Hotel 2-Star di Aomori Prefecture, Japan

As a backpacker, the journey to the hotel was challenging. I chose this one because it was the closest to Hakusan-Hoko Temple, which I absolutely had to see for its magnificent three-story pagoda and all its surroundings. Arriving from Aomori, I couldn't leave until after 4 p.m. Having not paid attention, I discovered that there are very few buses between Suwanotaira Station and the hotel, the last one leaving at 5:30 p.m. So, I decided to walk with my 25 kg packs. Walking in the dark through the forest with my small flashlight, I heard a dog barking incessantly near a farm. Suddenly, there was a loud noise in a tree: a bear came down very quickly and started growling. I was terrified, stepped back, and used a bell to scare it away. This happened a five-minute walk from the hotel. The receptionist was surprised but took my story seriously, asking me for the exact location. I hadn't eaten since morning, and despite the kitchens being closed, she offered to make me onigiri and sake. They were the best I've had since arriving in Japan. I particularly enjoyed the hotel's onsen for relaxing after the long walk. It was my first time sleeping in a traditional Japanese room, and I loved the experience. Kimonos are available in all sizes. Thinking I could finally go to sleep peacefully, my phone received two national alerts. I had barely started reading them when a major earthquake struck. The entire room began to shake. I was worried because I had never experienced anything like it before. The alarms in my room and throughout the hotel started going off. The receptionist came to me several times to check if I was alright and to tell me not to use the elevator. The cleaning staff also came to check if the water was turned off in my bathroom. The alarms went off again at 6:00 a.m. and then 8:00 a.m. The receptionist came to my room to offer to drive me to the temple free of charge, something I had originally planned to do on foot, and then to take me from the temple to Hachinohe Station, because due to the earthquake, all trains between Suwanotaira and Hachinohe Stations had been canceled, as well as the Shinkansen trains departing from Hachinohe that I was originally supposed to take to Tsuruoka. I am extremely grateful for the support and kindness of the receptionist. She took care of me without me even asking. Thanks also to Yukuri Okobo for her kindness and for driving me to the temple and then to Hachinohe Station. Despite these very unusual circumstances, I highly recommend this hotel! You couldn't ask for a better welcome as a foreigner, and the rooms and onsen are superb! Arigatō Gozaimasu! 😊

This backpacker hostel boasts a superb location, just a five-minute walk from the Towada Lake Restaurateur bus stop, making it convenient for exploring and taking photos at the lake. The hostel features a beautiful exterior and comfortable interior with ample shared space. The dormitories have curtains for privacy on each bed and tables and chairs for guests' use. The owners are friendly and helpful; the elderly gentleman, though not fluent in English, is very accommodating, while the younger manager speaks fluent English, making communication easy. The hostel is very affordable, including dinner and breakfast, and the food is decent, with a comfortable restaurant environment. Guests can also purchase discounted tickets to the Towada-so onsen (hot spring) next door, making it an excellent value.

My first night in Japan 2024 Trip. In a faraway county. Very peaceful. I drove there alone in the darkness. Thought that there might be very few people there. But I met so many grandmas stayed there as a large group. Met them in onsen too. Very strange experience but very touch. Can feel of aging society. The ryokan guys also booked a local izakaya for me, so I had dinner easily, no need to nervous there won’t be a seat. The Room was so nice and big. Many hidden rooms inside. Would be much better if they haven’t prepared ice water for me during early winter. (I need normal temp water or hot water) Breakfast was great Overall was great I love this place. Very relax and no tourist. I spent the morning in a small garden in front of the hotel alone. Listen to water sound. Recharged my energy.

My main reason to go to Ajigasawa was to visit the Takayama Inari Shrine with its snaking Tori gates. It’s about a tenth the length and size of Kyoto’s. Found this ryokan by reviews in the area. It was a toss up between this and the nearby hotel; which turns out to be run by the same group! The ryokan shows its age. But it’s very comfortable, clean and the service, especially by Noro who used his translation app so well, was impeccable! They have map of the property in English. If you drink (alcohol), it’s available in spades! There’s unlimited snacks, water, soda, popsicles, coffee, tea and alcohol for guests. The onsen is open to public, it seemed like the whole village descends after dinner to have a dip! We spent one night: dinner and breakfast were excellent!

I wasn’t expecting that much with this price, but surprisingly good hotel with this price. They serve free beef bowl at night and 550 yen breakfast buffet was very nice. They got some curry and chicken dishes and it was very tasty. Night view was nice and there is Machinaka-Onsen nearby so i strongly recommend to visit there. Room and toilet was very small and very old but it was not that bad. After all i was surprisingly satisfied with this hotel, and i wanna visit there again if i go to Aomori again. 5/5.

Although the location is often a little distance from the fireworks, the proprietress is very enthusiastic to drive us past and back, and the service is really good. The meal is simple but very attentive, delicious! In addition, the bathroom is built with a large bathtub, which is a bit rudimentary. In this regard, you should have more thoughts to improve the security. 

We stayed for 5 nights and were very satisfied with the value for money. We experienced the family bath and hot springs, and booked two rooms that included breakfast and dinner. We enjoyed delicious Japanese food every day. The problem arose on the last day during breakfast. About 10 minutes before the 9 AM closing time, my mother, trying to be considerate of the restaurant staff, poured her remaining coffee into a paper cup, intending for our family of four to clear our dishes and leave. At that moment, an old man, leaning with both hands on the kitchen counter, loudly shouted something unintelligible at us. Our entire family was startled, confused, and didn't understand what he was saying. As foreigners who don't speak Japanese, we couldn't comprehend him. After hearing him repeatedly shout loudly, we guessed we should pour the coffee back into the cup and left. Other guests were present, and this experience was the worst, ruining our family's impression of Japan. Shortly after, we tried to ask the old man about it, but he pretended not to understand English and avoided conversation, retreating into the kitchen. If there's a communication barrier, they should use a friendly translation app or clearly guide guests with actions instead of a kitchen staff member standing like a king with arms outstretched, shouting. Also, it was uncomfortable to have restaurant staff constantly watching how many plates people took, probably because individual dishes were served one by one. It's been a while since our trip ended, but that incident still pops into my mind. My family also talks about it. I hope they don't ruin tourists' enjoyable trips with rigid and inappropriate behavior. We felt disrespected as foreigners. I briefly explained this to the front desk using a translator, and a female staff member repeatedly offered polite apologies. Due to our departure schedule, we couldn't speak with the old man again or receive an apology, which is probably why we won't be returning to Japan.

The hotel's location is quite good, within walking distance of Aomori Station. It's fairly decent for the price; the room was a bit small and dated, but still clean and comfortable. The free breakfast included was really good, plentiful and delicious. I'd likely choose to stay here again on my next trip to Aomori!

The famous specialty cuisine of Yanchi Onsen is the rockfish cuisine. Source Google Translate: A happy time that transcends time and space. This hot spring located in Hakkoda Mountain has a 400-year history and is known as one of Japan's three secret hot springs. The hot spring water flowing directly from the bottom of the bathtub is also effective for low back pain and atopic dermatitis. Soaking in the gushing soft water can relieve daily fatigue and spend a happy time. Please enjoy two hot springs: the lower bath, said to be a spiritual hot spring, with a temperature of 38 degrees, and the upper bath, with a temperature of 42 degrees. Even if you just want to take a dip, feel free to come.

The building and rooms were clean and very comfortable. The food was delicious, and the hot springs were included, so I had a very satisfying stay. After checking out, they even took me to the Yasumiya bus stop, which saved me the trouble of walking. I highly recommend this place if you come to Lake Towada.