https://www.trip.com/moments/towada-57217
2024 Towada Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
Today's Weather
Mostly cloudy -2-7℃
Popular Attractions
Oirase Gorge
Check in at Aomori, the mysterious land of northeastern Japan.
Aomori - the mysterious land of northeastern Japan🍁 A small Japanese city full of natural beauty and regional culture. It's a big loss if you don't come to Aomori when you come to Japan!!
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🌸 Cherry Blossom and History Date
✅ Hirosaki Park: Go to Hirosaki Park in the morning, where there are more than 2,600 cherry blossom trees. When spring comes, the entire park becomes a pink ocean, super dreamy! Moreover, there is the historic Hirosaki Castle, which is a national important cultural property in Japan.
✅ Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival: If you come in winter, don't forget to participate in the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival, which attracts a large number of tourists every year.
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📸 Natural Scenery and Art Tour
✅ Oirase Stream: Go to Oirase Stream in the morning, which is one of the most beautiful streams in Japan. The scenery is different in the four seasons and is very charming. Summer is full of greenery, and autumn is a paradise for maple leaves.
✅ Aomori Prefectural Art Museum: Go to the Aomori Prefectural Art Museum in the afternoon, where works by well-known Japanese and international artists including Yoshitomo Nara are displayed. It is a must-visit place for art lovers.
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♨️ Hot Spring and Food Healing*
✅ Hakkoda Mountain: Choose to go to Hakkoda Mountain in the morning, take a cable car directly to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the natural beauty along the way without dead ends, and you have the opportunity to see spectacular tree ice in winter.
✅ Lake Towada: Go to Lake Towada in the afternoon. This is a place to enjoy maple leaves in autumn. It is especially romantic to enjoy the red maple from the lake by cruise ship.
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🏨 Accommodation recommendation:
Choose a hot spring hotel near the natural landscape, such as the Oirase Stream Hotel of the Hoshino Group, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature.
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🚌 Traffic tips
Depart from Tokyo, you can take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen directly to Aomori, or you can choose to fly to Aomori Airport.
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🍱 Food recommendation
Don't forget to try local seafood dishes, as well as various desserts made from apples. Aomori is the largest apple producing area in Japan.
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⚠️ Tips
Check the weather before going out, don't let the rain sweep your interest. In addition, if you come in winter, remember to bring the warmest clothes, because the winter in Aomori is really cold.
Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel in Towada, Aomori, Japan
💞Recommended Reasons:
💎 Located in Towada, Aomori, Japan, Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel is hailed as the most healing hotel in Japan. Nestled near the Oirase Keiryu stream, it is surrounded by enchanting scenery and abundant natural landscapes throughout the year, offering picturesque views from every angle.
💎 The highest-grade brand hotel under the Hoshino Resorts Group
🏖️ Atmosphere/Facilities:
💎 The hotel exudes a natural forest style while maintaining an elegant and refined design. The lobby features an art installation named 'Forest Myth' created by artist Taro Okamoto.
💎 The lobby offers unlimited complimentary drinks and snacks in the afternoon, with a wide selection of juices and sparkling wines to choose from. 🥂
💎 The restaurant is a buffet-style establishment with a wide variety of dishes, including Japanese cuisine, seafood from Aomori, Western-style steaks, and freshly baked apple pie desserts that are simply irresistible. 😍
💎 The hot spring area is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. It is highly recommended to experience the outdoor bath during winter, as soaking in the hot spring while snowflakes gently fall at night is a true delight. 😎
💎 In spring, there is a service to enjoy breakfast by the Oirase Keiryu stream, which requires an additional reservation.
💰 Average Cost: $7800-$12000 TWD per person
📍 Address: Tochikubo-231 Okuse, Towada, Aomori 034-0301, Japan
Follow Your Heart Travel the World Five-day tour of Northeast Japan | Don't waste a single minute of your JR PASS① ||| It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to go to Northeast Japan with friends.
The first thing to do is to buy the JR PASS Tohoku 5-day ticket (except for foreign tourists, foreign residents in Japan can buy it with just their passport).
For each trip on the Shinkansen, you can use this coupon to exchange for a designated seat at the machine or window. Unlimited exchanges (should be). We exchanged for a train in advance but missed it, so we directly exchanged for the next train at the machine without any problem.
This step is worth noting: please please keep this JR PASS safe, because once it is lost, there is no way to retrieve it except to buy a new one. (My friend lost it on the second day and had to buy a new one, which was very sad.)
Next, let me share our five-day-four-night itinerary:
❄️DAY1: Tokyo → Sendai → Morioka
First, I went to the Northeast to check out the statue of Lu Xun, and next to the statue was the Lu Xun Museum, where they had his report card from back then, haha! After leaving the university, I searched for a highly rated restaurant nearby and had a lunch of beef tongue prepared in two ways, grilled and stewed, for just over 1,000 yen, which was very satisfying. Then I took a bus to the area near the Da Guan Yin temple, where you can actually go inside and see over 100 small Buddha statues. After that, I had a sweet soybean dessert near Sendai Station and ordered a soybean milkshake to take on the Shinkansen. In the evening, I chose to stay in Morioka, where the hotels near the station were very cheap and they even gave me a 2,000 yen voucher. I went to a restaurant that served Morioka cold noodles and ordered a set meal of cold noodles and grilled meat, which just happened to use up the voucher.
