Spring in Aomori Prefecture is a special season where breathtakingly beautiful cherry blossom scenery harmonizes with the warmth of hot springs that soothe both body and soul. From late April to May, why not embark on an unforgettable journey combining full-bloom cherry blossoms and fresh greenery with the famous hot springs of various regions? Here, we will introduce model courses and recommended hot spring resorts for fully enjoying spring in Aomori.
- The information in this article is based on a survey conducted on April 13, 2025.
- The best viewing period for cherry blossoms, the dates for festivals and the opening of Mount Osore, the business hours and fees of each facility, the availability of day-trip bathing, and transportation access (road conditions, public transportation schedules and operating status) are subject to significant changes depending on the year and circumstances.
- Before your trip, be sure to directly check the latest information on the official websites of the Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Association, the tourist associations of each hot spring resort, each facility, and transportation providers.
1. A 3-Day Course (Draft) to Enjoy the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival and Famous Hot Springs
[Course Overview] This course allows you to fully enjoy the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle, said to be the best in Japan, and relax in historical hot springs and hidden springs. You will also experience the beautiful nature of the fresh greenery.
Day 1: Cherry Blossoms at Hirosaki Park and Owani Onsen
- Morning: Arrive at JR Hirosaki Station and head to Hirosaki Park.
- Afternoon: Fully enjoy the magnificent view created by Hirosaki Castle and approximately 2,600 cherry trees. The “Cherry Blossom Tunnel” on the west moat and the “Flower Rafts (Hanaikada)” covering the moat are must-sees. The illuminated cherry blossoms at night are also magical (check for event details).
- Evening onwards: Move to Owani Onsen (approximately 30 minutes by car from Hirosaki City, also accessible by train).
- Accommodation Options: Owani Onsenkyo
- Hot Spring Features: A hot spring resort with a history of approximately 800 years. It features many gypsum-containing saline springs, known for their ability to keep you warm long after bathing. It is also expected to have fatigue recovery effects, making it ideal for soothing your body after a long day of cherry blossom viewing. You can also enjoy strolling through the charming hot spring town.
- Example Accommodation: There are various inns and hotels in Owani Onsenkyo (e.g., “Aomori Winery Hotel“). Make your accommodation reservations early and check the details of each facility.
Owani Onsenkyo Aomori Winery Hotel
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100-9 Taki no Sawa, Shimada, Owani-machi, Minamitsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture[Map]
Day 2: Shirakami-Sanchi Area and the Lamp Inn, Aoni Onsen
- Morning: Drive from Owani Onsen towards Shirakami-Sanchi (approximately 1.5 hours by car, *check route and required time).
- Afternoon: Take a walk to feel the fresh greenery at the foot of the World Heritage Site, Shirakami-Sanchi. (Caution: There may still be a lot of snow in early spring, and accessible areas and trails may be limited. Be sure to check road information and local conditions in advance.)
- Evening onwards: Move to Aoni Onsen, a well-known hidden hot spring (also check the travel time from the Shirakami area to Aoni Onsen).
- Accommodation:Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen
- Address (Reference): 1-7 Aonizawa Taki no Ue, Okiura, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture
- Features: A nostalgic single inn that uses only the light of lamps as it has no electricity. There are four baths, including an outdoor bath along a mountain stream, where you can spend a special time surrounded by nature and tranquility.
- Reservation: Early booking is essential due to its popularity. Be sure to check the details on the website.
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1-7 Aonizawa Taki no Ue, Okiura, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture[Map]
Day 3: Oirase Gorge and the Famous Sukayu Onsen
- Morning: Drive from Aoni Onsen towards Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge (approximately 2 hours by car, *check route and required time).
- Afternoon: Take a walk along the Oirase Gorge, where the water volume has increased due to melting snow. Be healed by negative ions and fresh greenery.
- Evening onwards: Head to Sukayu Onsen in the Hakkoda Mountains.
- Accommodation:Sukayu Onsen Ryokan
- Address (Reference): 50 Arakawa Minami Arakawayama National Forest Sukayuzawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
- Features: A sanatorium with over 300 years of history, famous for its “Hiba Sennin Buro” (mixed-gender bath, with women-only hours). The cloudy, highly acidic sulfur spring is said to have various medicinal benefits. There may still be snow in spring, and if you’re lucky, you can enjoy bathing while viewing the snow.
- Reservation/Day Trip: Accommodation and day-trip bathing are available, but be sure to check the fees and times on the official website.
2. A 2-Day Course (Draft) to Visit the Opening of Mount Osore and Hidden Hot Springs in the Shimokita Peninsula
[Course Overview] This course coincides with the opening of the sacred Mount Osore and takes you around the mystical atmosphere and simple hot springs of the Shimokita Peninsula.
Day 1: Asamushi Onsen and Shimokita no Yu
- Morning: From JR Aomori Station, take the Aoimori Railway to Asamushi Onsen (approximately 20 minutes).
- Afternoon: Enjoy a day trip to Asamushi Onsen overlooking Mutsu Bay (check availability and times for each facility). Afterwards, travel to the Shimokita Peninsula by train or rental car (*long travel time).
