2025 Kuroishi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

This time, on our self-driving tour to see the autumn leaves in the Tohoku region, we visited famous spots in Aomori Prefecture. In addition to Oirase Gorge, the Hakkoda Mountains, and the night maple viewing at Hirosaki Castle, Nakano Momijiyama is also a top contender and is one of Japan's top 100 autumn foliage spots. The maple trees here were transplanted from Arashiyama in Kyoto, and even the species of maple trees were carefully selected. They are planted in the forest of Nakano Shrine, creating a serene and natural landscape that, combined with the shrine's red bridge and torii gate, exudes a Kyoto-like atmosphere. Nakano Momijiyama also has a red bridge. From a distance, you can take in the entire Momijiyama, including the valley, the red bridge, the shrine, and the maple leaves. There is also a waterfall on one side, making it incredibly beautiful. After crossing the red bridge and walking up to Nakano Shrine, there is a path that leads to a higher viewing platform. The entire mountain is covered in golden maple leaves, creating a poetic and picturesque scene. The maple leaves at the top of the mountain reflect beautifully with those at the bottom, full of poetic charm, earning it the nickname 'Arashiyama of Keitsu.'

# aomori # maple viewing # snow viewing # self-driving # shrine # 100 ways to travel 🍁There are many well-known maple viewing spots in Aomori, and Nakano Momiji Mountain can be said to be the best among them! A large maple forest surrounds the historic Nakano Shrine. The shrine has a quiet environment with few tourists and is far away from the hustle and bustle. It is very suitable for leisurely relaxation and meditation. 🍁Autumn is the most charming season in Nakano Red Leaves Mountain. The maple leaves all over the mountains and plains are in full swing, dyeing the entire mountain a brilliant red. The clear stream meanders through it, contrasting with the carpet of red maples, like a natural landscape painting. 🍁This visit coincides with the transition between autumn and winter. The first snow❄️ covers the red maples, forming a unique "red in the snow" landscape, which is breathtakingly beautiful. 🚗Public transportation is infrequent, so it is recommended to drive there by car. It takes about 40 minutes from Aomori City.

Among the many autumn foliage spots across the country, we will introduce some popular spots in Aomori! This time, we will introduce Nakano Momijiyama in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture. It began with maples being transplanted from Kyoto in 1802! This is a spot where you can enjoy autumn foliage along with mountain streams and waterfalls😊 In the forest, there is Nakano Shrine, one of the three Fudoson shrines in Tsugaru, with a 200-year-old maple tree and a 600-year-old large cedar tree, and the entire area exudes a mysterious beauty✨✨ Isabella Bird, a British female travel writer who visited this place, wrote in her book "Travels in the Interior of Japan" that "Everything here is charming." during her travels to Japan during the Meiji Restoration! This is exactly the kind of spot you would think 😆 During the peak viewing period, the area is also lit up, making the scenery even more beautiful🍁 ★ About the best viewing time The best viewing time is usually from late October to early November! The illuminations are scheduled to last for about a week during this period 💡 Illumination times: From sunset to 8 p.m. This year, it is expected to be later than usual, so there is no announcement on the official website, but if you are going, please make sure to remember this date ⚠️ ★ About the parking lot If you are driving here, please set "Tsugaru Traditional Crafts Museum" in your navigation system! This is the parking lot. It is about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to Nakano Momijiyama, and there are food stalls so you can enjoy it 🍎 ★ About the autumn leaves and tourist spots in the area There are several autumn leaf spots in the area ・Hakkoda Mountain Ropeway ・Jogakura Bridge ・Oirase Gorge ・Tsutani Numa The leaves turn red at about the same time, but since they are on the mountain side, you should think that it will turn a little earlier than Nakano Momijiyama! Tsutani Numa is one of Japan's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves! Check out the tips below✅The Hakkoda to Lake Towada area is rich in hot springs♨️I hope you'll be able to soothe your cold body☀️Among them, the one you should definitely visit is the "Sukayu Onsen Large Bath Hiba Senninburo" Japan's most famous hot spring! It's a mixed bath, but there are areas that men can't see, so women can enter with peace of mind. A 300-year-old hot spring with a wooden structure and milky water♨️Please go at least once! ・Business hours: 7:00-18:00・Price: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for elementary school students *Towel included --------That's all! What do you think? Aomori is a prefecture that is really recommended for autumn leaves! If you haven't made any plans to see the autumn leaves this year, why not go and see them! ~~ ...

