the vehicle's speed and pose a the safety risk to pedestrians within the stream. ・For leisurely sightseeing, please use the shuttle bus. ・Please refrain from parking for long time (over 20 minutes) in the Oirase Stream. ・Temporary parking areas for tourist buses are as follows: ○Parking lot in front of Oirase Keiryu Onsen Ski Resort ○Opposite Oirase Field Museum ○Utarube parking lot ○Yasumiya parking lot (paid) 
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| 11 | Can private vehicles enter the Oirase Stream before the restrictions are in place? |
・Private vehicles can enter the Oirase Stream before the restrictions are in place. ・However, during the restricted hours, driving is prohibited by law. (This restriction has been coordinated with the police and is based on the Road Traffic Act.) ・Please be aware that driving during restricted hours is a violation of the Road Traffic Act. |
| 12 | What time will the vehicle restriction start? |
・Vehicle restrictions will begin at the following times: →Weekdays: from 10:00 AM →Weekends: from 9:00 AM ・During these times, no vehicles are allowed within the restricted area. ・It takes approximately 30 minutes to pass through the stream, so the detour outside the restricted area start at the following times: →Weekdays: from 9:30 AM →Weekends: from 8:30 AM |
Regarding shuttle buses
| NO. | Questions | Example Answer |
| 1 |
Where is the parking lot? How does the shuttle bus work? |
・Parking is available at Oirase Keiryu Onsen Ski Resort and Yasumiya. Please use these parking lots. ・The shuttle bus runs between Oirase Keiryu Onsen Ski Resort and Yasumiya every 30 minutes. ・The one-day pass is 1.500 yen. ・Free for elementary school students and younger. ・The shuttle bus stops at Oirase Keiryu Onsen Ski Resort and Yasumiya are distinct from the regular bus stops. ・Please note the shuttle bus stop at Oirase Keiryu Onsen Ski Resort is different from the JR Bus Tohoku Oirase Keiryu Onsen bus stop. |
| 2 | Is the shuttle bus available for wheelchair users? |
・Shuttle bus service is not available for wheelchair users. ・Wheelchair users are exempt from the vehicle restrictions. Please inform the traffic controllers or staff at the intersections. (for handicap buses, welfare vehicles, etc.) |
| 3 | Is it possible to bring pets on the shuttle bus? |
・Pets are only allowed on the bus if they are in a carrier (cage). ・If you do not have a carrier, please use the cardboard boxes available at the Oirase Keiryu Onsen Ski Resort parking lot and the Yasumiya ticket office. |
| 4 | Is there a fee at Yasumiya parking lot if I want to take the shuttle bus? | ・For vehicles subject to traffic restrictions using the Yasumiya parking lot (parking fee: 500 yen for cars, 200 yen for motorcycles), we offer a special discounted rate for the shuttle bus: 1.000 yen for cars and 1.300 yen for motorcycles, compared to the standard fare of 1.500 yen. |
| 5 | Is it possible to board the shuttle bus without a ticket? (especially at the bus stop in the stream area) |
・A shuttle bus ticket is required to board the bus. Staff will sell tickets on the shuttle bus. ・You can also purchase e-tickets in advance by searching for "Oirase Keiryu Shuttle Bus" on the web.。 |
| 6 | Can I use my JR route bus ticket to board the shuttle bus? |
・Please note that JR route bus tickets cannot be used for the Oirase Keiryu shuttle bus and vice versa. To avoid confusion, we have clearly distinguished between the two bus services. ※As shown in the picture, the shuttle buses have "banners" installed on the front, while the route buses do not.。 
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| 7 | Can I purchase the shuttle bus ticket in advance? |
・Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased in advance. ・Please search for "Oirase Stream Shuttle Bus" on the web. |
| 8 | Where is the shuttle bus schedule posted? |
