[Japan Aomori Travel Guide] The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Snowy Apple Kingdom
Famous for producing the world’s best apples and enduring some of the heaviest snowfalls on the planet, Aomori is a destination that rewards the adventurous. Having visited during the deep freeze of winter and the lush greenery of summer, I can tell you that this prefecture offers a soulful experience that is hard to find elsewhere. From roasting squid on a vintage train to walking through mossy forests, here is my complete guide to navigating and enjoying Aomori.
Getting There: Flights and Airport Transport
Reaching Aomori is surprisingly convenient, whether you are flying internationally or connecting domestically. For my readers in Taiwan, you are in luck—EVA Air often operates direct flights to Aomori Airport (AOJ), cutting down travel time significantly. If you are coming from elsewhere, you will likely connect via Tokyo (Haneda Airport) on JAL, which is a quick 80-minute flight.
Once you land at Aomori Airport, forget about complex train transfers. The most reliable way to reach the city center is the Airport Limousine Bus. It is timed to coincide with flight arrivals, so you rarely have to wait long. The ride takes about 35 to 40 minutes to reach JR Aomori Station and costs roughly 860 JPY (prices fluctuate, so have some cash ready). The drive itself is lovely, winding through apple orchards that give you a first taste of the local landscape.
For exploring the main city area, walking is often your best bet, as many attractions are clustered around the bay. However, for the wider Aomori prefecture (like Oirase or the Tsugaru Peninsula), you will be relying on the JR Ou Main Line, the Resort Shirakami train, or local private lines. If you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road, I highly recommend renting a car. It offers the ultimate freedom to visit hidden shrines and onsens that train schedules might make difficult to reach.
Self-Driving Aomori
While trains are romantic, the truth is that Aomori’s best secrets—hidden onsens, remote shrines, and coastal drives—are best unlocked with a car. Driving here gives you the flexibility to chase the sunset or stop for a spontaneous apple pie without worrying about the infrequent bus schedules.
Rental Companies and Pick-up Locations
For peace of mind and English support, I recommend sticking to the major national chains: Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan, Nippon, or Times Car Rental.
The area around the station offers a range of business hotels like the Daiwa Roynet or Hotel JAL City, which are clean, reliable, and English-friendly. If you stay here, you are within walking distance of the fish market (essential for a fresh seafood breakfast) and the A-Factory. Unlike Tokyo, room sizes here tend to be a bit more generous for the price, which is a welcome relief after a long day of exploring.
Seasonal Travel Tips: Timing is Everything
Aomori transforms completely depending on when you visit. If you come in winter (December to March), pack heavy. I mean it—thermal layers, waterproof boots with good grip, and windbreakers are non-negotiable. Aomori City is one of the snowiest cities in the world, and sidewalks often turn into walls of ice. The beauty is unparalleled, but the cold is biting.
Summer (specifically early August) is the time for the Nebuta Matsuri, one of Japan’s most spectacular fire festivals. It is vibrant and loud, but hotels book out months in advance. Autumn (October) is prime hiking season, particularly for the Oirase Gorge foliage. Spring arrives late here, with cherry blossoms peaking at Hirosaki Castle usually in late April, much later than Tokyo.
Must-Visit
There is a well-maintained walking trail that runs alongside the stream for about 14 kilometers. You don't have to walk the whole thing; you can hop on and off the JR bus that runs parallel to the stream. The air here is so fresh it feels sweet. While autumn is the most famous season for the red and gold leaves, I personally love the "fresh green" season in May and June. It feels like walking through a living, breathing fantasy novel.
A final thought for my fellow travelers: Aomori is not about rushing. It is about the crunch of the apple, the warmth of the stove, and the silence of the snow. It requires a bit more planning than the big cities, but the memories you make here will be far more vivid.
Aomori City
Reaching Aomori is surprisingly convenient, whether you are flying internationally or connecting domestically. For my readers in Taiwan, you are in luck—EVA Air often operates direct flights to Aomori Airport (AOJ), cutting down travel time significantly. If you are coming from elsewhere, you will likely connect via Tokyo (Haneda Airport) on JAL, which is a quick 80-minute flight.
