Aomori Winter Accommodation: Choose a hotel by "style of stay"! 7 Must-Stay Hotels in Aomori (with official links)

As summer comes to an end, Aomori is quietly embarking on the prelude to winter. The first snowfalls are common in the Hakkoda and Iwakisan mountains from late October every year, and from December to March the following year, Aomori is covered in a blanket of silver. Want to get a head start on your winter vacation to Aomori? This article is a compilation of 7 stylish lodgings in Aomori, ranging from hot springs to historical houses, from sunset over the Sea of Japan to downtown, with key features and official links.

Using the "Staycation Handle" to Choose a Lodging: Recognizing the Three Areas of Aomori

Aomori can be divided into three main areas: Tsugaru in the west, Kenminami in the southeast, and Shimokita in the Shimokita Peninsula. Each of these areas has a very different nature and culture. If you can't decide, why don't you start with the personality of the hotel (the "handle") and choose the most suitable hostel as a base for your trip?

Tsugaru (Tsugaru) area: Snow, Ice and Soup

In winter, take snow transportation (such as buses and ropeways, depending on the season) up the mountain to see a line of frozen trees, and enjoy the famous hot springs.Sour Gatsu OnsenThe "Hibachi Senganburo" is a favorite among gourmet hot spring visitors.

Prefectural South Area: Icefalls in Towada and Oirase

Along the Oirase Stream, you can see the spectacular scenery of icicles and icefalls.Lake TowadaSeeing the winter colors of distant mountains and lakes in the clear, cold air is an amazing sight that can only be seen in winter.

Shimokita Region: Healing Hot Springs and Heart-warming Sea Foods

The Shimokita Peninsula is known for its simple and friendly hot springs, and for its fresh winter flavors, including monkfish and tuna, which are perfect for warming up your body and stomach during the winter months.

【1】 Nanbuya Kaisenkaku｜Aomori City/Asahina Onsen Hot Spring

Located on the shores of Rikuyu Bay, the top floor of this onsen ryokan has an open-air bath with a panoramic view of the bay. Choose from a selection of programs that include Tsugaru ballads, hand dances, and a variety of other music and dance performances.Aomori Sandman Festival (Nebuta)A local performing arts show will be held in the back of the venue, and a real Sandman lantern truck will be displayed at the back of the venue to add to the excitement.

addressAomori,Aomori-shi,Aomori,蛍谷31
Telephone: 017-752-1031 (Asamushi Onsen Mutual Reservation Center 10:00-18:00)
Official Website：https://www.kaisenkaku.com

【2】JAL City Hotel Aomori (ホテルJALシティ Aomori／Hotel JAL City Aomori)｜Aomori City Center

Located in the Aomori Bay Area, the hotel is conveniently located and has a warm atmosphere. Whether it is for business, parents and children, or for the silver-haired, you can find a cozy corner in the hotel. Breakfast is made with local ingredients, which is one of the highlights of the reputation of the residents.

addressAomori：2-4-12 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Telephone:: 017-732-2580
Official Website：https://www.aomori-jalcity.co.jp/

【3】Sukayu Onsen Ryokan (Sour Gayu Onsen Ryokan)｜Yakkoda Foothills

This is a highland bathhouse with a history of more than 300 years and an elevation of about 900 meters. The famous "Hiba Senjinburo" is a large bath for both men and women (with a women's section and a special section for women), and the 160-story wide wooden space is filled with winter snow and morning mist, creating an atmosphere that is full of flavor.

addressAomori：50 Yuzawa, Arakawaminami Arakawama State Forest, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Telephone:: 017-738-6400 (9:00-17:00)
Official Website：https://www.sukayu.jp/

【4】 Aomori Kuradomari｜Kuroishi City

The approximately one hundred year old building is a private house, which retains its ancient charm and renovates the interior equipment. Covering an area of about 1,000 tsubo, the park also has an Edo period ancient folk house for guided tours and rest; up to 9 people can stay, suitable for families and close friends to pack the house for a vacation.

address1-43,柵ノ木,黒石市,Aomori-ken
Official Introduction (Tourist Information Page)：LIVE JAPAN "Aomori Kurabo" Page

【5】Hotel Grand Mer Sankaiso｜鰺ヶ沢温泉

Located on a hill with an excellent view, the 80-room hotel offers wintertime hot springs and snow viewing. It is close to a ski resort (about 20 minutes by car), and offers a wide range of services.All-inclusive (オールインクルーシブ)Accommodation: Free drinks, private baths and some activities are free of charge, so it's no wonder the return rate is high.

addressAomori：1 Naruto, Maido-machi, jackszawa-machi, Nishitsugaru-gun, Aomori
Telephone: 0173-72-8112 (Reservation Center 10:00-12:00/14:00-16:00, closed on Sundays and national holidays)
Official Website：https://hotel-grandmer.com/

【6】鰺ヶ沢温泉 水軍の宿（鰺ヶ沢温泉 水軍の宿／Suigun no Yado）｜鰺ヶ沢

Legend has it that the "Andong Navy" was once stationed here. The ryokan features a natural hot spring (Kasui) and a romantic boat-shaped outdoor bath. All-inclusive dining is also available, where you can enjoy local cuisine and sake in the dining area or lounge at no extra charge.

addressAomori：26-1, Shimotomida, Maido-machi, jacksawa-cho, Nishitsugaru-gun, Aomori
Telephone: 0173-72-8112 (Reservation Center 10:00-12:00/14:00-16:00, closed on Sundays and national holidays)
Official Website：https://ajigasawa-suigunnoyado.com/

【7】Towada City Hotel｜Towada City

Formerly known as Ryokan Shimoyama, a lodging house for horse brokers, the hotel was established nearly 130 years ago and is the only hotel in the former lodging house district that has survived to the present day. The hotel has continued its tradition of providing friendly, homey hospitality while continuously renovating its facilities and services, and its local breakfast is a popular specialty.

addressAomori：3-16 Higashisanban-cho,Towada-shi,Aomori
Telephone:: 0176-23-2076 (9:00-21:00)
Official Website：https://towadacityhotel.co.jp/

Travel Tips｜Winter Transportation and Clothing

Aomori's roads are prone to snow and ice in winter, so make sure to use snow tires and chains. Railways and buses are the main means of transportation between the city and tourist spots, so make sure to reserve time for transfers. Outdoor clothing (windproof jacket, woolen hat, gloves, waterproof shoes) is recommended, and don't forget to stay warm and hydrated after bathing in the hot springs.

Conclusion

Aomori has a wide variety of lodging options, from historic lodgings and private homes to hot springs and city hotels. Pick the one that best suits your travel style and spend a night in Aomori this winter!