❄️DAY2 Morioka → Hachinohe → Aomoriya
Actually, I wanted to go to the Tenshotei Art Museum that day, but I overslept and didn't have time, so I could only leave regrets. I went straight to the Hachinohe Shokudo Center seafood market when I arrived in Hachinohe. There is a special bus for 100 yen at the bus stop, which takes about ten minutes. Then you can buy seafood in the market and rent a grill to cook and eat by yourself. The rental fee for the grill is 400 yen per person, and it comes with basic soy sauce and salt. Eat on time and take the bus back to Hachinohe Station (remember to plan the time to stay in the market, as the bus runs once an hour). I booked the Aomoriya hotel, which has its own courtyard. It's beautiful when it snows, and there is a sleep demon lamp. You can take a half-hour walk around and come back to the starting point, where there is a footbath to soak in. Back at the hotel, you can continue to soak in the hot spring and drink apple juice. I made an appointment in advance for the Sleep Demon Festival performance, which costs 1500 yen per person.
❄️DAY3 Aomoriya → Aomori → Akita
Take a bus from Aomori Station to Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art. Although we only had a brief visit due to time constraints, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and many cute details of this museum. When we returned to the station to take the Gonō Line, we found out that the starting section was suspended due to heavy snow. A bit confused, we asked the station staff who told us to take another bus to a certain station and then catch the Gonō Line from there. We had reserved a private compartment on the Gonō Line in advance, and although the weather was bad that day, there was a unique beauty to it. We slowly enjoyed the sea view all the way to Akita. We had planned to eat the famous Akita dish "Kiritanpo Nabe", but because I was lazy and didn't make a reservation, we couldn't eat at the designated restaurant.
Calming Greenery
This is the Oirase Keiryu located near Towada Lake, Aomori prefecture. There are buses that takes approximately three hours to reach from Aomori city. The stream flows along the floor of the Oirase Gorge, winding among the lush trees. It is Famous for the autumn view when the leaves turn red~ There are over a dozen waterfalls along the stream. It is said that the hiking trail is easy to follow. However, I did not try as we had driven there~ I loved how fresh the air was and it’s really lovely to be surrounded by nature 👍🏼
#aomori
Hoshinoya Oirase hotel for only $380
Love this hotel so much
With private Onsen inside room , spacious room
Nice view
Located inside Oirase park
Do book early as Onsen room very popular
It also come with free buffet dinner and lunch
Free shuttle bus from Aomori station and Hachinohe station
There’s also activities
Do book early as usually fully booked
Lobby provided free amenities and 24hrs drinks service bar
#aomori #japan #japantravel
Oirase Stream is even more beautiful than a Hayao Miyazaki manga.
One of the best places to follow the crowd, Aomori Oirase Stream hiking.
Oirase Stream is known as Japan's most beautiful stream, as beautiful as a Hayao Miyazaki manga in summer, and even more beautiful in fall during the red leaf season.
Many people like to hike along Oirase Stream, the scenery along the way is really beautiful and healing.
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Photos taken on October 10, 2024,
The fall colors of Oirase Stream will take at least 10-15 days,
But the fall colors along the way through Sukayu Onsen, Suirennuma Pond, and Hakkoda Onsen are already very beautiful, but the best viewing period is still about one to two weeks away.
The fall colors of Lake Towada are just starting to show.
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🚌How to get to Oirase Stream and Lake Towada
Take the JR bus from Aomori Station directly to Lake Towada, passing through various hiking spots along Oirase Stream, and choose a hiking route according to your physical strength.
Currently, buses depart from Aomori Station at 8:10, 9:00, and 11:35 every day, and more buses will be added after November 11 during the red leaf season;
Buses depart from Lake Towada Station at 8:40, 13:30, and 15:00, and the journey takes about 3 hours, with stops along the way for visitors to rest.
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Oirase hiking route:
♦️The hiking route starts at the entrance "Nenokuchi" and follows a 14 km trail to "Yakeyama", passing several famous waterfalls along the way, or you can walk from Yakeyama to Nenokuchi, the route is flat and easy, so it doesn't matter which way you go.
♦️Yakeyama to Nenokuchi, about 14 km, takes about 5-6 hours, or you can choose to walk part of the route and take a sightseeing bus.
♦️Ishigedo to Nenokuchi, about 9 km, takes about 3 hours.
♦️Ishigedo to Momoko Otaki, about 7.5 km, the best part, takes about 2.5 hours, most people choose this route.
♦️Momoko Otaki to Nenokuchi, about 1.5 km, Nenokuchi has a bus stop, you can choose to continue to Lake Towada or return to Aomori or Hachinohe.
⏰Many people choose to leave from Aomori, take the 8:10 bus, get off at Ishigedo at 10:19, Ishigedo ➡️ Mamen-iwa ➡️ Kumoi-no-taki ➡️ Shirafu-no-taki ➡️ Shiraginu-no-taki ➡️ Momoko Otaki, then take the bus to Lake Towada, and take the 15:00 bus back to Aomori in the afternoon.
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♨️There are many hot springs here, the environment is great, if your budget allows, you can choose to stay in a hot spring inn here, if your budget is limited, you can choose to return to Aomori on the same day, there is plenty of time.
Lake Towada in winter.
🔶 Lake Towada in winter feels like Northern Europe. At around 1 or 2 pm, there are almost no people by the lake. Everyone is hiding in the hotel, soaking in the hot spring, and waiting for the fireworks by the lake at night.
🔶 I like the atmosphere of being at the end of the world. Children are happy to climb mountains and play in the snow.
The beautiful lake in Aomori prefecture
Lake Towada is admiring the deep blue water on the quiet surface of the lake. You can enjoy the magnificent natural landscape beauty that spans Aomori Prefecture and Akita Prefecture and changes every season.
It is also a perfect spot to enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking and canoeing in the surrounding area.
Location- Kosaka-cho, Kazuno-gun, Akita Prefecture, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture
7-Day Japan Fall Itinerary: Breathtaking Travel Guide
First time in Japan? Don't miss this 7-day itinerary to help you explore Japan and experience the unique charm of Japanese culture!
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📅 Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly from Shanghai Pudong to Tokyo Haneda, then transfer to Aomori Airport to start your exciting Japan trip!
Day 2: Visit the historic Hirosaki Castle, explore the cultural heritage of the Tachineputa Museum, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Towada, and finally stroll through the natural beauty of the Oirase Stream.
Day 3: Visit the unique Goryokaku Park, experience the retro charm of the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, and climb Mount Hakodate for a panoramic view of the city.
Day 4: Taste authentic food at the Hakodate Morning Market, visit the natural beauty of Onuma, enjoy the tranquil lake of Lake Toya, and visit the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch and the unique landscape of Showa Shinzan.
Day 5: Stroll along the Otaru Canal, listen to the melodious music of the Otaru Music Box Museum, visit the Kitaichi Glass Craft Museum, taste the sweetness of the Shiroi Koibito Park, and finally shop at the Tanukikoji Shopping Street.
Day 6: Spend a leisurely day in Sapporo and explore the charm and style of the city.
Day 7: Fly from New Chitose Airport, transfer at Tokyo Haneda, and finally arrive at Shanghai Pudong to end your pleasant trip to Japan.
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Must-visit attractions:
🌟 Shiroi Koibito Park: This is a chocolate paradise! 🍫 As a chocolate-themed park, you can immerse yourself in the sweet atmosphere.
🌊 Otaru Canal: Imagine strolling along this historic canal, 🚶♀️ lined with shops and retro-style street lamps, as if you were transported back in time.
🛍️ Tanukikoji Shopping Street: A century-old shopping street in Hokkaido! 😍 It is home to many specialty shops and restaurants, and you can't stop shopping and eating!
🚣♂️ Lake Toya: Want to get up close and personal with cute deer? 🦌 Take a boat tour of Lake Toya! Play with the deer in the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains for a unique experience.
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Travel essentials: 🎒 Going to Japan? Bring these things!
📞 Buy a SIM card to stay connected and enjoy your trip.
🔌 Plug adapter: Japan has a different voltage, so you need this.
🪪 Don't forget your documents: passport and visa are essential.
👔 Clothes: Japan is a bit cold in November, so bring warm clothes.
🔋 Don't forget your charger: charge your phone and camera to capture beautiful memories.
💊 Bring some medicine just in case for a safer trip.
💰 Bring cash and cards for shopping and dining.
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We hope you have a memorable trip to Japan and don't forget to share your travel stories! 🌸✨
A Must-Visit: Oirase Stream Trail
One of the highlights of this trip to Tohoku, Japan, is walking the Oirase Stream Trail. Although I knew the autumn foliage would be delayed this year, it didn't dampen my spirits for visiting here. We opted for a self-driving tour, which allowed us to plan our schedule flexibly. We stayed the night before at the Hoshino Oirase Keiryu Hotel, initially planning to set off at 9 AM. However, it was raining heavily in the morning, which gave us the chance to enjoy the high-quality hotel a bit longer.
The hotel is located at the source of the stream, and walking the entire trail would take 14 km, which is quite time-consuming. Since we were on a self-driving tour, we waited for the rain to subside and then drove to the parking lot at Nenokuchi by Lake Towada. We started walking from the end of the trail, following the stream for over two hours, covering half the distance, and then took about an hour to walk back to the parking lot via the road. Most of the main attractions are in the latter 7 kilometers, so this decision worked out well.
The entire stream trail is very easy to walk, with no mountain paths or stairs, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. Although we walked for two hours, the scenery in the forest was so beautiful that every step revealed different natural landscapes. The sound of waterfalls and flowing water was very soothing, naturally calming the mind and body.
Since it was drizzling, the trail was quite muddy. Fortunately, I brought an extra pair of shoes that could get dirty, which was very important.
Enjoy the Refreshing Autumn in Oirase Gorge, Aomori, Japan.
💞Recommended Reason: The lush forest and the ever-flowing river make for a refreshing walk along the river trail. The air is very clean and free from pollution, providing a very comfortable experience.
📍Address: 〒034-0301 Aomori Prefecture, Towada City, Okuse 60
🕰️Opening Hours: 24 hours
📷Photo Spots: Kudan Falls, Choshi Otaki Falls, Shiraito Falls
Beautiful view Japan
Enjoy the autumn colors in Tohoku, a region known for its beautiful natural scenery!
🍁 Aomori Prefecture- Oirase
Oirase in Aomori Prefecture will captivate you with its beauty! Marvel at the artistic splendors of nature, and see the stream weaving between the autumn trees.
🍁 Akita Prefecture-Lake Towada
Close to Oirase lies the majestic Lake Towada, where the reflection of the blazing autumn foliage on crystal-clear waters is a must-see sight. You can also enjoy Akita’s famous kiritanpo, cylindrical rice cakes often served in hotpots- the perfect autumn dish!
🍁 Iwate Prefecture -Hachimantai
Iwate’s Hachimantai area, famous for its onsen hot springs, attracts nature-lovers in every season. The scenic Aspite Line and Jukai Line roads are perfect for an autumnal drive!
These locations are all part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, one of the best-preserved nature areas in Japan. Why not start planning your autumn trip in Tohoku? Isn't it beautiful ❤️
Where to stay in Tsuta Onsen Ryokan
✨Hotel Highlights
♨️Amenities
🛁Room Environment
🍽️Breakfast
🛎️Hotel Service
💗Guest Experience
Japan's Niche Cities | Misawa is so good to shop, why didn't anyone tell me?
| Misawa is so good to shop, why didn't anyone tell me? Check in to a niche but absolutely worth visiting Japanese small city - Misawa City🏡
The fusion of nature and history, the masterpiece of human and nature🎈All can be seen here!
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🪂Encounter of nature and culture
Lake Towada: Get up in the morning and head straight to Lake Towada, where the lake and mountains are so beautiful that they will make you fall in love! Take a small boat or stroll along the lakeside path to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Misawa Aviation Science Museum: In the afternoon, visit the Misawa Aviation Science Museum, which showcases the history of aviation and space exploration, a paradise for aviation enthusiasts.
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⛲Fusion of history and modernity
Misawa City Museum: In the morning, visit the Misawa City Museum to learn more about the rich history and culture of this city.
Misawa Zoo: In the afternoon, visit the Misawa Zoo and have a close encounter with various cute animals.
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🌊Exploration of coast and wonders
Buddha's Cape: In the morning, visit Buddha's Cape to explore natural wonders and experience the mysterious charm of coastal rocks.
Misawa Aviation City: In the afternoon, visit Misawa Aviation City, experience flight simulators, watch aerial performances, or take a small plane flight to experience the thrill of aviation.
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🏨 Accommodation recommendations
Choose a hotel near the city center for convenient exploration of Misawa's nightlife.
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🚌 Transportation tips
From Tokyo, you can take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Hachinohe Station, then transfer to a local train to Misawa Station. You can also choose to fly directly to Misawa Airport.
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🍱 Food recommendations
Nambu Ironware: Don't forget to bring home a piece of Nambu Ironware, a local traditional handicraft.
Hachinohe Senbei Soup: Try the local specialty, this soup made with rice cakes and vegetables will definitely warm your stomach.
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⚠️Tips
Check the weather before you go out, don't let the rain dampen your spirits.
If you are an aviation enthusiast, be sure to visit the Misawa Aviation Science Museum, where there are many interactive exhibits waiting for you.🎏
Aomori | A fairy-tale journey.
| A fairy-tale journey. Location: Aomori, Japan.
🎫Tickets: The ticket prices for each attraction are reasonable, so you won't feel the pressure on your wallet😉.
🕙Best time to visit:
Spring and autumn are the most beautiful seasons in Aomori. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom🌸, and the entire city is surrounded by pink; in autumn, maple leaves are like fire🍁, as if you have stepped into a fairy tale world.
🌟Highlights:
💫Oirase Stream, the scenery here is simply beautiful. Clear streams, dense forests🌳, and large and small waterfalls, every place is fascinating. You can stroll along the stream and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
💫Lake Towada, the lake is blue and surrounded by mountains. You can take a boat to enjoy the lake view🚢 and enjoy the lake and mountains. There are also many cute shops by the lake where you can buy some special souvenirs.
💫Aomori Nebuta Festival is also worth seeing. The huge Nebuta lanterns are colorful🎊 and full of the charm of Japanese traditional culture.
💫The cherry blossoms and apple blossoms in Hirosaki Park are also not to be missed. During the flowering season, the entire park becomes a sea of flowers🌺, which is super romantic.
🥰Food recommendation:
Aomori's apples are super famous🍏, you must try them. There are also seafood bowls, grilled scallops and other delicacies, let your taste buds enjoy.😋
📝Tips:
👟Prepare a pair of comfortable shoes, because you may walk a lot.
📷Bring a camera, the beautiful scenery here will make you can't help but take pictures.
🌂Pay attention to weather changes, bring suitable clothes and rain gear.
💕Come to Aomori and start a fairy-tale journey!💖
Harper Harris19 Tranquility From Hiking Paradise to Undersea Tunnel|Summer Mutsu Thousand Mile Journey 【13】.
Oirase Stream is located in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, about a 2-hour drive from Aomori City. It is famous for its clear streams, waterfalls, and different natural scenery in the four seasons. In fact, the best time to visit Oirase Stream is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). In spring, you can enjoy the fresh green and cherry blossoms. In autumn, it is the season of red leaves. The leaves on both sides of the stream are colorful, as if you are in a fairy tale world. We went there in summer, and the lush vegetation and cool streams were refreshing.
The Oirase Stream walkway is about 14 kilometers long. As a cross-country enthusiast, I naturally want to walk the whole journey. However, due to limited time, we only walked the most essence part. It is indeed a paradise for hiking. Along the way, we passed many famous waterfalls and attractions. The more we walked, the better we felt, as if we were crossing the primeval forest.
Aomori also has a very special attraction, the Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum. There are many tunnels in the world, but it is rare to build a memorial hall for a tunnel. The Seikan Undersea Tunnel crosses the Tsugaru Strait, connecting the Aomori area of Honshu, Japan and the Hakodate area of Hokkaido. It is 54 kilometers long and 23 kilometers under the sea. The Seikan Undersea Tunnel started construction in 1964 and was completed in 1987, taking 23 years in total.
In the memorial hall, the general situation of the tunnel is introduced in a simple and easy-to-understand way through three-dimensional models, images, and display boards, and the engineering, materials, and models of the year are completely displayed to the audience to commend and commemorate this great project. In addition to static exhibitions, the museum also has Japan's shortest private railway, the Seikan Tunnel Tappi Shaft Line. It only takes 9 minutes to reach the specially opened tunnel work pit 140 meters deep under the sea, and watch how the tunnel is excavated.
I have a plan to take the Shinkansen from Aomori to Hakodate next time and experience the convenience and safety of this tunnel all the way.
[Aomori Prefecture/Towada City] You can't stop eating rice! This is the best Towada gourmet food
Aomori Prefecture 🫧 Towada City
Tsukasa Barayaki Shokudo
When you think of Towada, you think of barayaki!
I'd heard of it before, but I'd never tried it, so I went all the way to Towada and wanted to eat some delicious barayaki! So I went.
It was a weekday afternoon (around 2pm?) and there was no wait, and the restaurant was about 20-30% full.
The restaurant was surrounded by plastic? It had a popular atmosphere.
There was a paper with examples of how to grill it on each seat, and the staff explained it carefully.
As the grilling continued, a nice aroma gradually spread, and the staff checked it each time,
and when it was almost done,
I put it on top of the rice and took a bite.
The sweet and spicy sauce was firmly entangled with the pork and onion,
and before I knew it, the rice was empty. lol
They said you could have as much rice as you wanted, so I had no hesitation in asking for more. lol
I'm sure there's no one who doesn't like this, right? Lol
It was a popular restaurant with celebrity autographs here and there
⏰/Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat
11:00 - 14:30
L.O. 14:00
17:30 - 22:30
L.O. 22:00
Sun
11:00 - 15:30
L.O. 14:30
Mon
Closed
🚗/15-41 Inomachi, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture
#JapaneseCuisine2024 #LocalGourmet #AomoriPrefecture #Towada #TowadaCity
Farewell to Big Cities: Travel Guide to Northern Tohoku, Japan
This time, we visited the three prefectures of Northern Tohoku (Iwate, Aomori, Akita) and had many unique travel experiences. Compared to big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, smaller places offer a more relaxed atmosphere and unique experiences. Here is a guide for everyone.
🚞Transportation
You can reach Northern Tohoku from Tokyo by Shinkansen (3-4 hours) or by plane (1 hour). You can also travel between the prefectures by JR or bus.
😁Travel Experiences
Each of the three prefectures has its own characteristics. Here are some particularly special experiences:
⭕Aomori Nebuta Festival
Held every summer, the Nebuta Festival attracts many tourists. Although there are many summer festivals in Japan, the Nebuta Festival allows everyone to join the parade and dance along with the chants, making it more engaging.
