The Konan Railway Owani Line connects Hirosaki City with its neighboring town, Owani. In this article, you’ll find recommended spots along the line, plus a model one-day itinerary for a fun little trip!
Known locally as the “Apple Railway,” the Konan Railway Owani Line runs through apple orchards, from the lively Dote-machi area of Hirosaki all the way to Owani, a town famous for its hot springs. Along the way, you’ll find tasty eateries, relaxing onsens, and plenty of other attractions.
Stations on the Konan Railway Owani Line are numbered from KW1 (starting at Chuo Hirosaki Station) up to KW14 (Owani Station). Below, we introduce recommended spots by station number. Note that KW9 Gijuku-Koko-mae and KW13 Shukugawara have no major facilities within walking distance, so they are omitted this time—but if new spots open, we’ll be sure to share!
KW1 Central Hirosaki Station
Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Museum (Hirosaki Renga Soko Bijutsukan)
Just outside Central Hirosaki Station, connected by a convenient passage, you’ll find the Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Museum. In addition to its special exhibitions, the building itself—and the nearby Yoshino-cho Green Space—offers many ways to enjoy the surroundings.
Dodeno Meheyakko
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A short walk from the station—go right up the slope and turn left at the intersection—you’ll spot a quirky green building called Dodenome Heyakko. This popular eatery serves hearty dishes and snacks made by local Tsugaru “kaccha” (moms). Everything here is so good, you might find yourself eating more than planned!
Saishoin Temple
About a 10-minute walk from the station, you can’t miss the towering five-story pagoda of Saishoin Temple. It’s one of Tsugaru’s “Ichidai-sama” temples (each temple is associated with a specific zodiac sign), and this one is for the Year of the Rabbit. Don’t miss the imposing Nio guardian statues—fully restored in 2023. During the summer festival season, Saishoin holds one of the city’s largest numbers of street stalls.
Tomita no Shikko (Tomita’s Spring Water)
Designated one of Japan’s “Top 100 Famous Water Sources,” Tomita no Shikko is about a five-minute walk from the pagoda. An ever-flowing spring in a small wooden hut, the water remains cold even in summer and is known for its delicious taste. Bring a canteen or bottle and fill up before continuing your walk!
- Name: Tomita no Shikko
- Location: 5-2 Kamisukimachi, Hirosaki-shi
(about a 10-minute walk from Hirotaka-shita Station) - Closed: Open year-round (with occasional off-limits days for maintenance)
KW2 Hiroko-shita Station
Tsugaru Shamisen Izakaya Aiya
At Aiya, you can taste local dishes that have been enjoyed in the Tsugaru region for generations, and also experience live Tsugaru Shamisen performances. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Tsugaru’s culture all at once!
KW3 Hirosaki Gakuin-daimae Station
Jina-Kikko
Certified as an authentic Neapolitan pizza shop, Jina-Kikko has a playful name that sounds almost like a magic spell, derived from Japanese words for “flour” and “dough.” Their pizzas and pasta are both popular—definitely a must-try spot!
Rabbit Creek Tea Room
A quiet café focusing on Karel Čapek teas. You can enjoy scones and other treats at a leisurely pace. Due to limited seating, they allow up to three guests per group, making it ideal for solo visitors who want to relax.
Narnaru Park (Flying Witch Manga Location)
In the local manga “Flying Witch,” the magical creature Narnaru was captured at a park said to be Nishi-Hirosaki Children’s Park, right next to Rabbit Creek Tea Room. Although the playground equipment has changed and the atmosphere is different now, it’s a lovely spot in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
- Name: Nishi-Hirosaki Children’s Park
- Location: 1-7-2 Nakano, Hirosaki-shi
(about a 3-minute walk from Hirosaki Gakuin-daimae Station)
KW4 Sei-Ai Chuko-mae Station
Trampo Stadium
A facility full of trampolines for both kids and adults! Reservations are required, ensuring a comfortable crowd size where everyone can safely jump around to their heart’s content.