Aomori Airport (AOJ)
Airport bus schedule to Aomori city
Aomori Station
Navigating the City: Forget the Subway
One crucial thing to understand before you arrive is that Aomori is not Tokyo or Osaka. There is no subway system here. Instead, the city relies on a network of JR trains, local buses, and your own two feet.For exploring the main city area, walking is often your best bet, as many attractions are clustered around the bay. However, for the wider Aomori prefecture (like Oirase or the Tsugaru Peninsula), you will be relying on the JR Ou Main Line, the Resort Shirakami train, or local private lines. If you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road, I highly recommend renting a car. It offers the ultimate freedom to visit hidden shrines and onsens that train schedules might make difficult to reach.
Street near Aomori Station
Street near Aomori Station
Street near Aomori Station
Self-Driving Aomori
While trains are romantic, the truth is that Aomori’s best secrets—hidden onsens, remote shrines, and coastal drives—are best unlocked with a car. Driving here gives you the flexibility to chase the sunset or stop for a spontaneous apple pie without worrying about the infrequent bus schedules.
Rental Companies and Pick-up Locations
For peace of mind and English support, I recommend sticking to the major national chains: Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan, Nippon, or Times Car Rental.
Times Car
Where to pick up:
Aomori Airport (AOJ): If you are flying in, pick up your car immediately upon arrival. The counters are right in the arrivals hall.
Shin-Aomori Station: If you are arriving by Shinkansen (Bullet Train), this is your hub. Most major rental agencies have branches just outside the station exit.
Aomori Station: If you plan to stay in the city for a night first, there are rental branches near the main station, though fewer than at Shin-Aomori.
Pro Tip: If your itinerary allows, renting at the Airport and dropping off at Shin-Aomori (or vice versa) usually incurs no extra "one-way" fee since they are in the same general area.
Aomori Airport (AOJ): If you are flying in, pick up your car immediately upon arrival. The counters are right in the arrivals hall.
Shin-Aomori Station: If you are arriving by Shinkansen (Bullet Train), this is your hub. Most major rental agencies have branches just outside the station exit.
Aomori Station: If you plan to stay in the city for a night first, there are rental branches near the main station, though fewer than at Shin-Aomori.
Pro Tip: If your itinerary allows, renting at the Airport and dropping off at Shin-Aomori (or vice versa) usually incurs no extra "one-way" fee since they are in the same general area.
Shin Aomori Station (One stop from Aomori Station)
Choosing the Right Car: Size and Budget
Japanese cars are generally smaller than Western counterparts. Be realistic about your luggage!
K-Car (Kei Car / 660cc):
Best for: Solo travelers or couples with backpacks.
Capacity: 2 adults comfortably.
Luggage: Very limited (1 large suitcase max).
Est. Price: ¥5,000 - ¥7,000 per day.
Note: These have yellow license plates. They are cheaper on tolls but have less power on mountain roads.
Compact (e.g., Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit):
Best for: Couples with luggage or small families (2 adults + 1 child).
Capacity: 4 people max (but tight).
Luggage: 2 large suitcases.
Est. Price: ¥7,000 - ¥10,000 per day.
Verdict: This is the "Goldilocks" choice for most travelers.
Minivan (e.g., Toyota Noah/Voxy, Nissan Serena):
Best for: Groups of 4-6 adults or families.
Capacity: Spacious and comfortable.
Luggage: 4+ large suitcases.
Est. Price: ¥15,000 - ¥20,000+ per day.
Japanese cars are generally smaller than Western counterparts. Be realistic about your luggage!
K-Car (Kei Car / 660cc):
Best for: Solo travelers or couples with backpacks.
Capacity: 2 adults comfortably.
Luggage: Very limited (1 large suitcase max).
Est. Price: ¥5,000 - ¥7,000 per day.
Note: These have yellow license plates. They are cheaper on tolls but have less power on mountain roads.
Compact (e.g., Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit):
Best for: Couples with luggage or small families (2 adults + 1 child).
