AOMORI Japan｜Oirase Gorge – The Most Beautiful Green I’ve Ever Seen, Hirosaki & Local Flavors
Hi everyone, Today, We flew from Tokyo to Aomori Airport. We picked up a rental car and drove through the mountain roads of Hakkoda. After about an hour, we arrived at Sukayu Onsen. It’s known for its massive, mixed-gender cypress bath called “Senjin-buro.” I didn’t quite have the courage for the mixed bath… So I soaked in the smaller, gender-separated bath instead. I also had some fresh spring water—feels like the detox is starting already! Now we’re driving about 40 more minutes to Oirase. We’ve finally made it to the Hoshino Resort Oirase Keiryu Hotel! It’s raining a little today but the fresh green leaves are glowing beautifully. Now I see why Aomori means “blue forest”! Right outside our room, there’s already a stream flowing by. The onsen here uses natural spring water from Mt. Hakkoda. I’m planning to soak in the open-air baths both tonight and tomorrow morning. Dinner is a buffet style tonight. They use tons of local ingredients, including Aomori apples. Everything was so good and I ate too much! The sky cleared up a little today. The river is flowing calmer than yesterday. Breakfast is in the same place as dinner. It was delicious at night, so I had a lot in the morning too. The niboshi ramen with tororo kelp was seriously amazing! I just love this hotel lobby. It’s so beautiful. You can enjoy the stream just by walking around the hotel. Today, we borrowed boots from the hotel… …and are going to stroll along the stream. The hotel shuttle drops us off at scenic spots. Finally fulfilling my dream of walking through Oirase! We’re starting from a spot called “Sanran-no-Nagare.”
“The Three Ran Flows”. This natural green looks more vibrant than I’ve ever seen. It might be the most beautiful greenery I’ve ever come across. After walking for about 20 minutes, we arrived at “Ishigedo” We’re going to walk a bit farther. There are places where you walk right next to the stream. With yesterday’s rain and today’s clouds, everything feels fresh and alive. If it had been sunny, it probably would’ve looked different again. I wanted to go even further along the trail, but we completely ran out of time. If you’re planning a visit, I recommend staying at least two nights. The Ishigedo Rest Area has restrooms and a shop, but cash only. Sadly, we’re now leaving Oirase. But the scenic drive is another highlight. There’s still snow on the mountaintops! We’re stopping for lunch on the way to Aomori City. More shoyu niboshi ramen—still amazing. But this was the real eye-catcher! We came to try a cake made with Aomori-grown blackcurrants (cassis). It just looks delicious! Completely satisfied. <3 Tonight we'll have sushi in Hirosaki city. We ordered a mix of chef’s choice (omakase) and our own favorites. These glistening fresh nigiri sushi... And the uni (sea urchin) was absolutely next-level compared to Tokyo or elsewhere! This building was built in 1917 (Taisho 6), a Western-style wooden house. It was originally the residence of an army general at that time. Now it’s a Starbucks—amazing! This is probably the most comfortable Starbucks I’ve ever been to. After 1951, it served as the Hirosaki mayor’s official residence, and in 2003, it was designated a registered tangible cultural property. We had our second cup of coffee in another room. The chairs are embroidered with traditional Tsugaru Kogin stitching. I would be really jealous if my neighborhood Starbucks looked like this! Now we’re heading out for a Hirosaki drive. Right away—an amazing view of Mt. Iwaki. We came to Iwakiyama Shrine, which stands at the foot of the mountain. Built in 1628 (Kan'ei 5) It’s blessed with abundant spring water from Mt. Iwaki. A shrine surrounded by the richness of nature. This sacred water is said to bring blessings for children and relationships. The guardian dogs (komainu): the one looking up is for wealth, the one looking down is for love. Now we’ll have lunch at a café in Hirosaki Castle Park. Everything we’ve eaten in Aomori has been amazing! Next, we’re going to see Hirosaki Castle. You can even see Mt. Iwaki beautifully from here too! But now it’s hidden behind clouds... Here’s another Taisho-era Western building, built in 1921. You can try different apple pies from various bakeries. My personal favorite is “Nice Life.” Second place goes to “Tsugaru Yume Ringo Farm.” But today’s best-looking one definitely goes to this one… Coffee tastes three times better when served in real cups. Finally, our last dinner in Aomori. We’ll enjoy Wagyu from the Tohoku region—Maesawa, Kuraishi, Sendai, etc. This Aomori trip has been the best—scenery, food, and hot springs. I hope this wonderful charm of Aomori... ...reaches many more people!
Step into the green heart of Aomori, northern Japan. We stayed at Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel and finally got to explore the breathtaking Oirase Gorge.
With moss-covered rocks, clear waterfalls, and a peaceful trail along the stream,
I felt like I was seeing just how beautiful nature’s greens could be—
a world of colors I had never truly experienced before.
We also visit the historic Sukayu Onsen, taste cassis cakes in Aomori city, enjoy premium sushi in Hirosaki, relax at a retro Taisho-era Starbucks and cafes, and explore Iwakiyama Shrine and Hirosaki Castle. The day ends with a mouthwatering dinner of Tohoku wagyu beef.
This trip is a perfect blend of nature, history, and gourmet experiences—an unforgettable taste of Aomori.
Aomori Video 🎥
00:00 Opening
00:45 Sukayu Onsen – Historic Hot Spring Retreat
01:49 Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel – Stay in Nature’s Embrace
04:26 Oirase Keiryu Stream Walk – Mossy Rocks & Gentle Waterfalls
10:52 Drive through Mt. Hakkoda & Scenic Lunch Stop
12:00 Aomori City – Local Blackcurrant Cake Delight
12:36 Hirosaki – Incredible Local Sushi Experience
13:08 Retro Starbucks at Hirosaki Castle Park – Taisho Era Vibes
15:29 Iwakiyama Shrine – Sacred Power Spot at Mt. Iwaki’s Base
17:23 Cafe Lunch by Hirosaki Castle Park
18:06 Hirosaki Castle & Mt. Iwaki Viewing
18:57 Taisho Romantic Café – A Step Back in Time
20:00 Tohoku Wagyu BBQ – Final Feast of the Journey
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