Homestays in Aomori Prefecture, Japan

As a backpacker, the journey to the hotel was challenging. I chose this one because it was the closest to Hakusan-Hoko Temple, which I absolutely had to see for its magnificent three-story pagoda and all its surroundings. Arriving from Aomori, I couldn't leave until after 4 p.m. Having not paid attention, I discovered that there are very few buses between Suwanotaira Station and the hotel, the last one leaving at 5:30 p.m. So, I decided to walk with my 25 kg packs. Walking in the dark through the forest with my small flashlight, I heard a dog barking incessantly near a farm. Suddenly, there was a loud noise in a tree: a bear came down very quickly and started growling. I was terrified, stepped back, and used a bell to scare it away. This happened a five-minute walk from the hotel. The receptionist was surprised but took my story seriously, asking me for the exact location. I hadn't eaten since morning, and despite the kitchens being closed, she offered to make me onigiri and sake. They were the best I've had since arriving in Japan. I particularly enjoyed the hotel's onsen for relaxing after the long walk. It was my first time sleeping in a traditional Japanese room, and I loved the experience. Kimonos are available in all sizes. Thinking I could finally go to sleep peacefully, my phone received two national alerts. I had barely started reading them when a major earthquake struck. The entire room began to shake. I was worried because I had never experienced anything like it before. The alarms in my room and throughout the hotel started going off. The receptionist came to me several times to check if I was alright and to tell me not to use the elevator. The cleaning staff also came to check if the water was turned off in my bathroom. The alarms went off again at 6:00 a.m. and then 8:00 a.m. The receptionist came to my room to offer to drive me to the temple free of charge, something I had originally planned to do on foot, and then to take me from the temple to Hachinohe Station, because due to the earthquake, all trains between Suwanotaira and Hachinohe Stations had been canceled, as well as the Shinkansen trains departing from Hachinohe that I was originally supposed to take to Tsuruoka. I am extremely grateful for the support and kindness of the receptionist. She took care of me without me even asking. Thanks also to Yukuri Okobo for her kindness and for driving me to the temple and then to Hachinohe Station. Despite these very unusual circumstances, I highly recommend this hotel! You couldn't ask for a better welcome as a foreigner, and the rooms and onsen are superb! Arigatō Gozaimasu! 😊

This backpacker hostel boasts a superb location, just a five-minute walk from the Towada Lake Restaurateur bus stop, making it convenient for exploring and taking photos at the lake. The hostel features a beautiful exterior and comfortable interior with ample shared space. The dormitories have curtains for privacy on each bed and tables and chairs for guests' use. The owners are friendly and helpful; the elderly gentleman, though not fluent in English, is very accommodating, while the younger manager speaks fluent English, making communication easy. The hostel is very affordable, including dinner and breakfast, and the food is decent, with a comfortable restaurant environment. Guests can also purchase discounted tickets to the Towada-so onsen (hot spring) next door, making it an excellent value.

The location of the ryokan is ideal. It is beautiful and conveniently located along the MIchinoku Coastal Trail. The sunrises are spectacular. The facility is very clean, with shared bathroom and baths. The owner and staff are so kind and helpful and their effort to speak English was greatly appreciated. We arrived late in the evening the first night, past dinner time, but was offered food upon our arrival. The staff arranged for a cab to pick us up at 6 am the next morning to go to the Morning Market. There was hot water and delicious green tea bags available all the time. My daughter voiced that she wanted to see the senbei store/class in downtown Hachinoe. The staff went out of their way to arrange for us to have a private lesson with a senbei sensei who showed us how to make our own senbei, with different fillings. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Dinner was well balanced and delicious as was breakfast the next morning. There is a quaint train station across the street from the ryokan that took us to downtown Hachinoe at the end of our stay. We will definitely stay there again when we return.

Although the location is often a little distance from the fireworks, the proprietress is very enthusiastic to drive us past and back, and the service is really good. The meal is simple but very attentive, delicious! In addition, the bathroom is built with a large bathtub, which is a bit rudimentary. In this regard, you should have more thoughts to improve the security. 

This really a gem for us! During our booking, there's no any comment from trip.com, but we saw the location and Japan hotel website reviews are not bad, we never regret to choose this hidden gem stay! This stay operated by a family, they're friendly, communication wise main by translate apps. During our stay, there's only we 1 family, we deeply enjoyed the privacy. The ryokan is sparkling clean, onsen is real best & clean, foods are the BEST local foods. To go this place, suggest to self drive. Unfortunately after we left, the stay close for winter rest. I'll definitely come back to this for next

We wish to express our highest appreciation to the host of Shokanto Onsen Ryokan because she was very kind although she told us she will not manage to prepare breakfast for us due to our schedule was too early, but she was very kind, she woke up early to prepare a simple onigiri for us to bring together when we left. Thank you very much. The room 's windows open to cherry trees. The lighting in the room was amazing which can be control in many modes. The location can reach easily with taxi for about 26 min from Hirosaki Station.

The surrounding environment and service are good👍But there are really bed bugs in the room. We killed nearly 20 of them. It's so scary.

A great hotel! The cat is super cute and petite! There are more than 20 cats in total, and the boss is very warm and thoughtful. The hotel should have it and the breakfast is delicious. recommend!