- Accommodation Options: Shimofuro Onsenkyo or Mutsu City
- Shimofuro Onsen Features: A historical hot spring resort located in Kazamaura Village in the northern part of the Shimokita Peninsula. You can enjoy multiple spring qualities, including sulfur springs, and the fresh seafood of the Tsugaru Strait is also attractive. It has a simple fishing port atmosphere.
- Example Accommodation: There are several inns in Shimofuro Onsenkyo (e.g., “Maruhon Ryokan“). Be sure to check the latest information on the official website. Hotels in Mutsu City are also convenient as a base.
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14 Asamushi Uchino, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture[Map]
Shimofuro Onsen Maruhon Ryokan
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Shimofuro, Kazamaura-mura, Shimokita-gun, Aomori Prefecture[Map]
Day 2: Sacred Mount Osore and Osorezan Onsen
- Morning: Head to Mount Osore from your accommodation (opens annually on May 1st, check for confirmation). It may be crowded immediately after opening.
- Afternoon: Visit Bodaiji Temple on Mount Osore, one of Japan’s three major sacred sites. Explore the unique scenery such as Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and Lake Usori.
- Hot Spring: Take a bath at Osorezan Onsen (Yugoya bathhouse) within the precincts of Mount Osore. Purify your mind and body in the highly acidic sulfur spring. (*Entrance fee required separately, check bathing hours etc.)
- Evening onwards: Move to Mutsu City or Shimokita Station and head home (*check transportation times).
Other Recommended Hot Spring Resorts in Aomori Prefecture in Spring (Examples)
- Oirase Keiryu Onsen (Towada City): A hot spring resort located around the Yakeyama area at the entrance of Oirase Gorge. Many springs have gentle qualities such as alkaline simple springs. It is ideal to visit in combination with a walk through the gorge during the fresh greenery season. (Example: “Oirase Green Hotel” etc. *Check for the latest information)
- Hakkoda Onsen (Aomori City): A general term for a group of hot springs scattered in the Hakkoda Mountains. It includes Sukayu Onsen, but there are also other unique springs with different qualities, such as “Nugudamari no Sato Hito Hakkoda Onsen“. The contrast between the remaining snow and fresh greenery is beautiful in spring. (*Some facilities and roads may be closed in winter, check for confirmation)
- Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen (Fukaura Town): A hot spring famous for its scenic outdoor bath facing the Sea of Japan. It is a brownish ferrous strong chloride spring. Bathing while watching the sunset over the sea is exceptional. The calm Sea of Japan in spring is also beautiful. (*Note the time restrictions for day-trip bathing, check for confirmation)
- Furutoube Onsen (Sotogahama Town): A single-inn hot spring located in Kanita on the Tsugaru Peninsula. It is characterized by its reddish-brown water containing iron. The simple atmosphere loved by locals is attractive. (*Check for availability and time for day-trip bathing)
Oirase Keiryu Onsen Oirase Green Hotel
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64-232 Horyo Yakeyama, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture[Map]
Nugudamari no Sato Hito Hakkoda Onsen (formerly Hakkoda Onsen Yusen)
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766-2 Komagome Fukasawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture[Map]
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15 Koganezaki, Tsubakiyama, Fukaura-machi, Nishitsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture[Map]
Points to Note for Spring Hot Spring Trips in Aomori
- Climate and Clothing: April is still cold, and snow may remain, especially in mountainous areas. You may need winter clothing such as a down jacket on some days. Even in May, it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings, so it is essential to wear layers that can be adjusted.
- Transportation Access:
- During the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, Hirosaki City and the surrounding roads will be very crowded. We recommend using public transportation or allowing plenty of time for travel.
- Mountain roads may still be closed in early spring or have poor road conditions. Be sure to check road information before driving.
- Public transportation may have limited services on some routes. Check the timetable carefully in advance.
- Tips for Visiting Hot Springs:
- Early booking is recommended for popular accommodations and hidden springs with a small number of rooms.
- If you plan to use day-trip bathing facilities, check the reception hours, closing days, and cleaning times in advance.
- It is basic etiquette to bring your own towel (especially for day-trip bathing).
Recommended Items to Bring (Example)
- Towels and bath towels (it’s convenient to have multiple)
- Comfortable walking shoes (for strolling)
- Layered clothing, warm clothing (especially in April and at high altitudes)
- Rain gear
- Moisturizing cream (for after bathing)
- (If necessary) Camera, mobile battery
Summary
The pink of cherry blossoms, the green of fresh foliage, and the warmth of hot springs… Spring in Aomori Prefecture is full of colors and healing that satisfy all five senses. A trip to see the scenery of Hirosaki, praised as having the best cherry blossoms in Japan, and to visit historical famous hot springs and hidden springs will surely be a special experience that will remain in your heart. The mystical Mount Osore also opens in May.
Be sure to check the latest information and pay attention to safety while you travel to spring in Aomori, where the blessings of nature and hot spring culture live on, for a refreshing trip!
