Planning a trip to Hirosaki? This charming city in western Aomori Prefecture is home to about 170,000 people and offers a unique blend of culture, history, and stunning scenery.In this guide, we’ll show you how to reach Hirosaki, whether you’re coming by Shinkansen (bullet train), bus, car, or train. We’ll also explain how to visit the city via Aomori Airport if you’re traveling from further away.
If you’re coming from somewhere far away, first, you will almost certainly fly into Narita Airport in Chiba, or into Haneda Airport in Tokyo. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Japan, there are three main ways to travel to Aomori: by Shinkansen (bullet train), airplane, or ferry. For those coming from Hokkaido, Tohoku, or the Kanto region, the shinkansen (bullet train) is convenient, while flying is more practical for people coming from other regions. If you’re in Hokkaido, taking a ferry from Hakodate Port is also an option. Since Hirosaki City is more than 500 km away from the Kanto region, choose the travel method that best suits your schedule and physical condition.
Direct flights to Narita and Haneda are the most common ways to access the country. Once you can jump on an express train or bus that will transport you into the heart of Tokyo. Please check these pages on Narita Airport and Haneda Airport for more information. You can take a domestic flight to Aomori Airport from these Japanese main international airports, as well as a host of other local airports that are dotted around the country. An increasing number of budget airlines offer fares at very wallet-friendly prices.
Let’s look at how to access Hirosaki City by plane. Flying can significantly shorten travel time, so for those coming from regions further than Kanto, taking a flight might be more convenient. Aomori Prefecture has two airports: Aomori Airport and Misawa Airport. Misawa Airport has fewer flights and is over two hours away from Hirosaki City, so Aomori Airport is the recommended choice when visiting Hirosaki City.
Approximate Flight Times to Aomori Airport from Major Airports
From Aomori Airport, you can take a direct bus to the Hirosaki Bus Terminal. The buses are scheduled to align with flight arrival times, so there’s minimal waiting time. The bus ride from Aomori Airport to Hirosaki City takes approximately 55 minutes. Please check these pages on Airport Shuttle Bus_Aomori Airport and Airport Bus_KonanBus for more information. Unfortunately, the pages are only available in Japanese, so please use a mechanical function such as Google Translate. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please note: All travel times are approximate. For detailed schedules, consult the airport information desk or airline websites.
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is another option for accessing Hirosaki City from other cities around the country. The closest Shinkansen station to Hirosaki City is Shin-Aomori Station, located in Aomori City. After arriving at Shin-Aomori Station, transfer to a local or limited express train to reach Hirosaki City. Please check this page on Shin-Aomori Station Timetable (JR East) for more information.
From Hokkaido to Hirosaki City by Shinkansen
From Tokyo Station to Hirosaki City by Shinkansen
From Shin-Osaka Station to Hirosaki City by Shinkansen
You can also travel from Shin-Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station by bus or taxi. However, buses require transfers and take nearly twice as long as trains, so taking a limited express, rapid, or local train is recommended.
Please note: All travel time is approximate. For detailed schedules, check at station counters or consult a timetable.
Shinkansen Tickets
It is possible to book Shinkansen tickets online at the two links below, even before you step foot in Japan. The trains can get very busy on weekends and during holiday periods, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Tickets for the northern Shinkansen lines are available through the JR East website, while tickets for Shinkansen that run through the central and southern regions of Japan are available through the smart EX link. It is also possible to purchase tickets from JR Stations - either from a ticket machine or from the manned Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket offices.
Aomori prefecture has several ports, including Aomori Port (Aomori City), Hachinohe Port (Hachinohe City), and Wakinosawa Port (Mutsu City). To reach Hirosaki City, use Aomori Port in Aomori City. Hachinohe Port and Wakinosawa Port are quite far from Hirosaki City, requiring approximately 3 hours by car to get there. The only ferry route to Aomori Port is from Hakodate Port in Hakodate, Hokkaido, and you can use the Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry. There are 6 roundtrips per day, with a one-way trip taking approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Accessing Hirosaki City from Aomori Port by Public Transportation
Aomori Port is located relatively close to Aomori Station, taking less than 10 minutes by bus or taxi to reach the station.
Japan’s long-distance express buses offer a cheaper way into the city and across the country. If you’re looking to save some money and are used to long bus rides, you may want to consider taking an express bus. They can be more comfortable than you think. Many buses come equipped with electric outlets and reclining chairs. For overnight journeys, there are usually additional amenities such as blankets and pillows. Some bus operators even offer more luxurious options, like privacy curtains and extra legroom. The main departure and arrival points for express buses are the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal by Shinjuku Station, and Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu by Tokyo Station.
Various companies operate daytime and overnight express buses between Tokyo and Aomori, which stop along the way at Hirosaki. The one-way journey takes 9-10 hours and costs 4,000 to 12,000 yen depending on the date or travel. Online reservations for some of the buses can be made via Express Bus Reservation_Konan Bus.
Please check this page on Express Bus_Konan Bus for more information. Unfortunately, the page is only available in Japanese, so please use a mechanical function such as Google Translate. We apologize for the inconvenience.
This time, we introduced ways to access Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture. If you come from Hokkaido, choose between flying, taking the Shinkansen, or traveling by ferry depending on your location. From the Kanto region, the Shinkansen is an option, but flying may be more convenient if you want to save travel time. For areas like Chubu and Kansai, where traveling by Shinkansen takes several hours, we recommend flying directly to Aomori Airport for a quick and easy trip.
Since this is a trip, it’s more important to conserve your energy for sightseeing. Find the travel option that suits you best and enjoy your visit to Hirosaki City!
