[Oirase Keiryu Hotel] Holds "One-Day Collaborative Class" for Local Junior High School Students to Connect the Value of Oirase Gorge to the Future

Stream Concierge and Students Oirase Keiryu Hotel, the only resort hotel located along the Oirase Gorge, welcomed 16 first-year students from Towada Municipal Daiichi Junior High School (hereinafter referred to as Daiichi Junior High School) on June 11, 2026, for a collaborative class as part of their "Hometown Learning" program. Daiichi Junior High School conducts hometown learning activities annually for all grades to learn about the region's history, industry, and traditional culture, and to pass them on to the future. This year, with "Oirase Gorge" as the learning theme, students learned about regional resources and the natural environment from the hotel's nature guides, "Stream Concierges," who are intimately familiar with the area's nature, thereby deepening their understanding of their hometown. On the day, three programs were offered: "Moss Walk," "Gorge Open Bus Tour," and "Moss Ball Making Experience." Students discovered new charms within the scenery of Oirase Gorge while learning about their connection with nature and the value of the region. Class Content: Moss Walk Students enjoying the Moss Walk Oirase Gorge has been designated as a "Precious Moss Forest of Japan" with approximately 300 species of moss. On the day, under the guidance of a Stream Concierge, students strolled through "Ishigedo," a famous spot in Oirase Gorge. They focused on the moss that supports the beautiful scenery of Oirase Gorge, observing the moss, each with its unique expression, up close. Peering through magnifying glasses, they touched the nature at their feet, often overlooked, and deepened their learning through their five senses. The Stream Concierge conveyed their thoughts to the students, saying, "Oirase Gorge, while familiar to us, is a special place full of charm that attracts people from both Japan and abroad. We want them to re-recognize its value and appeal." Gorge Open Bus Tour Students enjoying the Gorge Open Bus Tour Next, the students participated in the "Gorge Open Bus Tour," where they could experience nature from a height of approximately 3 meters. This program allows participants to observe the nature of Oirase Gorge from a different perspective while riding an open-top bus. Listening to the explanations of the Stream Concierge, they enjoyed the vibrant green trees spreading overhead and the beautiful scenery along the gorge. They experienced a macro sense of scale, looking up at the grand nature from the micro moss at their feet. By observing the rich nature of Oirase Gorge from various viewpoints, they deepened their understanding of its multifaceted charm, leading to a time of many surprises and new discoveries. Moss Ball Making Experience Students participating in the Moss Ball Making Experience Finally, with staff from the Oirase Moss Ball Studio as instructors, a "Moss Ball Making Experience" was held. This is an activity where students create moss balls that represent a miniature Oirase Gorge, inspired by the moss-covered rocks scattered along the stream. Students worked on their creations while recalling the ecology of the moss they observed during the "Moss Walk" and the appearance of trees rooted on the moss. By physically engaging with nature, they deepened their interest in moss and nature, providing an opportunity to re-examine the nature around them. Ayami Saito, 1st Year, Daiichi Junior High School Through making moss balls and strolling, I discovered new charms of Oirase Gorge. I was particularly interested to learn that there are many waterfalls, and each one has a name and origin. I now feel it is important to protect the beautiful nature of Oirase Gorge and its surrounding forests while also spreading its appeal further. Oirase Gorge is a source of pride and a treasure for our region. From now on, I want to visit other "places that must be preserved" and experience them myself. Yukie Kawamura, Head Teacher, 1st Year, Daiichi Junior High School It was very impressive to see the children's eyes sparkle as they asked questions. I feel that by experiencing nature firsthand and learning with all five senses, their feelings of cherishing Towada City and their attachment to the region have deepened. Even if they leave their hometown in the future, I believe they will have gained strong confidence to proudly say, "My hometown has such wonderful places!" Shinsuke Kobayashi, Stream Concierge It was very impressive to see the children touched and learning while experiencing real nature. I hope that by learning in detail about the charms of Oirase Gorge, which are easily overlooked precisely because they live nearby, they will re-recognize them and deepen their attachment to the local area. I would be happy if this project, by continuing, provides an experience where they can proudly tell people from outside the prefecture, "My hometown has nature to be proud of." Cooperation ・Oirase Moss Ball Studio At the Oirase Moss Ball Studio, we have proposed content that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and nationalities, such as the "Moss Ball Making Experience" that expresses a small Oirase inspired by moss-covered rocks scattered along the stream, and the "Oirase Lamp Making Experience" that expresses moss designs with lamplight, allowing visitors to savor memories of moss even after returning home. [Reference] Activities with Daiichi Junior High School Students viewing icefallsStudents filling out worksheets To protect and pass on the nature and culture of Oirase Gorge to the future, it is crucial that local residents deeply understand and remain interested in its value and appeal. Therefore, Daiichi Junior High School and our hotel annually conduct collaborative learning activities to provide an opportunity for children, who will be the next generation, to rediscover the region's charms and foster affection and pride for their hometown. These activities, which include winter icefall viewing invited by our hotel and summer gorge walks and moss observations requested by Daiichi Junior High School, are conducted regardless of the season. On the day, through guidance by Stream Concierges, we provide children with an opportunity to learn about the diverse charms of Oirase Gorge and deepen their understanding and attachment to the region. Oirase Keiryu Hotel by Hoshino Resorts Lobby "Forest Myth" The only resort hotel built along the Oirase Gorge (*1). The open-air baths with views of the gorge and the lobby, featuring a massive fireplace designed by Taro Okamoto, create a healing space. With the concept of "Gorge Slow Life," we create a deeply satisfying stay. *1 Survey of "resort hotels" along Oirase Gorge in June 2026. Self-researched. Location: 231 Tochinokubo, Oirase, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, 034-0301 Phone: 050-3134-8094 (Hoshino Resorts Reservation Center) Number of rooms: 181 / Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Rates: From 25,100 yen per night (per person, double occupancy, tax included, dinner and breakfast included) Access: Approx. 90 minutes by car from JR Hachinohe Station (free shuttle bus available, reservation required) URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/oirasekeiryu/