[Japan Aomori Hotel Review] A Winter Refuge in Aomori: The Complete Toyoko Inn Experience

There is something magical about Aomori in December. The world turns into a silent, white wonderland, with heavy snowflakes drifting down relentlessly. During our recent family trip—myself, my husband, and our little one—we braved the deep winter of northern Japan. After a long journey through the cold, there is no greater feeling than finding a warm, reliable base. For this stay, we chose the Toyoko Inn Aomori, a choice known for its consistency and incredible value.

Arrival: A Beacon in the Snow

Arriving at Aomori Station, the weather was exactly as we expected: wet, cold, and snowy. Stepping out into the bus terminal area, the first thing that caught our eye was the familiar, glowing blue neon sign of the Toyoko Inn rising against the dark winter sky. It stands prominently right next to the Route Inn and the Aomori City Tourist Information Center. For a family dragging luggage through slush, spotting our hotel immediately from the station was a huge relief; it meant we didn’t have to navigate icy sidewalks for long before reaching warmth.

Aomori Station & Toyoko Inn

The Lobby: Efficient and Generous

Walking into the lobby, the atmosphere was bright and spacious, a stark contrast to the dark evening outside. The reception area is lined with polished wood and features a mix of traditional staffed counters and modern self-check-in kiosks, ensuring the line moves quickly.

Toyoko Inn

Agoda

Booking.com

Trip.com

Reception Area / Self-check-in kiosks

Reception Area

One of the features I love most about Japanese business hotels is the "Amenity Station" located right next to the front desk. Instead of cluttering the room with unused items, you simply grab what you need. They offer an impressive selection, including high-quality POLA skincare packets (cleanser, face wash, lotion, and milk), green tea, and razors. Lower shelves are stocked with their signature blue-striped sleepwear. These button-up gowns are sterilized and super comfortable—grabbing a fresh one each day is a little luxury I always look forward to.

Amenity Station

For travelers arriving early or leaving late, the lobby also features a high-tech locker system. These aren't just standard coin lockers; they have a dedicated lower rack with wire cables to secure large suitcases, while the upper boxes are perfect for backpacks, all secured with combination locks.

Lockers

Welcom drinks

The Room: A Cozy Winter Retreat

Stepping into our Double Room, the heating was efficient and welcome. As expected with Japanese business hotels, the space is compact, maximizing every square inch of efficiency. The room features a standard double bed dressed in crisp white linens. Although the bed takes up a significant portion of the room, it felt incredibly inviting. Above the headboard, reading lights are seamlessly integrated, allowing one person to read while the other sleeps.

Double standard room

Dressing long table

Double standard bed

One pleasant surprise in this layout was the seating area by the window. Unlike some business hotels where you only get a desk, this room included a small round table and two wooden chairs. It was the perfect spot to sit with a hot cup of tea and watch the snow pile up on the streets below.

Table & Chairs

Storage requires creativity here. Instead of a bulky wardrobe, the room utilizes a wall-mounted wooden rail system with hangers. We also appreciated the inclusion of a fabric freshener spray—a staple in Japan that lets you refresh your coat after a barbecue dinner. The desk area is the command center, packed with an electric kettle, a humidifier (a lifesaver for dry winter air), and a rack for the sterilized slippers. The bathroom is the classic "unit bath"—compact but impeccably clean, with a deep tub perfect for thawing frozen toes.

Electric kettle

Humidifier

Heater

Japanese Standard bathroom with a deep tub

Essential Facilities for Families

When traveling with a child in winter, laundry is inevitable. I was relieved to see a clean, well-maintained coin laundry room on the ground floor. The stacked washer and dryer units are easy to use, and there is even a separate dispenser selling detergent for 30 yen, so you don't need to pack your own.

Laundry service on the ground floor

Just outside the laundry area, the vending corner is fully stocked. It has everything you might need late at night: Suntory boss coffee, juices, water, and even beer. There is also an ice machine and a water dispenser, saving us from constantly buying bottled water. I also noticed a large Sharp Plasmacluster air purifier running in the hallway, a reassuring sign that the hotel takes air quality and hygiene seriously.

Vending machines / Ice machine / Water dispenser

Air purifier

The Morning Recharge: A Hearty Breakfast

Breakfast at Toyoko Inn is complimentary, and it is served in the bright, open dining area near the lobby. The space is lined with large windows, making for a cheerful start to the morning.

The buffet is simple but covers all the bases for both Western and Japanese tastes. We helped ourselves to the salad bar, which included fresh broccoli, corn, and a creamy potato salad. For the main course, there were warm Japanese dishes like tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), meatballs, and grilled fish (shishamo), along with hot miso soup and steamed rice.

If you prefer a continental style, the bakery section was well-stocked with fluffy mini-croissants, butter rolls, and sesame buns. There was also plenty of sliced bread for toasting. It’s not a luxury 5-star spread, but it is warm, filling, and tastes like a home-cooked meal—exactly the fuel we needed before heading back out into the snow.

Final Thoughts

The Toyoko Inn Aomori isn't just a place to sleep; it's a well-oiled machine designed to make travel easy. From the free elementary school child policy (co-sleeping) to the reasonable pricing of roughly 6,000 to 9,000 JPY per night, it offers unbeatable value. The strategic location near the station, combined with the warmth of the free breakfast and the convenience of the facilities, makes it our top recommendation for families exploring Aomori in the winter.

Toyoko Inn

Agoda

Booking.com

Trip.com

Aomori Hotel Reviews:

Hotel Mystays Aomori Station

Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel

Hotel JAL City Aomori (Summer)

Hotel JAL City Aomori (Winter)

Toyoko Inn Aomori Station

Dormy Inn Hirosaki Hotel

See also: