Aomori Prefecture is a vast area where getting around takes a bit of planning and coordination prior to embarking on the journey to this beautiful region. Compared to the more central regions of Japan, it takes longer to move around from town to town, with some locations harder to reach via public transportation. Yet, there are enough transportation options available and whether via train, car, or bus, you will find a way to cover the must-see areas of the prefecture.
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01
Tohoku Shinkansen
First of all, you will need to get to Aomori. If traveling from Tokyo, the most convenient way to reach the northern tip of Honshu is via the Tohoku Shinkansen. This is Japan’s longest shinkansen line and for approximately 17,500 yen it will get you from Tokyo Station to Shin Aomori Station in just over 3 hours. From Shin Aomori Station take the local train on the Ou Line and get off at Aomori Station. Flying is a faster alternative and flights from Tokyo are covered by JAL, and although this is another reliable option the convenience of getting on the Shinkansen and enjoying the views of Japan’s northern countryside is a huge advantage in favour of taking the high speed train to Aomori.
![Tohoku Shinkansen]()
Tohoku Shinkansen
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02
Rental Car
Once in Aomori, there are a few options available for moving around the prefecture. To covering the largest number of places in the least amount of time, and for getting to the hard to reach places, the best option is to drive. There are several car rental companies in Aomori City with comparable prices and services, and choosing any of the big brands is a pretty safe bet. If you decide to rent a car, it is wise to make a reservation prior to arriving in Aomori, as rental cars are a popular transportation option here, even more so during the summer months. Also keep in mind that large highways are not common in the prefecture so to reach many places you will be driving on single lane winding roads.
![Rental Car]()
Rental Car
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03
JR and Konan Bus Services
Both the JR Tohoku and Konan Bus lines cover the Tokyo-Aomori route and offer bus services around Aomori Prefecture. From Tokyo, the trip to Aomori takes about 11 hours and costs between 5,000 and 6,000 yen. If you decide to travel overnight the price increases up to 9,500 yen but the seats are more comfortable. These two bus companies also offer routes for moving around within the prefecture. The JR bus is a good option for those traveling to Lake Towada, as the trip takes 3 hours and costs around 3,000 yen. Konan Bus company has good coverage of Hirosaki and its surroundings, including the Hirosaki City Loop bus which will take you around the city centre for 100 yen.
![JR and Konan Bus Services]()
JR and Konan Bus Services
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04
Aomori Local Train Lines
![Aomori Local Train Lines]()
Aomori Local Train Lines
Another alternative for those travelers not wanting to rush around Aomori is riding the local trains around the prefecture. This is not a bad alternative if you want to take your time and allows you to enjoy the scenery of Aomori at your leisure. The main lines are: the Ou Line connecting Hirosaki with Aomori; the Gono Line which connects Hirosaki with Senjojiki and eventually Akita Prefecture; the Aomori Tetsudo Line connecting Aomori with Hachinohe; the Ominato Line which takes travelers up to Mutsu City on the Shimokita Peninsula; and the Tsugaru Line which goes up as far as Minmaya Bay on the Tsugaru side of Aomori.
![Aomori Local Train Lines]()
Aomori Local Train Lines
Hotel Route Inn Aomori Ekimae
1-1-24 Shinmachi Aomori
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