Oirase Gorge

A couple of Sundays ago, we took a little hike through part of the Oirase Gorge, a Japanese national park about an hour from our house. If we had only known how lovely it is, we would have made our way there long before now.


There was a lot of traffic. It seems to be the Skyline Drive of Japan.


But once we got off the road and onto the path, it was remarkably peaceful.


There was even some fall color.



All the kids enjoyed the hike,


even Meghan, who gazed in wonder at all those trees. She had been fussy when we took her out of the car, but as soon as we got on the path, the sound of the rushing water calmed her and she rode peacefully along in her carrier.


The path follows the river, which runs out of Lake Towada and down the gorge, which it has carved.




One of the things we have found unique to Japanese forest walks is the presence of bamboo among the ferns and other fauna.


There are many waterfalls along the gorge from small:





to tall:


Joseph had a wonderful time looking for places where animals might spend the winter. He's been reading about this in science.




He also noticed the plants growing on this floating log. It must have been stuck there for quite awhile.


And this beautiful fungi:



The kids always have fun when we go hiking as long as we fit the hike to their abilities. Matthew walked all on his own this time. He took a few breaks for fun, though.


At one point, Katie noticed that Matthew had his shoes on the wrong feet.

She and John got him all fixed up.


John and I both had our cameras, and he caught me doing what I usually do on family outings.


Patrick managed to find a few peaceful moments.


Matthew has a delightful way of finding enjoyment in everything he does.



We were charmed by the Totoro-like figures on the park signs.


Time to head home.


My favorite view: