Tsugaru No Yado Hirosakiya

February 7, 2026 The owners told me about the Hirosaki Lantern Festival and Hirosaki Neputa Village, so I was able to make a last-minute trip to see them. The Lantern Festival only ran for a short time, which made it a special chance to experience it. At Neputa Village, I learned about the different festivals held in various regions. It was a really meaningful visit. The accommodation was impeccable and warm enough that I didn't feel the cold outside. The owners even cleaned the snow-covered wheels on my suitcases, and there were two hair dryers. They paid attention to what I needed throughout my stay. Thank you so much for the hospitality. I definitely plan to stay here again when I visit Hirosaki.

I was impressed by how much thought has gone into this place, from the easy-to-use stairs and handrails to room keys that are simple to insert. The two-story building has an elevator, so large bags are easy to manage. In winter, the big wood-burning stove makes the inn a relaxing place to sit and watch the flames. Covered parking for six cars is right out front, letting you enter without getting wet in rain or snow. At the entrance, there are traditional crafts, including Jomon pottery, kokeshi dolls, kogin embroidery, Kanayama ware, and Tsugaru lacquerware. The hotel is in Ekimae 2-Chome, a three-minute walk from Hirosaki Station, and has 15 rooms, 10 Western-style and five Japanese-style. Tsugaru lacquerware and beechwood details give the interiors an Aomori feel. Western rooms have pocket coil beds, while Japanese rooms have Ryukyu tatami and solid Aomori cypress fittings. They’re simply furnished with the essentials, and the roomy desks and good lighting make it easy to work. All rooms are non-smoking, and it’s so clean you can walk barefoot comfortably. The Aomori cypress bath is a highlight. You can reserve it privately for 30 minutes, and the cypress scent and illuminated Neputa floats make it a nice place to unwind after traveling. There are unit baths in the rooms too, but most guests seem to use the cypress bath. Breakfast is a homemade Tsugaru-style meal using local ingredients, with seasonal dishes like bracken and wild vegetables in ohitashi, simmered food, and grilled mackerel. Everything is made in-house. The miso soup is warming and not too spicy, and the included apple juice is a nice, balanced start to the day. Coffee is available too, and some people take it back to their rooms. Instead of yukata, the inn provides samue-style work clothes, with different colors for men and women and contrasting piping on the collars. The slippers are washable, which feels hygienic. Amenities include toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, conditioner, and body soap.

I was here on a business trip. The private bath was great, and I also liked the wood-burning stove. Breakfast was delicious and just the right amount, and the price was reasonable. The staff were especially friendly.

There’s a lovely atmosphere here, with clean rooms that are a decent size. It’s around a four-minute walk from the station, and I found it a comfortable place to stay.