・The schedule is posted below: https://www.eco-oirase.com/ja/bus-ship#timetable ・Search for "Oirase Stream Shuttle Bus. |
| 9 | Can I use the JR EAST PASS, JAPAN RAIL PASS or Aomori-Hachinohe-Towada Lake Free Ticket to board the shuttle bus? |
・The JR EAST PASS and JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be used to board the shuttle bus. ・The Aomori-Hachinohe-Towada Lake Free Ticket (JR route bus ticket) cannot be used to board the shuttle bus. |
| 10 | What time do shuttle bus tickets go on sale? |
・The sale of shuttle bus tickets begins at the following times: Weekdays: from 8:45 AM Weekends : from 7:45 AM |
| 11 | Are there any discounts available for people with disabilities, seniors or others? |
・There are no discounts for people with disabilities or seniors. ・If you have a disability certificate (depending on the type and degree of disability), your vehicle will be exempt from traffic restrictions. ・For vehicles subject to traffic restrictions using the Yasumiya parking lot (parking fee: 500 yen for cars, 200 yen for motorcycles), we offer a special discounted rate for the shuttle bus: 1.000 yen for cars and 1.300 yen for motorcycles, compared to the standard fare of 1.500 yen. |
Regarding Ecotours and events
| NO. | Questions | Example Answer |
| 1 | What is the event about? |
・Please see below:https://www.eco-oirase.com/ja/event ・At "Oirase Stream Eco Road Festa" |
Bicycle rental
| NO. | Questions | Example Answer | ||||||||
| 1 | How to rent a bicycle? |
・Bicycle rental services is available at Oirase Yusuikan, Ishigedo Rest Area and JR Bus (Nenokuchi bus stop). Oirase Yusuikan: 0176-74-1212 Ishigedo Rest Area: 0176-74-2355 JR Bus Nenokuchi: 0176-75-2244
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Regarding the stream area
| NO. | Questions | Answers |
| 1 | What are the tourist attractions along the stream? |
・The recommended courses are as follows: Peaceful forest walk course: Ouse ~ Sobe intersection →1.8km, approximately 30 minutes on foot "Waterfall Highway" enjoyment course: Kumoinonagare ~ Choshio falls →2.7km, approximately 50 minutes on foot The majestic giant trees enjoyment course: Shiraito falls ~ Nenokuchi →2.6km, approximately 50 minutes on foot ■Distance and time at major points (for reference) Oirase Keiryu Onsen Ski Resort ~ Nenokuchi: approximately 14km, 4-5 hours Ishigedo~Nenokuchi: approximately 9km, 3-4 hours |
| 2 | Can I eat here? |
・Light snacks like onigiri are available at Ishigedo rest area in the stream section. ・You can get a light snack at the Oirase Keiryu Onsen Marche. ・If you are going on a long hike, we recommend bringing your own food. *There are souvenir shops and restaurants in Nenokuchi, Yasumiya and the Oirase Keiryu Onsen area. |
| 3 | Can I use a mobile phone? |
・There are some areas with poor signal strength. ・Cell phone reception is poor between Nenokuchi and Ishigedo rest area. |
| 4 | Are there toilets here? |
・There are few toilets in the stream area, so please use them beforehand. ○Ouse public toilet (Oirase Field Museum~Ishigedo) ○Ishigedo rest area toilet (wheelchair accessible) ○Tamasudare public toilet (500m from Kumoinogare bus stop on the Lake Towada side) ※Temporary toilets near Sensuji falls and Choshio falls are also available. (These are not listed on the guide map as they are only available during the private vehicle restrictions period) |
| 5 | Should I walk along the stream from the upstream (Nenokuchi side) to the downstream (Oirase Keiryu Onsen Ski Resort)? |
・We recommend walking along the Oirase Stream from the downstream side (Oirase Keiryu Onsen Ski Resort) to the upstream side (Nenokuchi). ・The reason is that the slope is very gentle, allowing you to enjoy the scenery of the flowing stream. |
| 6 | What kind of clothes should I wear for the walk? |
・We recommend wearing long sleeves and long trousers. ・Trekking shoes are recommended for footwear. |
