A Winter's Tale: Aomori and Iwate Experience

Itineraries

Apr 17

Written By

Day 1: Embrace Aomori's Cultural Tapestry

As you step into the enchanting world of Aomori, your journey begins with a symphony of cultural delights. Learn about the history of Aomori at the Sannai Maruyama Site, where reconstructed Jomon period dwellings whisper tales of ancient life (Admission: 410 yen).

As the sun climbs high, immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of Aomori's Nebuta Festival at the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse (Admission: 620 yen). Here, the spirit of celebration dances before your eyes, weaving a tapestry of tradition and artistry.

The afternoon beckons with a rendezvous with modernity at the Towada Art Centre, nestled amidst nature's embrace and admire the majestic Showa Daibutsu at Seiryu-Ji (Towada Art Centre: 1,800 yen, Showa Daibutsu: 400 yen).

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner with Aomori's culinary treasures at the Hasshoku Center. Savor fresh seafood delicacies and apple-infused delights, and indulge in a spot of souvenir hunting as twilight paints the sky (Free Admission).

A traditional Japanese village in a winter scape on a blue ski Japanese day. — Sannai Maruyama Site

Towada Art Cente with a horse statue made out of flowers. — Towada Art Center

A snow covered seated Buddha in a tree lined landscape. — Showa Daibutsu at Seiryu-ji

Clams being coked on a small tableside grill in Japan. — Piping hot seafood at Hasshoku Center

Day 2: Aomori Unveiled

Awaken to a new day in Aomori, at the Aomori Museum of Art, where there are many masterpieces and architectural wonders showcasing creativity and culture (Admission: 510 yen).

As noon approaches, embark on a nostalgic voyage aboard the Tsugaru Railway Winter Stove Train, where you can enjoy the snowy view unfold before your eyes in the cozy train (Regular train fare: 870 yen, Stove train supplementary fare: 500 yen).

Explore the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, a combination of history and architectural splendor (Admission: 320 yen). Lose yourself amidst the whispers of the Edo period, where samurai tales dance amidst snow-kissed landscapes.

Art museum with 3 large scale paintings in view. — Aomori Museum of Art

Japanese castle in Hirosaki covered in snow with trees in the foreground. — Hirosaki Castle

Black train plows through snow — Tsugaru Railway Winter Stove Train

Snow lanterns in the shape of a dome across a snow covered landscape. — Lanterns

Day 3: A Journey to Iwate via Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada

Bid farewell to Aomori's embrace and enjoy a morning drive and stroll along Oirase Gorge, the winter version of Oirase Gorge is spectacular (Free Admission).

Continue your drive to Lake Towada, to explore the Winter Story festival, where illuminations and snow sculptures adorn the landscape (Free Admission).

A frozen waterfall landscape in Oirase Gorge, in Aomori Japan. — Oirase Gorge

A winter view of Lake Towada showing a dock covered in snow and a cloudless sky reflected in the water. — Lake Towada

A nighttime illumination at lake Towada with snowmen and lit up Christmas trees. — Lake Towada illumination

Day 4: Beautiful Iwate

Begin your day at famous Koiwai Farm, where you can learn about sustainable farming practices (Admission: 800 yen).

After lunch, enjoy the tranquil waters of Geibikei Gorge aboard a traditional boat, warmed by the embrace of a kotatsu (heated table) (Admission: 1,800 yen).

From left to right: Koiwai Farm, Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village, Geibikei Gorge, guests enjoying kotatsu whilst cruising along Geibikei Gorge.

A winter landscape of untouched snow at Koiwai Farm in Aomori, Japan. — Koiwai Farm

A white building along a mountain at Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village in Aomori Japan. — Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village

River boat cruise in the winter with glass covering and traditional Japanese table and blanket to keep warm in Geibiki Gorge in Aomori, Japan. — Guests enjoying kotatsu whilst cruising along Geibikei Gorge.

A river lined with trees covered in snow in the Geibikei Gorge in Aomori, Japan. — Geibikei Gorge

Day 5: Yamagata's Charms Unveiled with cute foxes and relaxing onsen

Start your day amidst the playful cute foxes at Zao Fox Village, where the spirits of nature dance in harmony (Admission: 1000 yen).

We highly recommended to spend a night at Ginzan Onsen or Zao onsen.

A fox lays in the snow in Yamagata, Japan. — Zao foxes enjoying the snow.

A Japanese onsen town with traditional 3-story wooden architecture along a stream with a foot bridge lit by the dusk light and street lamps while snowing in Ginzan Onsen, in Yamagata Japan. — Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata, Japan

A Japanese onsen town with traditional 3-story wooden architecture along a stream with a foot bridge lit by the night light and street lamps while snowing in Ginzan Onsen, in Yamagata Japan. — Ginzan Onsen at night, Yamagata, Japan

Day 6: Farewell to Aomori, Iwate, and Yamagata

As dawn breaks upon the final act of your journey, savor the serenity of a leisurely morning. Bathe in the restorative embrace of an onsen, and bid adieu to the lands of Aomori, Iwate, and Yamagata, where each moment was a symphony of discovery and delight. You can choose to end your winter tale here or take TokudAw Private Charter to Haneda/Narita Airport or Tokyo.

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