Aomori Prefecture consists of 40 cities, towns, and villages.
If you have extra time, we recommend visiting some of the other unique and charming towns.
Here, we’ll introduce the distances from Hirosaki City to other major cities in Aomori Prefecture and highlight some of their attractions.
Nearby Cities and Towns: Goshogawara City, Kuroishi City, and Ajigasawa Town
Close to Hirosaki City are Goshogawara City (ごしょがわらし), Kuroishi City (くろいしし), and Ajigasawa Town (あじがさわまち).
Goshogawara City: Associated with the famed author Osamu Dazai, who lived from the Meiji to Showa periods.
The area is home to sites like Dazai’s former residence and a museum, making it a must-visit for book lovers.
The city also features “Tsugaru Kanayama Pottery,” a traditional ceramics studio where you can enjoy scenic views, pizza baking experiences, and other activities. It’s a hidden gem even locals love.
Kuroishi City: Mostly covered by forests. Nestled in the mountains is the Kuroishi Onsen Village, perfect for relaxation.
The city also boasts the “Tsugaru Traditional Crafts Center,” where visitors can experience traditional crafts, making it ideal for sightseeing.
Don’t miss the local specialty, “Kuroishi Tsuyu Yakisoba” (soup-based yakisoba).
Ajigasawa Town: Partially located within the Shirakami Mountains, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
The area features trekking courses, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in pristine nature.
s a coastal town, it’s also perfect for those seeking a seaside experience or fresh seafood.
To Goshogawara City by Train
Hirosaki Station to Goshogawara Station: Take the JR Gono Line. (\510)
Approximate travel time: 50 minutes.
To Kuroishi City
・By Train / \470
Hirosaki Station to Kuroishi Station: Take the Kōnan Railway Kōnan Line.
Approximate travel time: 40 minutes.
・By Bus / \670
Hirosaki Station to Kuroishi Station: Take the Kōnan bus.
Approximate travel time: 1 hour.
To Ajigasawa Town by Train
Hirosaki Station to Ajigasawa Station: Take the JR Gono Line. (\990)
Approximate travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Also, all of these places are just a 30–50 minute drive from Hirosaki City, making them relatively easy to visit.
Consider stopping by these cities and towns as part of your Hirosaki trip!
A Bit Farther from Hirosaki City: Aomori City
Aomori City, the largest city in Aomori Prefecture, is about an hour’s drive from Hirosaki City.
Many visitors traveling to Hirosaki by bullet train, airplane, or ferry pass through Aomori City, so it’s worth exploring on your arrival or departure day.
Aomori City is home to several attractions, including the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site; the ASPAM Aomori Prefecture Tourist and Local Products Center, which offers stunning views of Aomori Port; and Mt. Hakkoda, where you can enjoy skiing, hiking, fall foliage, and hot springs via a scenic ropeway.
Many visitors to Aomori Prefecture come to enjoy both apples and seafood.
In the Tsugaru region, while apples are primarily associated with the Hirosaki City area, seafood is more famous in the Aomori City area.
Aomori City has a variety of seafood restaurants, making it a great place to enjoy fresh seafood dishes.
With so many attractions scattered across the city, it’s best to plan your visit in advance to make the most of your trip.
To Aomori City by Train
Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station: Take the Ou Line. (\680)
Approximate travel time: 50 minutes.
Farther from Hirosaki City: Towada City, Hachinohe City, and Mutsu City
Towada City (とわだし), Hachinohe City (はちのへし), and Mutsu City (むつし) are located 2–3 hours away from Hirosaki City by car. Each city boasts unique attractions, making them great stops during a tour of Aomori Prefecture.
Towada City: The western part of this city is part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The shores of Lake Towada feature campgrounds, hotels, and breathtaking spots with waterfalls.
Hachinohe City: Situated in eastern Aomori Prefecture, this coastal city is known for attractions like Kabushima Island, a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls, and its famous morning markets, including the Mutsu Minato Station Morning Market and the Tatehana Wharf Morning Market, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood.
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Mutsu City: Located in the northern Shimokita Peninsula, this city offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, such as Osorezan Bodaiji Temple, one of Japan’s three major spiritual sites; the Mt. Kamafuse Observatory, known for its stunning sunsets and night views; and the Shimofuro Onsen Village, a hot spring area dating back to the Muromachi period. It’s a great place to relax while surrounded by nature.
To Towada City by Train
Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station: Take the Ou Line. (\680)
Approximate travel time: 50 minutes.
To Hachinohe City
・By Train and Shinkansen (bullet train) / \3,850
- Hirosaki Station to Shin-Aomori Station: Take the JR Ou Line.
- Shin-Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen “Hayabusa.”
Approximate travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
・By Train and Railway / \3,000
- Hirosaki Station to Aomori Station: Take the JR Ou Line.
- Aomori Station to Hachinohe Station: Take the Aoimori Railway.
Approximate travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes.
To Mutsu City by Train / \2,740
- Hirosaki Station to Aomori Station: Take the JR Ou Line.
- Aomori Station to Noheji Station: Take the Aoimori Railway.
- Noheji Station to Shimokita Station: Take the JR Ominato Line.
Approximate travel time: 3 hours to 5 hours.
※Please note that travel time may vary depending on train connections and weather conditions.
Explore Nearby Cities from Hirosaki City!
In this article, we introduced some of the major cities in Aomori Prefecture that you can visit from Hirosaki City, along with how to get there.
Make the most of your trip by enjoying delicious food, being surrounded by beautiful nature, and experiencing activities that suit your preferences.
There’s always something to make every moment unforgettable.
Pick your perfect getaway spot and create memories to cherish!