Aoni Onsen

What to know

Aoni Onsen (青荷温泉) is a remote hot spring in Aomori Prefecture, nestled deep in a forested valley between Hirosaki and Lake Towada. This secluded onsen consists of a single accommodation facility famous for its lack of electricity and cell phone reception.

Lamp no Yado, the lodging at Aoni Onsen, comprises several buildings set along the Aoni River and surrounded by forest. Hundreds of oil lamps, lit every evening, are the symbol of the inn and provide illumination throughout the property. There are four different baths at Lamp no Yado, each with its own atmosphere, and they are open to day visitors as well. Three of the baths are gender-separated. One of the four baths at Aoni Onsen. The rooms are simple and basic; guests must lay out and remove their own futon and sheets. Since there is no electricity, rooms have no TVs or power outlets. Oil heaters provide extra warmth in colder months. Toilets are shared and also lit by oil lamps. Meals are served in a communal dining room, with some dishes like soup and rice being self-service.

Staying at the secluded Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen appeals to those seeking a rustic hot spring experience while disconnecting from the outside world. Overnight rates including dinner and breakfast start from 14,000 yen.

Take the Konan Railway from Hirosaki Station to its terminal, Kuroishi Station (35 minutes, 470 yen one way, one train per hour).

From April to November, take a bus from Kuroishi Station to Nijinoko Koen (虹の湖公園, 35 minutes, 770 yen, buses every 2-4 hours). From there, complimentary shuttle buses run to Lamp no Yado in about 20 minutes. From December to March, buses to Nijinoko Koen are even less frequent, and shuttle buses run directly from Kuroishi Station via Nijinoko Koen to Lamp no Yado. Reservations are required for the shuttle bus.

You can also drive to Aoni Onsen by car in about one hour from central Hirosaki.