- Name: Trampo Stadium
- Location: 1-3-2 Matsubara-Higashi, Hirosaki-shi
(about a 10-minute walk from Sei-Ai Chuko-mae Station) - Tel: 0172-55-5405
- Website: Website
KW5 Sennen Station
Coffee Shiroi Tori
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, Coffee Shiroi Tori is a cozy café serving hand-drip coffee and old-fashioned custard pudding—delicious for all ages. The recommended item is their bread curry!
(See more in “Coffee Shiroi Tori—A Soothing Café in a Quiet Residential Area.”)
Seseragi Onsen
Besides day-use hot springs, they offer massage services and a training room—enough to keep you relaxed all day. The water temperature isn’t too high, so it’s comfortable for children to soak, too.
(For more details, see: “Six Day-Use Onsen in Southern Hirosaki—Spacious Facilities for a Little Indulgence.”)
KW6 Koguriyama Station
Kominka Sudatsu
This renovated old house offers retro-style household goods, antique items, and imported stationery—each piece is charming, stylish, and something you’ll want to treasure. The space itself is enchanting, so take your time browsing while savoring its nostalgic ambiance.
- Name: Kominka Sudatsu
- Location: 137 Komatsugazawa, Koguriyama, Hirosaki-shi
(about a 10-minute walk from Koguriyama Station) - Tel: 0172-78-1207
- Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00–15:00
- Weekends & Holidays: 10:00–17:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Website/Instagram:
Hakuba Ryujin Onsen
A hot spring known for its distinctively uneven floor and strong, hot water. The main public bath is usually kept at a higher temperature; if that’s not your style, consider renting a private family bath instead.
Koguriyama Noson Koryu Koen (Rural Exchange Park)
This park is designed to spark interest in agriculture; it includes a community farm and a children’s farm. With a spacious lawn, it’s great for picnics with the family.
- Name: Koguriyama Noson Koryu Koen
- Location: 220-1 Sawabe, Koguriyama, Hirosaki-shi
(about an 8-minute walk from Koguriyama Station) - Tel: 0172-40-7102 (Hirosaki City Hall Agricultural Policy Division)
KW7 Matsukidaira Station
HIROSAKI Shimizumori House
A renovated private home turned into a guesthouse (minpaku), set amid apple orchards and rice fields. You may forget you’re still in Hirosaki City! It’s ideal for an overnight with friends or family visiting the area.
(For more details, see: “HIROSAKI Shimizumori House—A Place for Farming Experiences, International Exchange & More.”)
KW8 Tsugaru-Ozawa Station
Farm Soma Tomato Direct Sales
Just a quick walk from Tsugaru-Ozawa Station, this popular farm stand sells mini tomatoes, local apples, and other produce grown around the Ozawa area. They’re typically open from around May to November, so check the season before you go!
- Name: Farm Soma Tomato Direct Sales
- Location: Near Tsugaru-Ozawa Station, Ozawa area, Hirosaki-shi
- Tel & Official Info:
KW10 Ishikawa Station
Hachiman-gu Shrine
Across various shrines in the Tsugaru region, you’ll see oni (demon) statues called “Tsugaru no Oniko” perched atop the torii gates. They often have a cute or charming look, and many people enjoy visiting multiple shrines to see them all. Hachiman-gu here also has an endearing oni statue—be sure to stop by!
- Name: Hachiman-gu Shrine
- Location: 62 Terayama, Ishikawa, Hirosaki-shi
(about a 5-minute walk from Ishikawa Station)
Daibutsu Park
A 15-minute stroll from Ishikawa Station brings you to Daibutsu Park, located where a castle is once said to have stood. No castle ruins remain, but the park is now known for its seasonal flowers—cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer—and sometimes hosts outdoor jazz concerts or other events. It’s a relaxing spot for adults, too.
- Name: Daibutsu Park
- Location: Daibutsu, Ishikawa, Hirosaki-shi
(about a 15-minute walk from Ishikawa Station) - Note: Closed in winter
Tsugaru Akatsuki no Kai
A group of local “kaccha” (mothers) who preserve and pass down traditional Tsugaru cuisine once prepared for weddings, funerals, and other gatherings. Their cooking highlights local and seasonal ingredients, and the experience of making it together is both nostalgic and full of new discoveries.