Capacity: 4 people max (but tight).
Luggage: 2 large suitcases.
Est. Price: ¥7,000 - ¥10,000 per day.
Verdict: This is the "Goldilocks" choice for most travelers.
Minivan (e.g., Toyota Noah/Voxy, Nissan Serena):
Best for: Groups of 4-6 adults or families.
Capacity: Spacious and comfortable.
Luggage: 4+ large suitcases.
Est. Price: ¥15,000 - ¥20,000+ per day.
Critical Winter Driving Advice (December - March)
Winter driving in Aomori is not for the inexperienced. Aomori City holds the record for the highest snowfall of any city in the world.
Snow Tires are Mandatory: All rental cars in this region come equipped with snow tires in winter free of charge, but always double-check.
Request 4WD: When booking, explicitly request a 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) vehicle. It makes a massive difference on icy inclines.
Whiteouts: Be prepared for sudden "whiteout" conditions where visibility drops to zero. If this happens, turn on your hazard lights and slow down (or pull over safely).
Wiper Blades: When parking overnight, lift your windshield wipers up (point them to the sky). If you leave them down, they will freeze to the glass and snap when you start the car.
Winter driving in Aomori is not for the inexperienced. Aomori City holds the record for the highest snowfall of any city in the world.
Snow Tires are Mandatory: All rental cars in this region come equipped with snow tires in winter free of charge, but always double-check.
Request 4WD: When booking, explicitly request a 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) vehicle. It makes a massive difference on icy inclines.
Whiteouts: Be prepared for sudden "whiteout" conditions where visibility drops to zero. If this happens, turn on your hazard lights and slow down (or pull over safely).
Wiper Blades: When parking overnight, lift your windshield wipers up (point them to the sky). If you leave them down, they will freeze to the glass and snap when you start the car.
Navigation Hack
Don't worry if you can't read Japanese Kanji. Japanese GPS systems work brilliantly with MapCodes or Phone Numbers. Before you leave your hotel, simply Google the phone number of your destination (e.g., the visitor center of Oirase Stream) and punch that into the car's GPS. It works like magic!
Where to Stay: Strategic Hotel Choices
Location is everything in Aomori. I strongly advise staying near JR Aomori Station. This is the transport hub where all trains and long-distance buses (including those to Oirase Gorge) originate.Don't worry if you can't read Japanese Kanji. Japanese GPS systems work brilliantly with MapCodes or Phone Numbers. Before you leave your hotel, simply Google the phone number of your destination (e.g., the visitor center of Oirase Stream) and punch that into the car's GPS. It works like magic!
Where to Stay: Strategic Hotel Choices
The area around the station offers a range of business hotels like the Daiwa Roynet or Hotel JAL City, which are clean, reliable, and English-friendly. If you stay here, you are within walking distance of the fish market (essential for a fresh seafood breakfast) and the A-Factory. Unlike Tokyo, room sizes here tend to be a bit more generous for the price, which is a welcome relief after a long day of exploring.
Hotels near station - Daiwa Roynet
Hotels near station - Daiwa Roynet
Hotels near station - JAL Hotels
Seasonal Travel Tips: Timing is Everything
Aomori transforms completely depending on when you visit. If you come in winter (December to March), pack heavy. I mean it—thermal layers, waterproof boots with good grip, and windbreakers are non-negotiable. Aomori City is one of the snowiest cities in the world, and sidewalks often turn into walls of ice. The beauty is unparalleled, but the cold is biting.
Road surface after heavy snow
Celebration Parade
Must-Visit
A-Factory
This is not just a souvenir shop; it is a stylish market and cidery housed in a beautiful modern warehouse on the waterfront.
You can buy a tasting card and sample different varieties of sparkling apple cider made right on the premises. It is the perfect place to pick up high-quality gifts—look for the apple terrine or apple curry. Afterward, take a stroll along the bay area to see the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, a striking red building where you can see the massive festival floats up close year-round.
