This trip is our first trip in Northern Japan. Filmed in 05 Jan 2023. We purchased the 5days JR East Pass ( for ¥20,000) which we have fully utilised . We use the NEX ( Narita Express from NRT- Tokyo Station) then Tokyo Station Hayabusa Shinkansen to Shin Aomori ( which by the way if normal one way ticket that alone is already ¥16,000. Initially my plan was just to hop on and off the Shinkansen, but my husband suggested to just see 1 Prefecture in a day. This was our first full day. Since it was winter and the whole Aomori was covered by snow, you cannot do so much in a day so we choose just to do one activity which is to see the Siberian swans. From Aomori Station to Kominato only 40 mins journey 1 way, but then the train intervals are 1 hr so we have to plan carefully.
We had a bit of time roaming around the city area but most shops and restaurant are closed. We basically are mostly in a train or in the bus most of the time IN a day. I would like to go back in Aomori and spend more time not rushing. The same with Oirase Gorge, we have a beautiful hotel, and it was really in the middle of the woods but we were so tired that we choose to lounge in the hotel lobby. But in fairness the hotel lobby alone for me is worth the journey. The Hotel offers many activities at night, it was fully book, so we didn’t had any activity like going to the forest at night, ( a guided tour) . I wanted to comeback in Oirase again, if possible spend 2-3 days. (during winter) as the whole place totally look different during summer or fall. I prefer the winter scenery.