⭕Hanamaki Onsen Village
Hanamaki Onsen Village in Iwate Prefecture is one of Japan's famous hot spring resorts. It is also the hometown of the famous Japanese writer and educator Kenji Miyazawa. The hot springs here are diverse, and because there are 12 hot spring areas, it is called "Hanamaki 12 Springs." We experienced the Lead Hot Spring this time. The ancient hot spring inn with over 600 years of history and the tranquil environment made us feel extremely relaxed.
⭕Towada-Hachimantai National Park
This national park spans the three prefectures of Northern Tohoku and is rich in vegetation and volcanoes. It is also a great place for hiking. We tried the Seven Falls light hiking route this time, which takes about three hours and requires no professional equipment or experience, making it very beginner-friendly. The waterfalls are also very spectacular.
⭕Towada Art Center
The first art museum in Northern Tohoku. Unlike traditional art museums, the exhibits here are quite avant-garde, with bright colors and exaggerated shapes. The integration of art and everyday spaces, along with various outdoor installation artworks, makes it perfect for photo ops.
Top image: Standing Woman / Ron Mueck
Bottom left: Flower Horse / Choi Jeonghwa
Bottom middle: RR Haiku 061 / Rafaël Rozendaal
Bottom right: Memory of Water / Shiota Chiharu
⭕Slam Dunk Pilgrimage
When it comes to "Slam Dunk," everyone thinks of Kamakura, but in fact, the Noshiro Technical High School in Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, is also a place worth visiting. This school is the prototype of the strongest high school, Sannoh High, in the manga. Besides visiting the school, there is also a Noshiro Basketball Museum with many "Slam Dunk" memorabilia, which fans should not miss! Additionally, please visit the campus respectfully, do not litter or sit on the ground, and do not take or post photos of students training.
⭕Jiyuya Summer Ski Practice Field
Who says skiing is only for winter? You can also experience ski jumping on a pool in Northern Tohoku. It is worth mentioning that this activity is suitable for those with some skiing experience.
🛏️Accommodation
There are many accommodation options in Northern Tohoku, including traditional hot spring inns and convenient chain hotels. We stayed at the Fujisan Ryokan, a famous hot spring inn with over 600 years of history, and at ROUTE INN HOTELS, a well-known Japanese chain hotel that is affordable and conveniently located. It is worth noting that for large events like the Nebuta Festival, you need to book your room several months or even a year in advance. We also stayed at Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, which is directly connected to Terminal 3 and offers comprehensive dining and shopping options, making it very convenient for transit passengers. It is a great choice for both arriving in Japan and returning home.
Go and check out the Oirase Stream Promenade!
⭐Attractiveness of the spot: The Oirase Stream Promenade is a beautiful natural spot that represents Aomori Prefecture. The approximately 14 km promenade that stretches along the stream offers a variety of seasonal scenery, especially in the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves. The murmuring of the clear stream and the sound of the waterfall will soothe your mind and help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
❤Recommended points: The promenade is well-maintained so that even beginners can walk easily, and there are famous spots such as Choshi Otaki and Kujukushima scattered along the way. There are also rest spots where you can stop by during your walk, which are perfect for taking photos. Guided tours are also held, so you can learn about the history of nature and plants.
🚌Transportation access: It is about an hour and a half by car from Aomori Station, or about two hours by car from Hachinohe Station. If you use public transportation, you can access it by bus.
🛒Shopping: There are souvenir shops scattered around the stream, where you can purchase local specialties and goods with a stream motif. We recommend sweets made with apples from Aomori Prefecture and local crafts.
⚠️Note: We recommend that you prepare clothes appropriate for the season and comfortable shoes. It is especially useful to bring a light jacket in autumn and spring, when the temperature changes easily. It is also a good idea to bring snacks with you. Please take your trash home with you!
#OiraseGorge #SummerVacationTrip #AomoriTourism
Aomori Literary Tour
This time I drove from Aomori City to Oirase and passed through Towada City on the way. As a young and artistic person, I must go to the Towada Museum of Modern Art. It contains my favorite Nara Yoshitomo and some visually stunning works. Outside the museum There is no charge to visit the open-air installation art, but tickets are required to visit inside. Whether it is worth the price depends on the individual. #Towada City Museum of Modern Art
Oirase River
Oirase Gorge is a natural landscape area located in the northeastern part of Aomori Prefecture, Japan, famous for its clear streams and beautiful forest scenery. The following is an introduction to Oirase Creek:
Located inland in Aomori Prefecture, Oirase Kei is a popular nature reserve and tourist attraction. This stream originates from Lake Oirase and has a total length of about 14 kilometers, passing through the famous Irase Gorge along the way. The water in the stream is clear, and the river bed is covered with rocks of different sizes, forming magnificent rapids and waterfalls.
The scenery along the Oirase River is very spectacular, with rich changes in the four seasons. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom by the stream; in summer, the trees are shady and the stream is gurgling; in autumn, the red leaves are like fire and the valley is colorful; in winter, the ice waterfall and snow scenery add a sense of mystery. Many tourists like to come here to enjoy the natural landscape in spring and autumn, and photography enthusiasts are not to miss this excellent shooting spot.
In addition to its natural beauty, Oirase Creek has several hiking trails for visitors to explore and hike. The most popular one is the "Oirase River Walking Trail", which is built along the stream and is suitable for tourists of all levels. There is also a well-equipped tourist service center and hot springs to provide tourists with rest and relaxation.
In summary, the Oirase River attracts tourists from all over the world with its natural purity and rich landscape, making it one of the ideal places to experience the natural beauty of northern Japan.
#springsummergoodplace2024 #日本 #aomori
Healing in Nature at Hoshino Resort Oirase Keiryu Hotel, Aomori
Aomori's Hoshino Resorts is sure to soothe your soul with its natural beauty! Featuring two locations: Aomoriya, inspired by the Nebuta Festival, and the Oirase Keiryu Hotel situated midway through the Oirase Gorge. As a nature lover, I stayed at the Oirase Keiryu Hotel this time!!
📍Hoshino Resort Oirase Keiryu Hotel
▶︎231 Tochikubo Okuse, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture
○Recommendations
・A 3-day, 2-night stay allows for a leisurely experience
→The path along the stream from the Towada Lake Boat Cruise Terminal to the hotel is suitable for hiking, but it takes over three hours one way on foot. Since I only stayed for one night this time, I couldn't make it to Towada Lake due to time constraints. However, the hike along the stream was incredibly beautiful and very satisfying. If possible, I definitely recommend making it to Towada Lake.
Considering the various options available at Hoshino Resorts, a 3-day, 2-night stay with activities planned for the second day would make the trip even more enjoyable.
・Breakfast by the stream is the best
→The hotel offers a buffet for both dinner and breakfast, but for an additional 1,500 yen per person, you can opt for a different breakfast experience by the stream. While the buffet is delicious, enjoying breakfast to the sound of the flowing river is exquisite. I highly recommend taking this option for the ultimate breakfast experience!
・The stars are incredibly beautiful at night!
→Since it gets very dark at night, taking a little walk around the area can be delightful!
Lake Towada: a great place to go in spring to feel the pure charm of nature
#Japanese and Korean Spring Good Places
I was lucky enough to visit Lake Towada in Japan and feel the pure charm of nature.
The weather was fine and I took a walk along the lakeside trail. At a glance, the sparkling blue lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, like a natural mirror. The lake is crystal clear, making people marvel at the magical creations of nature.
Walking by the lake, I felt unprecedented peace and tranquility. The surrounding trees are green, the birds are singing and the flowers are fragrant, just like a moving ink painting. The breeze blows on your face, which is refreshing. The ripples in the lake seem to tell the rhythm of life in nature.
In the distance stands a sacred and majestic rock, as if guarding the lake. I couldn't help but marvel at the majesty of nature and stand in awe. This is like a paradise, allowing people to escape from the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the harmony of nature.
Being here, I feel inner peace and tranquility, as if I am one with nature. This rare peaceful experience will definitely become an unforgettable good time in my life.
[Aomori] A spectacular art museum in Towada City
After arriving at Misawa Airport, we drove to the Towada Art Center🎨
Towada Art Center was a lot of fun because you can appreciate art while experiencing it💓
There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits, and the outdoor ones are free to enjoy☀️
We were blessed with good weather outdoors, so it was nice to be able to take photos with the blue sky🥰
As soon as we entered the interior, there was a big old lady😳
Not only was it big, it was also very intricately made, and it looked like it was alive!
There is a fee to go inside, but it's well worth a visit, so I definitely recommend you go!
#artgallery #aomoritrip #aomoritourism
[Tokyo Cherry Blossom Season] To escape the bad weather, the Kanda River Shadow Bridge section is the first choice
Escaped. Escaped from Tokyo.
This year’s cherry blossom season is marred by delays and bad weather
I took a look at the weather forecast for the next three days.
With the three-day rain forecast, it feels like Tokyo’s cherry blossom season will be like this.
It’s so hard. It’s been a long time since I waited for a sunny day to see cherry blossoms.
I hope to come back from a few days away. There are still cherry blossoms in Tokyo that I can miss.
Even though the cherry blossoms are blooming on the road, they are still beautiful
Yesterday was a day off. Even though it was cloudy, I went to the cherry blossoms at the Kanda River Mekagebashi section with hope. I unilaterally declared that I won over the Meguro River.
