Ōwani Onsen Hot Spring Area

Because Hoshino Resorts' "Kai" is located in Owani Onsen, and the Owani Onsen express train stops right in Hirosaki, I made a point of visiting. The onsen resort is well-equipped and just a three-minute walk from the station. Owani also produces apples, kiwis, and unique hot spring bean sprouts; these sprouts are a foot long and sold in bundles. You can try the bean sprout ramen here. Buses from Owani Onsen to Hirosaki are infrequent, so check for the return bus before getting off to avoid missing it and having to wait a long time.

Decent little onsen town, but its not very popular. The town was dead, not many shops or things to see. Most of onsens are hotels and there are a couple of Public onsens and foot baths. It's a nice place to get away from everything, but don't expect to see alot to do here. There is a ski resort nearby but the town itself is very quiet and simple. Good views of the river and mountains but all in all i was a bit dissapointed. However it's easy to get to by train as JR ou main line and Konan owani line run to the town.

This hot spring resort is said to have a history of over 800 years. The overall atmosphere is very sophisticated. There seem to be a lot of hot spring guesthouses, so I think it's more suited to people who just want to enjoy the hot springs or for a hot spring cure. There are also several public baths, so I thought it was a great place for hot spring lovers.

March 31, r6 I mainly strolled around, stopping off at the foot baths, but they were closed in the winter. 🥲 I visited a colorful temple (with a magnificent Buddha statue), took a short hike to the observation deck (overlooking Owani Town), and took a leisurely stroll along the river (there was a black cat!) It was surprisingly fun.

I visited Aoba Kaikan, one of several public baths in Owani Onsen. It was a nice, hot spring. Perhaps because I visited in the evening, there was a constant stream of locals. There is parking for about 10 cars.