Discovery Day: Explore Towada and Oirase Valley

On Saturday, July 6, 2024, we went on a well-planned field trip organized by the Iwate University International Office. Although it had been raining a few days earlier, the weather was clear on that day, allowing us to travel together comfortably. We had a wonderful time exploring both cultural sites and beautiful natural scenery.

The day started with everyone meeting at the Iwate University Library. We left at 8:30 a.m., filled with excitement to explore the day's destinations. Around 9:45 a.m., the bus briefly stopped at the Oritsume parking area. This break allowed us to stretch, refresh, and get ready for the next part of our trip.

We arrived at the Towada Art Center at 11:10 a.m., this place was particularly delightful for art lovers, offering a chance to experience contemporary works in a peaceful environment. The museum's impressive collection and engaging exhibitions provided a stimulating experience. Our international friends enjoyed exploring and taking memorable photos both inside and outside the museum, appreciating the cultural and artistic significance of the displayed works.

After finishing the art tour, we continued to our lunch stop at the Towadapia roadside station at 12:40 p.m. Here, we had a delicious meal of ramen and soba, refueled ourselves, and got the opportunity to buy local souvenirs, such as famous apple juice from Aomori city. At 1:30 p.m., we continued our journey to Oirase Gorge, which originates as the outflow from Lake Towada, starting at the Nenokuchi area of the lake and flowing towards Yasumiya.Visitors can hike along a scenic 9-kilometer trail along the upper stream, from Nenokuchi to Ishigedo. The path from Choshiotaki to Shiraito Falls offered stunning views of the area's natural beauty. We enjoyed a serene walk, listening to waterfalls and seeing lush green surroundings. Our last stop of the day was at the Hakka Touge observatory at 4:20 p.m. We took a brief pause to appreciate the breathtaking views of Lake Towada from there.

We returned to campus by 6:30 p.m., concluding a well-organized and enjoyable day. The itinerary successfully balanced cultural exploration, artistic appreciation, and natural beauty, providing a memorable and enriching experience for everyone during our studies at Iwate University.

????????????? 6 ??????? 2024 ?????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????? ?????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 8.30 ?. ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????? 9.45 ?. ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????? ??????????? ???? 11:10 ?. ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????? ???????????????????????? ????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????

???????????? 12:20 ?. ??????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? 12:40 ?. ???????????????????????? ?????? ???????????????????? ??????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ????? ??????????? ??????????? ????????????????? ????? ?????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ???????????????? Hakka touge observatory ???? 16:20 ?. ????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????

??????????????????????????????????????????? 18.30 ?. ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????? ????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????

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Written by: Ritt J. Jirasukprasert

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