- Name: Tsugaru Akatsuki no Kai (Reservation Only)
- Location: 44-13 Iekishi, Ishikawa, Hirosaki-shi
(about a 5-minute walk from Ishikawa Station) - Open: Thu–Sun, 11:30–14:00 (They’ll prepare the meal according to your arrival time.)
- Website: https://tsugaruakatsuki.wixsite.com/tsugaru-akatsuki
KW11 Ishikawa Pool-mae Station
Onsui Pool Ishikawa
This heated swimming pool uses the excess heat from the adjacent waste incineration plant. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also promotes healthy recreation. There’s even an outdoor area suitable for walking and light activities.
- Name: Ishikawa Heated Pool
- Location: 125 Muramoto, Koganezaki, Hirosaki-shi
(Right near Ishikawa Pool-mae Station) - Tel: 0172-49-7081
- Closed: December 29–January 3
- Website: http://www.hirosaki-taikyo.com/web/facility08.html
KW12 Sabaishi Station
Sabaishi Drive-In
Located along National Route 7, parallel to the Konan Railway Owani Line, this drive-in serves inexpensive yet tasty dishes such as curry and ramen. If you’re coming by train, feel free to enjoy an alcoholic beverage there—yes, they do serve it—even though it’s a drive-in!
- Name: Sabaishi Drive-In
- Location: 2-1 Hirota, Sabaishi, Owani-machi
(about a 7-minute walk from Ishikawa Pool-mae Station) - Tel: 0172-48-4216
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057294436624
KW14 Owani Station
From O
A stylish café & bar launched by young locals (“wagemono”) who moved back to Owani after living elsewhere, hoping to revitalize their hometown. It’s open to everyone—from young to old—and even serves as a community hub. They organize Neputa festival floats, local events, and more.
- Name: cafe & Bar From O
- Location: 4-1 Owani-Owani, Owani-machi
(about a 5-minute walk from Owani Station) - Tel: 0172-55-9933
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/from_owani
Cafe RAITO
A café opened by someone who relocated from Aomori City to Owani, sharing space with a long-established souvenir store—directly across from Owani Station. It’s perfect for passing the time while waiting for your train. You’ll also find some lovely local crafts for sale, and they offer breakfast for those staying in the nearby onsen district.
- Name: Craft & Cafe RAITO
- Location: 68-10 Maeda, Owani-Owani, Owani-machi
- Hours: 9:00–18:00
- Closed: Thursdays
- Instagram:
- https://instagram.com/craftcaferaito
- https://instagram.com/oneupcoffee_owani (café-specific account)
Wanicome
A community center offering day-use hot springs, a farm stand, and a restaurant serving delicious Owani Onsen Bean Sprouts (“Owani Onsen Moyashi”). It’s just a five-minute walk from Owani Station, making it super convenient.
(For more info, see: “Owani Onsen—Take the Konan Railway from Hirosaki for a Quick Trip to a Hot Spring Town Full of Foot Baths!”)
Sample Itinerary to Fully Enjoy the Owani Line
Below is a day-trip model course that lets you explore highlights along the Konan Railway Owani Line without feeling rushed. It combines new spots, traditional sites, good food, and a bit of onsen relaxation.
- Visit Saishoin Temple
- Walk to Tomita no Shikko to see the famous spring water
- Walk to Hirotaka-shita Station and board the train
- Ride one station, get off at Hirosaki Gakuin-daimae Station
- Walk to Jina-Kikko for lunch
- Walk back to Hirosaki Gakuin-daimae Station, board the train
- Travel two stations, get off at Sennen Station
- Walk to Coffee Shiroi Tori
- Walk to Seseragi Onsen for a soak
- Return to Sennen Station, board the train
- Ride four stations to Central Hirosaki Station
- Use the passage to reach Yoshino-cho Green Space & Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Museum
- Stroll over to Dodenome Heyakko for dinner
This itinerary fits into a single day, but you could extend your trip and stay overnight at an Owani Onsen inn for a mini-vacation.
We hope you’ll ride the Konan Railway and enjoy discovering new places!
For timetables and discount ticket info:
