[1 Night, 2 Days in Aomori] Add More to Your Lake Towada Trip! Enjoy Nature and Hot Springs

Kabushima Shrine stands about a 15-minute walk from Same Station. From the shrine grounds atop the stone steps, you can take in sweeping views of the peaceful port town below.
Known as a place to pray for good financial fortune, this is the perfect first stop to make your wish. Kabushima is also designated a National Natural Monument as a breeding ground for rare black-tailed gulls, and at the height of the season, you can see around 30,000 of them flying overhead.

From Kabushima Shrine, take a train bound for Hachinohe and get off at Hon-Hachinohe Station. From there, head to the Hachinohe Art Museum, about a 10-minute walk away.

The Hachinohe Art Museum is a key facility in the city’s vision of community building through art. The Giant Room, which opens out from the entrance, allows for flexible layouts and serves as a highly versatile space for special exhibitions, unique events, and workshops. Food trucks also often gather in the plaza in front of the museum, especially on weekends, so be sure to check that out too!

Approx. 15 minutes by taxi from the Hachinohe Art Museum, your slightly late lunch awaits at Hasshoku Center, where fresh seafood from Hachinohe Port, one of Japan’s leading ports, is on offer.
With around 60 shops lined up, Hasshoku Center is a huge market packed with fresh seafood landed at Hachinohe Port and other local specialties. There’s a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant serving local fish, as well as places where you can grill ingredients you just bought over charcoal, so choosing what to eat may be the hardest part.
The center also sells processed foods and local sake, so after lunch, you can enjoy shopping for souvenirs.

After filling both your stomach and spirit with fresh seafood, it’s time to head to your accommodation for the day!
From Hasshoku Center, take a bus to Hachinohe Station, then board the Aoimori Railway to Misawa Station. From Misawa Station, take the shuttle bus.
For this trip, you’ll stay at Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya, a hot spring ryokan theme resort where you can fully enjoy both Aomori culture and hot springs. The spacious grounds also include a natural park dotted with ponds and old traditional houses, making it a relaxing place to spend time. Among the 236 guest rooms across three buildings, some are uniquely decorated with Nebuta displays throughout, creating a distinctly Aomori atmosphere.
At night, a live show inspired by Aomori’s festivals is held, giving you a chance to experience the region’s culture and hospitality during your stay.

Designated both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument of Japan, Oirase Gorge is one of the Tohoku region’s best-known scenic destinations. The stream runs for Approx. 14 km from Nenokuchi on the shore of Lake Towada to Yakeyama, and a walking path along the gorge makes it easy to enjoy a peaceful stroll surrounded by nature.
This time, you’ll take an easier route and enjoy a forest walk from Yakeyama bus stop to Deai Bridge and back, which takes about 30 minutes round trip.

After your walk, it’s lunchtime at Stone Oven Pizza Ortolana, located at the gateway to Oirase Gorge and known for its authentic stone oven pizzas.
This restaurant serves authentic pizza baked in a stone oven and topped with freshly harvested vegetables delivered directly from local farmers. This time, you’ll try the mixed pizza “Ortolana.” It’s a recommended choice topped with several kinds of fresh vegetables and dry sausage. After your walk, this delicious pizza is the perfect way to recharge!

Once you’ve had your fill, take the JR bus bound for Lake Towada from Yakeyama bus stop for Approx. 45 minutes, then get off at Lake Towada bus stop. You’ve arrived at Lake Towada, the final destination of this trip!
Lake Towada is a caldera lake formed by the volcanic activity of Towada Volcano, which began around 200,000 years ago. From spring through fall, you can also enjoy activities such as canoeing and board tours.
On the southern side of the lake, you’ll find restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a great place for a little stroll around the area.

Now it’s time for the main event of your Lake Towada sightseeing trip: a relaxing cruise on the Lake Towada sightseeing boat.
This time, choose the Yasumiya-Nenokuchi route and enjoy Approx. 50 minutes on the lake. In summer, take in the fresh greenery, and in fall, the autumn leaves, as you admire the beautiful seasonal scenery from the boat. It’s a wonderful view and a perfect way to wrap up this trip!