[Important] Regarding the 2026 Oirase Natural Museum (Private Car Traffic Restrictions) Implementation Schedule

©️Towada Oirase Tourism Organization / Photo: Mitsuhiro Wada

The Oirase-Towada Utilization Council and the Oirase Gorge Ecotourism Project Executive Committee have been continuously implementing private car traffic restrictions on National Route 102 in the Oirase Gorge section since 2003, aiming to preserve the natural environment of the Oirase Gorge and alleviate traffic congestion.

This project is part of a social experiment, looking towards the future after the opening of the Aobunayama Bypass, with the goal of creating an experience where the entire gorge can be enjoyed as a "Natural Museum."

In the fiscal year of Reiwa 8 (2026), the event will be held from September 7th (Monday) to September 13th (Sunday), moving the schedule up by more than a month from the usual late October period.

As the timing is significantly different from previous years, we ask that all tourists and travel industry professionals take careful note of this when planning trips and arranging vehicles.

Purpose and Background of the Schedule Change This experiment aims to reduce the impact of exhaust gases on the trees by limiting vehicle traffic, create an environment where pedestrians can enjoy nature in safety and tranquility, and verify a model of tourism that balances natural environment conservation with appropriate utilization.

This year, the event will be held in the first half of September to test the optimization of the traffic environment in "early autumn Oirase," avoiding the crowded autumn foliage season.

2026 Event & Regulation Overview Period: September 7 (Monday) – September 13 (Sunday), 2026 Regulated Section: National Route 102, Oirase Gorge section (from Soube intersection to Nenokuchi intersection)

[Regulation Times and Target Vehicles] Date | Regulation Time | Restricted Vehicles --- | --- | --- 9/7 (Mon) - 9/11 (Fri) | 10:00 - 16:00 | Standard cars, medium-sized vehicles, motorcycles (including scooters) 9/12 (Sat) | 9:00 - 16:00 | Standard cars, medium-sized vehicles, motorcycles (including scooters) 9/13 (Sun) * | 9:00 - 16:00 | All vehicles (including large vehicles, specific medium-sized vehicles, taxis, etc.)

*Regarding the "Complete Traffic Restriction" on Sunday, September 13: On Sunday, September 13, the final day of the "Oirase Natural Museum," all vehicles, including tour buses and taxis, will be prohibited. This is a special trial to experience the gorge as it will be after the future bypass is completed. When using the National Route 102 Oirase Gorge section on this day, please transfer to the designated shuttle bus or travel on foot.

Request for Dissemination to Tourism and Transportation Professionals For 2026, there are no traffic restrictions or shuttle bus operations planned for October. We ask for your cooperation in widely disseminating this information to avoid any confusion during the autumn tourist season. Details regarding the timetable for alternative transportation (shuttle buses) and parking during the September restriction period will be sequentially released on the official website.

https://www.eco-oirase.com/ https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/soshiki/kendo/doro/oirase-r102.html