A couple's self-driving tour Enjoyed the Tohoku region of Japan Sendai, Yamagata, and Akita Want to stay in Aomori and Iwate A great walk around the world The heart of a traveler is not fully understood

Day 4: I took drop off service to Aomori station. I took this opportunity to buy Aomori apple and went to Aomori Gyosai Center (Aomori Nokkedon) again. 😁 I booked Asobenomori Forest Iwakiso which locates near Hirosaki. The hotel provides pickup service from Aomori Station and Shin-Aomori Station. The hotel is great but dinner and breakfast is fantastic. Onsen is also great. It has weight scale and blood pressure monitors for guests. Day 5: I stayed Asobenomori Forest Iwakiso for 2 nights, the hotel provides shuttle bus to Hirosaki city. Then I just walked around the city and visited Hirosaki castle. It is one of the 12 original castles in Japan. The dinner on second evening was even better. The hotel was kind and mindful to provide different dinners for guests who stay more than 1 night. Note that this hotel also has laundry facility. Great services. Day 6: I took shuttle bus to Hirosaki and took train (Konan Line) to Kuroishi for Kazen No Sho. I offloaded my luggage and brought my clothes for 2 nights only. There is no locker at Kuroishi station. However, at Tourist Information Center, you may leave your luggage for a short time while wandering the city. Kuroishi is very small town, nothing much to see. Then I took bus no.97 to Kazen no Sho. Again, great stay, great food, great onsen. Day 7: Next destination was Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen. It is not far from Kuroishi but it has limited public transport. The inn has pickup service at the specific time and location. The Inn locates in valley which no mobile signal. It is very quiet and peaceful at night. No electricity. Kerosene odor is very strong, please bear in mind. All accommodations have dinner and breakfast including. Please make sure you include it when booking.

📍Fudo Waterfall A free spot to enjoy! You can view it from the bridge while visiting Nakano Shrine. It's a quiet and less crowded hidden gem! 【INFORMATION】 Fudo Waterfall 📮036-0405 Minami-Nakano, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture 🚗 Paid parking available (300 yen)

📍Nakano Momiji Mountain The autumn foliage season is especially recommended! A hidden spot for autumn leaves! Fewer people, so you can take plenty of photos! Free entry! 【INFORMATION】 Nakano Momiji Mountain 📮036-0405, Fudodate 27, Minami-Nakano, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan 🚗 Paid parking available

#EnjoyJapanAomori Prefecture is located in the northernmost part of the Tohoku region of Japan, and is known for its rich nature and deep cultural traditions. Below, we will introduce the charms of Aomori Prefecture and the particularly mysterious sacred place "Osorezan". ### **Overview of Aomori Prefecture** Aomori Prefecture is surrounded by the sea on three sides and has beautiful natural scenery such as the Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Site, Lake Towada, and Oirase Gorge. Traditional festivals such as the Aomori Nebuta Festival and Hirosaki Sakura Festival are also famous and attract tourists. #### **Major Tourist Spots** 1. **Shirakami-Sanchi** The world's largest virgin beech forest spreads and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1993. In particular, "Aoike" is known for its mysterious blue lake water. 2. **Hirosaki Castle (Hirosaki Park)** One of Japan's leading cherry blossom viewing spots, with about 2,600 cherry trees blooming in spring. In addition, the Snow Lantern Festival is held in winter. 3. **Oirase Stream** This mountain stream flows out of Lake Towada, and the scenery is especially beautiful in the seasons of new greenery and autumn leaves. 4. **Aomori Nebuta Festival** This is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, held every August, and giant lanterns (nebuta) are paraded through the town. --- ### **Osorezan: One of Japan's Three Great Sacred Sites** Osorezan is one of the "Three Great Sacred Sites of Japan," along with Mount Hiei in Kyoto and Mount Koya in Wakayama, and is a sacred place where the souls of the dead are said to gather. #### **Characteristics of Osorezan** - **Scenery of Hell and Paradise** The sulfurous fumaroles and rough rocks represent "hell," while the white sand of "Gokurakuhama Beach" on the shore of Lake Usoriyama creates a beautiful contrast. - **Osorezan Bodaiji Temple** Founded by Jikaku Daishi in 862, this temple enshrines Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva. The temple grounds contain places symbolizing the afterlife, such as the "Sai no Kawara" and the "Sanzu River." - **Itako Shrine Maiden** During the Osorezan Festival and autumn worship, shrine maidens perform a ceremony to communicate with the spirits of the dead. - **Hot Springs** Sulfur springs out from Mount Osore, and there is a hot spring facility where worshippers can bathe for free. #### **Visiting Information** - **Opening Period**: May 1st to October 31st (closed in winter). - **Admission Fee**: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students. - **Access**: About 45 minutes by bus from JR Shimokita Station. Aomori Prefecture is a fascinating region where nature and culture blend together, and Mount Osore in particular is a mysterious place that is said to be the "border between this world and the other world." It is recommended not only for those who are interested in history and religion, but also for those who want to enjoy unique scenery.