You can buy a tasting card and sample different varieties of sparkling apple cider made right on the premises. It is the perfect place to pick up high-quality gifts—look for the apple terrine or apple curry. Afterward, take a stroll along the bay area to see the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, a striking red building where you can see the massive festival floats up close year-round.
A Factory (Summer)
Takayama Inari Shrine
If you have seen photos of the famous Fushimi Inari in Kyoto but hate the crowds, Takayama Inari Shrine in the Tsugaru region is your answer. It features a winding path of vermilion torii gates that snake through a Japanese garden, creating a dragon-like visual that is absolutely stunning.
However, a word of caution: this spot is remote. It is located on the Tsugaru Peninsula and is best accessed by rental car. If you are using public transport, you will need to take a train to Goshogawara and then a taxi (which can be pricey) or a very infrequent bus. But believe me, standing there in the silence, surrounded by red gates and possibly snow, is a spiritual experience you won't forget.
This is a vintage train that runs only in winter, equipped with old-fashioned potbelly coal stoves in each carriage. The conductors shovel coal to keep the carriage toasty while the train rattles through a blindingly white blizzard. The quintessential experience here is buying dried squid (Surume) from the cart lady. She will grill it for you right on top of the coal stove. Sipping local sake, chewing on smoky squid, and watching the snowy fields roll by is the definition of travel magic.
If you have seen photos of the famous Fushimi Inari in Kyoto but hate the crowds, Takayama Inari Shrine in the Tsugaru region is your answer. It features a winding path of vermilion torii gates that snake through a Japanese garden, creating a dragon-like visual that is absolutely stunning.
However, a word of caution: this spot is remote. It is located on the Tsugaru Peninsula and is best accessed by rental car. If you are using public transport, you will need to take a train to Goshogawara and then a taxi (which can be pricey) or a very infrequent bus. But believe me, standing there in the silence, surrounded by red gates and possibly snow, is a spiritual experience you won't forget.
Takayama Inari Shrine
The Stove Train (Tsugaru Railway)
This was, without a doubt, the highlight of my winter trip. You need to head to Goshogawara Station to board the Tsugaru Railway "Stove Train" (Stove Ressha).This is a vintage train that runs only in winter, equipped with old-fashioned potbelly coal stoves in each carriage. The conductors shovel coal to keep the carriage toasty while the train rattles through a blindingly white blizzard. The quintessential experience here is buying dried squid (Surume) from the cart lady. She will grill it for you right on top of the coal stove. Sipping local sake, chewing on smoky squid, and watching the snowy fields roll by is the definition of travel magic.
Stove Train (Tsugaru Railway)
Barbecued Squid
Oirase Gorge
Finally, no trip to Aomori is complete without visiting Oirase Gorge (Oirase Keiryu). This mountain stream flows from Lake Towada and is famous for its crystal-clear water and moss-covered rocks.There is a well-maintained walking trail that runs alongside the stream for about 14 kilometers. You don't have to walk the whole thing; you can hop on and off the JR bus that runs parallel to the stream. The air here is so fresh it feels sweet. While autumn is the most famous season for the red and gold leaves, I personally love the "fresh green" season in May and June. It feels like walking through a living, breathing fantasy novel.
Oirase Gorge (Oirase Keiryu)
Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel
Aomori Hotel Reviews:
See also:
Recommendations:
GetYourGuide-Japan: eSIM with Unlimited Local 4G/5G Data
GetYourGuide-Japan: 7, 14 or 21-Day Japan Rail Pass
GetYourGuide-Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
GetYourGuide-Aomori: Winter Bites ; taste a Local flavor in snow Trek
Klook-Oirase-keiryu gorge & Hakkoda Mountains One Day Tour from Aomori
GetYourGuide-Japan: eSIM with Unlimited Local 4G/5G Data
GetYourGuide-Japan: 7, 14 or 21-Day Japan Rail Pass
GetYourGuide-Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
GetYourGuide-Aomori: Winter Bites ; taste a Local flavor in snow Trek
Klook-Oirase-keiryu gorge & Hakkoda Mountains One Day Tour from Aomori
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