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Kuroishi (黒石) is a city in Aomori, Japan.
Understand
[edit]Get in
[edit]Kuroishi is served by Konan Railway (弘南鉄道 Kōnan Tetsudō). You can transfer to Konan Railway at Hirosaki and ride to Kuroishi Station, the last stop on the line. From Aomori there are buses to Kuroishi.
Get around
[edit]The historic district is within walking distance of Kuroishi Station. There are buses to the Kuroishi Onsen area.
See
[edit]- 1 Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum (津軽こけし館). The museum is on the second floor of the building. It features kokeshi dolls from each of Tohoku's kokeshi schools along with specifics about the Tsugaru-style kokeshi. On the first floor, you can see "Japan's Biggest Jumbo Kokeshi", a 4.219m tall kokeshi painted to mimic the style of Mori Hidetaro, the founder of Tsugaru Kokeshi, to commemorate the opening of the Shin-Aomori Shinkansen Station the year it opened in 2010. On the first floor, they sell a wide variety of kokeshi and kokeshi-themed goods. They also offer kokeshi-painting (see "Do") ¥300.
- 2 Takahashi Residence (高橋家住宅). 09:00-16:00 from late April to mid-November. A National Important Property, it's an Edo Period building used to supply the Kuroishi Domain with rice husks. It was also used as a secret meeting place for high-ranking officials. There was a hidden room with ways to sneak in undetected that has a moon-viewing window. The building has remained with the Takahashi family and as of 2025 the owner is the 14th generation of the family who operates a cafe from the building.
- 3 Kanehiranarien Garden (金平成園). 9:30-16:00 from late April to Nov, Closed Mo. A garden completed in 1902, it is considered to be an exemplary Oishi Bugaku-ryu-style garden, which originates from and was popular in Aomori at the time. ¥400.
Do
[edit]- Kokeshi Painting. 9:00-17:00. You can paint your own Tsugaru Kokeshi under the guidance of an actual kokeshi artisanat the Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum. Same-day reservations are possible for single travelers or pairs, but advance reservations are required for larger groups. They can accommodate groups of up to 200 people. ¥1500.
- 1 Nuruyu Onsen (鶴の名湯 温湯温泉 Tsuru no Meitō Nuruyu Onsen). 05:00-22:00. A daytripper onsen in the Kuroishi Onsen area. ¥300.
- 2 Ochiai Public Bathhouse (落合共同浴場). A small public hot spring frequented by locals. It's a convenient way to experience the less touristy local onsen in a place that still has tourist attractions.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Tsugaru Komise Eki (津軽こみせ駅). 8:30-17:15. A souvenir shop on the historic Nakamachi Komise Street where you can buy Tsugaru kokeshi and other local products and snacks. They also have live Tsugaru shamisen performances.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Pokhara Dining (ポカラダイニング). An Indian/Nepalese restaurant.
- 2 Inoda (野田). Lunch11:00-13:30, Dinner 17:00-21:30. A Japanese restaurant with nabe, ramen, and soba dishes.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Komise no Yado Hotel Houshun (こみせの宿 ホテル逢春). Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Located in one of the buildings on the Komise Historic Street. They have Japanese and Western-style rooms, including one that allows pets.
- 2 Hotel Azumashiya (ホテルあずまし屋). Check-in: 15:00-17:30, check-out: 10:00. Has Japanese-style rooms and its own onsen.