⁡ 【Aomori Prefecture / #AppleHistoryMuseum】 A cute building completely covered in greenery🏰 First of all, the name AppleHistoryMuseum is too cute! The Western-style building is covered in foliage, so I wonder what it's like inside... On this day, I could see reflections from the puddles, so it was really fun taking pictures! I wonder if the leaves are already bright red like apples this season~🍎 Next time, I want to take revenge on the autumn leaves🍂 ⁡ ⁡ #murayu_aomori ⁡ ⁡ #AomoriTourism #AomoriTrip #AppleLaboratory #DomesticTripTrip

Nakano Maple Mountain, located in Kuroishi City, is a famous maple viewing spot. In autumn, the flaming red maple leaves are illuminated at night and reflected on the still waterfalls and streams, creating a fantasy-like space. Stroll along the two-kilometer promenade leading to Nakano Shrine while admiring the maples. Located in Nakano Shrine on Mount No Maple Leaf, there are 200-year-old maple trees, 600-year-old cedar trees, and 200-year-old cedar trees registered as Kuroishi City Natural Monuments. year fir tree. #ChristmasGreatPlaces2024

A night spent without electricity or radio signals, with only lamplight and a gas heater 🌙 A true paradise for those who want to detox digitally and retreat to the snowy mountains. It's so dark that it's surprising until your eyes get used to it, but the snow and hot springs lit by the lamps were incredibly beautiful. Of course, we ate under the lamps as well. I'll never forget how delicious the apple juice was for breakfast 🍎 The point is that there are apples painted on the nails ☝🏻 This inn is best suited to the snowy scenery, so winter is the best time to stay. . . . 📍Aoni Onsen Lamp no Yado 🗺️1-7 Aonizawa Takinoue, Okiura, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture 🚃Free shuttle bus from Roadside Station Niji no Lake 🕑Check in 15:00-18:00 Check out 10:00 💰Approximately 10,000 yen per person for one night with two meals #Winter play #100 travel styles #Hot springs

[Aoni Onsen Lamp no Yado] No TV📺 or signal reach... This is a lodging house standing in a valley. Although it may feel inconvenient, you will definitely be impressed🥰🥰🥰 by the fantastic world of lamps, the dazzling green of the new green trees, the babbling stream right next to you, and the starry sky✨. ***Room*** Only lit by one lamp... Tea🍵 set on the table Each person lays their own futon. Toilet and washroom are shared ***Food*** Bangemama (Dinner) Salt-grilled rock trout Aomori specialty Igamenchi A dish made with plenty of mountain delicacies such as warabi, fukimiso, and nameko Rice and miso soup are placed in the center, so each person serves themselves. Asama no Mama (Breakfast) Food such as sweet simmered grated yam and mountain vegetables Only a few lamps are lit in the dining hall, making it a fantastic night. ＊＊＊Hot Springs＊＊＊＊Indoor bath and 3 outdoor baths You can visit 4 baths. [Kenroku-no-Yu] The bath is made entirely of Aomori cypress. The open-air bath has a large boiling pot bath that can fit up to 3 people. [Open-air bath] Mixed bathing ♨️ An open-air bath surrounded by rugged boulders and bamboo blinds. It is next to a mountain stream, so you can listen to the babbling of the river while bathing. ⚠️ Since it is a mixed bath, we recommend bathing during ladies' time! Bathing suits are also sold. [Takimi-no-Yu] The newest hot spring. Outside the window is an open-air bath, and beyond that you can see Ryujin Falls. [Indoor bath] A hot spring made of Aomori cypress. The scent of cypress is irresistible~💕＊＊＊Inside the inn grounds＊＊＊The hot spring is built next to a mountain stream, so you can always hear the sound of the river. To get to the open-air bath, you have to cross a bridge to go to the other side, but at night the stars🌟 feel incredibly close. It's so moving😭😍😍. ⚠️The slope from the parking lot to the inn is quite steep💦 Be careful on rainy days. ⚠️There is no signal at all. It's a good idea to let them know in advance that you will lose contact ⚠️There are no hair dryers. There are no outlets, so it might be a good idea to bring dry shampoo. ⚠️There is no power source, so you can't charge your batteries. Bring a mobile battery We didn't know the details of the inn in advance, so it was good that we had a mobile battery, but we didn't have a hair dryer, so we didn't wash our hair. In this day and age, you can contact and get information anywhere...When you want to relax, soak in the hot springs and feel the time flowing slowly in a world of nature and fantasy. ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ Aoni Onsen Lamp no Yado Address: 1-7 Aonizawa Takinoue, Okiura, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture Check-in 15:00-18:00 Check-out 10:00 From Kuroishi Station on the Konan Railway, take the bus to Nukukawa and get off at Niji no Ko Park. There is a free shuttle bus. It is different in winter. #Accommodation report #Aomori #Hot spring #Accommodation #Trip

