Clean and neat hotel, just nice for a night's transit in Aomori. If you are coming from airport, ask the driver and alight at a stop nearby. No need to go all the way to Aomori station. You can save at least a kilometer's walking distance.
LLeCobbAs 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! 😊
DDevThis hostel is conveniently located near Lake Towada. It can be easily accessed from the JR bus station. There is a convenience store at about 100 meters of distance from the hostel. The building is a bit outdated and the facilities look old. But please remember that this is a hostel and is affordable. The staff are extremely polite and welcoming. They have a big heart and serve with their full sincerity. When I reached the hostel early, there was nobody at the front desk, but there was a note for me with my room details. Later at night, When I mentioned that I do not eat meat, and I will manage with only rice, the lady, Ms. Tomoko quickly prepared fish without even thinking twice and asked me to pay very little. Even the next day she prepared cold noodles along with rice and charged extremely less. The point here is not the money but her big heart in serving without thinking about money or profit. I highly recommend this hostel purely by considering at the generosity and sweet, politeness of the staff there.
This hostel is conveniently located even to walk along Oirase gorge. Easier to stay here and take bus to either to the northern end - Yakeyama or the southern, lake side end Nenokuchi and walk along the gorge and return back to the hostel. This way the trip becomes affordable and easier.
와와사Old hotel but the fare sounds reasonable.
The location seems to be a bit far from the station.
Limited amenities also need to improve even if the price should be increased.