A Winter's Tale: Aomori and Iwate Experience
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).
From left to right: Sannai Maruyama Site, Towada Art Centre, Showa Daibutsu at Seiryu-Ji and 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.
From left to right: Aomori Museum of Art, Tsugaru Railway Winter Stove Train and Hirosaki Castle.
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).
From left to right: Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada, 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.
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).
Highly recommended to spend a night at Ginzan Onsen.
From left to right: Zao foxes enjoying the snow, fairy-tale-like beautiful Ginzan Onsen.
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.