Nakano Momijiyama Old Garden is a famous scenic spot that tourists should not miss. It is located in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, Tohoku Region. This place is full of old trees, such as a 200-year-old maple tree and a 600-year-old pine tree. During the autumn foliage season, around mid-October to early November, it is considered the most beautiful time. You can travel by train or bus. #aomori #japantohoku #discoveryourownjapan

Aomori Prefecture is a well-known hot spring area in Japan, ranking 5th in the number of hot springs in Japan and 4th in the amount of water discharged, with a variety of unique hot springs; whether it is a hot spring inn full of Japanese style, or a hot spring that heals the body and mind, it is unforgettable Aomori charm. Originating from the Kashiwa Peak of the Nanbakkoda Mountain Range, the Aoha Stream flows in the deep forest surrounded by forests, with waterfalls and rapids everywhere. The famous "Lamp Hot Spring Inn" Aoha Onsen is located in this secluded valley. Opened in 1929, it has a history of 90 years, and there is only one inn with oil lamps, a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle. After nightfall, the inn will light up the oil lamps, and there are no TVs, refrigerators, or sockets in the guest rooms, returning to a simple life. Dinner is made from carefully selected seasonal ingredients to make authentic local dishes. It is said that enjoying the secret soup can treat rheumatism, musculoskeletal diseases, nerve paralysis, etc., and heal the fatigue of the day. Aoha Onsen Address: 1-7 Chongpu Aohaze Takiyama, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture

[Access] ● From JR Aomori Station or Shin-Aomori Station to JR Hirosaki Station, take the Tsugaru Express for about 40 minutes ● From JR Hirosaki Station to Kuroishi Station, take the Konan Railway Konan Line for about 30 minutes From Kuroishi Station, take the bus for about 25 minutes [Points] ~A relaxing shrine~ Nakano Momijiyama and Nakano Shrine are popular as famous spots for maple leaves. Nakano Shrine has a maple tree and a fir tree that are about 200 years old, and a large cedar tree that is 500 to 700 years old, both of which are designated as natural monuments of the city. Since you have to get there by car, I think it will be relatively empty. If you come to this area, please stop by. *Information as of October 2023. #Aomori

Location: 186 Ichibancho, Kuroishi, Aomori 036-0301 Japan Directions: 5 min walk from Kuroishi Station on the Konan Railway Price: Tsuyuyakisoba 700 yen A unique sugo restaurant with yakisoba in broth. The interior is full of Showa atmosphere, and the prices are reasonable. #GourmetExploration

Location: Kuroishi City, Akita Prefecture Address: Aonisawatakinoue-1-7 Okiura, Kuroishi, Aomori 036-0402 Japan Price: 150,000 won per night~ Rating: 5/5 It is located in the mountains of Kuroishi, one of the most remote areas in Japan, and it is a place that requires a lot of winding roads to get to. There is no electricity, so all the lights are lit by lamps, and of course, phone and data do not work. The open-air bath is amazing, and the rooms are heated by stoves. #HotelRecommendation

Located in the hot springs between the deep valley streams that do not receive cell phone signals, it deliberately maintains a little alienation from the modern mode of life. Every twilight, the oil lamp flame is weak, the smoke smell is slightly smoked, and I dont know what year is it? liuxi waterfall, the wind and rain forest, the washing may be the exhaustion of the body, perhaps the inner dust.