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 hostel is conveniently located near Lake Towada. It can be easily accessed from the JR bus station. There is a convenience store at about 100 meters of distance from the hostel. The building is a bit outdated and the facilities look old. But please remember that this is a hostel and is affordable. The staff are extremely polite and welcoming. They have a big heart and serve with their full sincerity. When I reached the hostel early, there was nobody at the front desk, but there was a note for me with my room details. Later at night, When I mentioned that I do not eat meat, and I will manage with only rice, the lady, Ms. Tomoko quickly prepared fish without even thinking twice and asked me to pay very little. Even the next day she prepared cold noodles along with rice and charged extremely less. The point here is not the money but her big heart in serving without thinking about money or profit. I highly recommend this hostel purely by considering at the generosity and sweet, politeness of the staff there. This hostel is conveniently located even to walk along Oirase gorge. Easier to stay here and take bus to either to the northern end - Yakeyama or the southern, lake side end Nenokuchi and walk along the gorge and return back to the hostel. This way the trip becomes affordable and easier.

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. 

The building and rooms were clean and very comfortable. The food was delicious, and the hot springs were included, so I had a very satisfying stay. After checking out, they even took me to the Yasumiya bus stop, which saved me the trouble of walking. I highly recommend this place if you come to Lake Towada.

The hotel is on a mountain and transportation is inconvenient. When we got off the train at the train station, there was a waiter at the convenience store who could call the hotel and he came to pick us up in about 10 minutes. When I left the store, the driver's uncle had already moved my large luggage onto the minibus and took me to the station.

The hotel is right at the bus stop, which is very convenient. Compared with Tokyo, the room is really big and comfortable. It is equipped with double-glazed windows and is very quiet. The hot spring bath is also very comfortable. But the only thing that makes me feel that the dinner is all chicken food. I don't eat chicken, so I was very hungry that night, but there was nothing to eat nearby.

Structure out of hand, but super friendly host, provides a pay-pay service to arrive at the station. Very high price in relation to the type of structure (traditional room with common bathroom), but clearly due to the particular period when we stayed during the city festival