Aomori Trip DAY 3

Hachinohe - Tokyo (Shinkansen Hayabusa, about 2.5 hours by train, JR Pass still valid) Lake Towada (hotel shuttle) — Yasumiya (JR BUS) - Oirase Stream (JR BUS) - Towada Art Center (by taxi) - Hachinohe Station Hiking along Oirase Stream is also a classic route, and you can get on and off anywhere along the way, but be sure to watch the time because it’s a very easy route. You can also complete the entire trail (though much of it is along the road without separate lanes for pedestrians and vehicles, which is a downside and affects the hiking experience). If you only want to walk a short section, I think the highlights are concentrated near Ishito Station (added some photos of Lake Towada and Prince Hotel). Luggage can be stored at Oirase Stream Station during the hike (but actually, you can also store luggage next to Ishito Station. Of course, if you stay at Hoshino Oirase, all problems are solved). The Towada Art Center is highly recommended with a wonderful and lively exhibition. There are still many works by Yoshitomo Nara (apparently he himself—sorry for my ignorance, I just learned he is male—he is from Aomori, probably born in Hirosaki; the Hirosaki Museum of Art has some of his very early graffiti works), as well as some by Yayoi Kusama. The Towada Art Center has lockers, you need to buy a ticket, and the staff helped call a taxi. JR BUS can be used with the JR PASS. To sum up the three days in Aomori, the coastline is beautiful (but similar to Shirahama), and the other scenery is not without character but just okay. Whether it’s worth making a special trip during the National Day holiday doesn’t seem so clear. The more you travel, the more you realize mainstream attractions are mainstream for a reason 🥢; they are more concentrated, refined, and classic. Of course, it might be my timing that’s off—maybe with autumn leaves at Lake Towada, cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle, or snow in Aomori, the scenery would be breathtaking. But when I ask myself if I would come back to Aomori just for these... maybe not.