Oirase Keiryu Hotel by Hoshino Resorts, the only resort hotel located along the Oirase Stream, is introducing a new winter dining experience called "Ice Fall Afternoon Tea" from December 5, 2026 to February 28, 2027. The experience is themed around "ice falls," a seasonal phenomenon in which waterfalls and spring water freeze solid in the cold. Served inside a heated dome set up on the hotel's terrace, the afternoon tea lets guests learn about how ice forms while sampling sweets shaped after the gorge's famous ice formations, alongside drinks that capture the beauty of ice as its colors shift with the daylight. Presented on an original tea stand, the dishes recreate Oirase's winter scenery on a single plate.
Feature 1: Eight Ice Fall-Themed Sweets and Savories Capturing Oirase Stream's Winter Scenery
The afternoon tea is served on an original tea stand modeled after the towering ice falls and rows of icicles that appear along the Oirase Stream in winter. Eight sweets and savories, each recreating a famous ice formation, are arranged in clear, ice-like vessels. Together with the stand, the dishes create an ice world in front of guests, offering a chance to enjoy the winter scenery while learning how the ice takes shape.
Afternoon Tea Menu
Ice Fall Mont Blanc
Vertical streaks of cream represent the shape of the ice, while shaved meringue stands in for snow. Smooth cream made from sweet chestnuts is paired with waffle sugar for a contrasting crunch.
Icicle Jelly
A clear blue butterfly pea tea jelly is layered with coconut resembling falling snow, creating a winter scene where ice and snow meet. Smooth blancmange, refreshing blueberry, and the toasty crunch of pine nuts round out the dessert, which is designed to evoke the beauty of icicles.
Jellyfish Ice Pâte de Fruit
This dessert is modeled after "jellyfish ice," a phenomenon in which spray from the rock face freezes into rounded shapes. Its mysterious, layered form, built up by water freezing in a steady rhythm, is expressed through a translucent pâte de fruit. The fresh flavor of apple is paired with pear compote for a juicy finish.
Icicle Petit Choux
Delicate spun sugar recreates the clear texture of icicles, topped with petit choux representing softly falling snow. Each choux is generously filled with smooth cream, filling the mouth with gentle sweetness.
Ice Crystal Sandwich
Soft, white layers represent the very first moment ice begins to form. Sliced cheese is tucked between moist bread to resemble ice binding together, delivering a mellow richness with just the right amount of saltiness.
Ice Crystal Cracker Sandwich
This piece is modeled after the "nucleus" from which an ice crystal begins to form. Cream cheese, nuts, and orange peel are layered on a hexagonal cracker to express the ice's shape, offering a variety of textures alongside the sweetness of white chocolate.
Makadoiwa Brownie
Modeled after Makadoiwa, a well-known spot where spring water seeping from the rock face builds up into a wall of ice, this dessert stacks brownies to resemble the rock surface. Guests pour white chocolate sauce over the brownies themselves, completing their own ice fall right at the table.
Sensuji Falls Dacquoise
The fine, thread-like flow of the falls is represented with kadaif (*1), while the surrounding rock walls are expressed through dacquoise. Miso, peanut butter, and fresh cream combine for a rich flavor with a pleasant hint of saltiness.
*1 A pastry made of extremely thin, noodle-like strands of wheat flour dough.
Feature 2: Ice Fall Drinks Capturing Colors That Shift Over Time
Served alongside the sweets are two original drinks designed around the ice fall's colors as they shift with the light throughout the day. Each is served in a glass designed to evoke the beauty of ice shaped by Oirase's harsh winters, capturing the colors and shimmer of the ice falls as they change over time.
Ice Fall Hot Drink
This hot tea evokes an ice fall lit by the pale reds and yellows of sunset. Sweet, faintly bitter yuzu jam is blended with Assam tea, filling the cup with the rich aroma of citrus and black tea reminiscent of Oirase's winter scenery bathed in the setting sun.
Ice Fall Cold Drink
Inspired by the ice-blue ice falls lit up during the nighttime "Ice Fall Light-Up Tour," this cocktail-style original drink combines lemon and orange for a refreshing citrus tartness and sweetness.
Feature 3: A Warm Dome on the Winter Terrace, With a Front-Row View of the Snowy Landscape
The afternoon tea is served on the "Keiryu Terrace," where a snow-covered landscape spreads out and the sound of the stream fills the air. Inside a dome that shelters guests from the wind and snow, heaters keep the space warm and comfortable while still allowing guests to feel close to winter nature. Looking out over the stream flowing just beyond, guests can take their time enjoying the ice fall-themed afternoon tea.
Ice Fall Afternoon Tea Overview
- Period: December 5, 2026 to February 28, 2027
- Time: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
- Location: Keiryu Terrace
- Price: ¥8,800 per person (tax included)
- Includes: Afternoon tea set (food and an original drink)
- Capacity: Up to 5 groups (10 guests) per day
- Group size: Up to 2 guests per group (groups of 3 or more will be seated separately)
- Reservations: Required by 6:00 PM, 3 days in advance, via the official website (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/oirasekeiryu/)
- Eligibility: Hotel guests only
- Note: Contents may change depending on weather and snow conditions.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Ice Falls
Ice Fall Light-Up Tour: A Magical Nighttime View of the Ice Falls
The ice falls of the Oirase Stream form as small amounts of water seeping down the rock face freeze in the night air, gradually growing over time into striking columns of ice. At night, lighting transforms these delicate formations into a dramatic sight, with mysterious colored light enhancing the natural beauty of the frozen falls.
Ice Fall Light-Up Tour Overview
- Period: Mid-December 2026 to early March 2027
Ice Fall Bath: A Unique Soak With an Unobstructed View of the Ice Falls
The hotel's open-air bath is surrounded by a sweeping wall of ice fall scenery. Standing roughly 3.5 meters tall and 16 meters wide, the recreated ice fall wall offers views over the Oirase Stream, letting guests enjoy a soak while taking in the ice and snow landscape.
Ice Fall Bath Overview
- Period: December 5, 2026 to March 29, 2027
- Time: 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM / 2:30 PM to midnight
- Price: Free
Oirase Keiryu Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
Oirase Keiryu Hotel is the only resort hotel located along the Oirase Stream (*2). An open-air bath looking out over the stream and a lobby featuring a monumental fireplace by artist Taro Okamoto create a soothing atmosphere. Built around the concept of "Keiryu Slow Life," the hotel offers stays designed to leave guests feeling completely restored.
Location: 231 Tochikubo, Okuse, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture 034-0301
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM
Rooms: 181
Rates: From ¥25,100 per person per night (based on two guests sharing, tax included, dinner and breakfast included)
Access: Approximately 90 minutes by car from JR Hachinohe Station (free shuttle bus available, advance reservation required)
*2 Based on the hotel's own research, conducted in August 2026, into "resort hotels" located along the Oirase Stream.