There are few people and the branches are not pruned. They hang down into the river.
magnificent
Praise this fleeting season
#Japanese and Korean Spring Good Places
The Oirase Stream is only open during the limited snow season, starting the Aomori winter myth
❄ Aomori County in winter is covered with white snow. The Towada Hachimantai National Park is dressed in silver 🌲, and the only resort hotel on the bank of the Oirase Stream, the annual snow season is finally here‼
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🌈 The 🔥 large fireplace 'Myth of the Forest' created by famous Japanese architect Taro Okamoto is the representative of the Oirase Stream Hotel lobby. Drinking a glass of wine 🍶 by the fireplace, you can indulge in the beautiful forest scenery outside the window ⛄
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【Stay】
🏠 There are a total of 187 rooms, with room sizes ranging from 28㎡-120㎡ to meet the different needs of couples, friends and family travel
♨ Some rooms come with a private open-air hot spring overlooking the mountain stream, and you can directly see the Oirase jungle 🌲 from the bed
🎐 The room space adopts a simple and modern design, decorated with real moss murals, creating a comfortable and generous atmosphere
👘 The room is equipped with a humidifying air purifier, refrigerator, Japanese clothing and other complete service facilities
-
【Fine Food】
🍽 Sonore|A French restaurant with beautiful scenery, serving exquisite food and fine red wine 🍷 combined with traditional and modern
🍎 Aomori Apple Kitchen|Serves apple-themed buffet and terrace breakfast, the freshly baked apple pie in the open kitchen is absolutely unique 💯
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【Winter Limited Activities】
❄ Icefall Light Show
🌈 The light shines on the icicles and icefalls of the stream, shining with ice blue light
❄ Icefall Soup
♨ Soak in the soft hot spring that gushes out from Hakkoda Mountain, watch the natural icefall spectacle of Oirase Stream, the ice emits ice blue light 🧊, it is definitely a unique winter experience❗
❄ Oirase Stream Bus Sightseeing
🚂 Take a bus to tour the mountain stream and enjoy the winter scenery of the stream and the majestic icicles
❄ Nino Swamp Snow Walk
🏔 Put on snow boots and go to the foot of Hakkoda Mountain, hike in the beech forest with deep snow, experience the quiet Nino Swamp and the endless forest snowfield
❄ Rime Snow Tour
🚠 Take the Hakkoda Ropeway to the top of the mountain, walk through the beech forest, and overlook the rime scenery in the mountains
❄ Moss Ball and Oirase Lamp Handmade
🌿 Make original moss balls or gourd lamps 🏮 with moss, ferns and other plants from Oirase Stream
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Follow the luxury travel collection for more hotel booking discounts
Oirase Keiryu
#freehotelstay
[Self-driving tour in Yamagata Aomori] Zao Hot Spring, Oirase Keirui Hotel, and enjoy the winter scenery of Japan
[Tokyo⏩️Yamagata⏩️Aomori] A unique trip to Japan spanning half of Japan
It is recommended to drive by yourself
But you can do this trip by JR without driving yourself.
Day 1️⃣: Narita Airport⏩️Ueno Station JR (you can go shopping first)⏩️Yamagata Station
Accommodation: Near Yamagata JR Station
——
Day2️⃣: Pick up the car⏩️Drive to Zao Onsen⏩️Zao Juhyo⏩️Zao Goruri Village⏩️soak in the hot springs at night♨️
Live: Zao
Hints:
The restaurants in Zao are very small and have few seats.
If you want to eat at the hotel, remember to make a reservation in advance
The hotel does not provide lunch, only dinner can be booked
——
Day3️⃣: Zao Skiing 🎿⏩️Drive to Aomori (5 hours). The snow scenery along the way is beautiful/you can also go back to Yamagata Station and take JR ⏩️Aomoriya Sleep Show ⏩️Aomoriya Hot Spring♨️
Check-in: Aomori House
Dinner: Book a buffet dinner at Aomoriya
——
Day4️⃣: You can participate in Aomoriya activities/go for a walk in the park outside the hotel⏩️For lunch, you can try Apple Pizza at the restaurant near the hotel🫢🤣⏩️Self-driving/take the hotel shuttle to Oirase Kei⏩️ Free Bus Tour of Oirase Kei x2 (morning Went there at night)⏩️Oirasekei Hot Spring♨️
Accommodation: Oirase Keirui Hotel
Hints:
If you are driving by yourself, it doesn’t matter if you want to go on the Bus Tour or not.
We passed most of the streams on the way into the hotel
However, Bus Tour will indicate the location where you can check in and take photos📷
⏩️If you have time that day, you can also drive to Lake Towada by yourself
——
Day5️⃣: Take the cable car to Mount Hakkoda🚡See ice trees ⏩️Aomori Apple Factory🏭Buy souvenirs⏩️ Enjoy the Hotel
Accommodation: Oirase Keirui Hotel
——
Day6️⃣: Say bye bye to Japan
Take a domestic flight from Dongsen to Narita Airport
Back to Hong Kong🇭🇰
#Overseas travel #Japan #Japanese travel #Self-driving #Japanese free travel
Minshuku Syunzansou, towadako
#freehotelstay
The Oraise Gorge
#2024wish
The Oirase Gorge is one of the most beautiful river valleys in Japan, with vibrant and fast flowing water. Wonderful and very scenic indeed, rain or no rain! I think it is one of the best forest walkibg trail in Honshu! Access to this area is can only be made by public buses between 9 am and 3 pm on some days (25 to 28 Oct 2018) during the peak foliage season.
I want to go hiking this year.
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