Accommodation & Experiences
Kuroishi, Aomori
Min 1, Max 9
Aomori Kurahaku Lodging: Traditional Stay with Exclusive Experiences
What you can expect
Feel this history through this traditional accommodation, a converted storage house, centuries old, that is now a cozy accommodation
Exclusive Samurai, Shamisen (traditional stringed instrument) and Bridal Kimono experiences which are exclusive and only available to those staying at Kurahaku
Immersed in nature and enjoy incredible foliage
Kitchen and BBQ facilities
A convenient location to explore all the best of Kuroishi & Hirosaki in Aomori
A Family Mart located opposite the accommodation - perfect for a late night snack or getting convenient supplies!
Location & how to get there
From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station and then take the local line to Namioka Station
Pick up is available from Namioka Station (please let your host know in advance)
By Car: The most convenient way to get to the location and explore the area is by car. Rent a car from Shin-Aomori Station and drive for approximately 30 minutes to Aomori-Kurahaku
Read our guides on Driving in Japan and Renting a Car in Japan for more information!
Description
Aomori Kurahaku is a centuries old traditional warehouse which has been restored and transformed into a cozy accommodation that blends centuries old craftsmanship with modern comfort. Surrounded by earthen walls, timber beams and incredible architecture, this unique accommodation features decor that showcases the real history of Aomori and Kuroishi: from drawers passed down through generations, a retro film projector from an actual cinema in Kuroishi, to the impressive Nebuta artwork standing proud in the living room.
Sleeping up to 9, this unique stay is perfect for friends, families and groups looking to explore the deep north of Japan and truly comes alive in all seasons, whether its fluffy cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant maple leaves in autumn or soft falling snow in winter, this place is perfect all year round.
The property also has a private historical folk house that can be used exclusively by your group and is where you can partake in the unique experiences that are exclusive to guests.
Exclusive experiences
The following exclusive experiences are available for staying guests:
Bridal Kimono (free): A rare opportunity to try on the most luxurious and extravagant of all kimono! Usually reserved for the once and a lifetime occasion of getting married, at Kurahaku you can slip on the bridal shiromuku or iro-uchikake kimono overcoat and get a feel for this gorgeous traditional garment and take photos to your hearts content.
For an additional fee of ¥20,000 per person you can get the full bridal experience (without the need of actually getting married!) with the complete bridal kimono set. This includes the real formal kimono worn under the overcoat, a professional hairstylist to do your hair and accessories, as if you were an actual bride getting ready for the big day! Take your time in the folk house, getting all the perfect shots.
Shamisen Performance & Lesson (free*): Be treated to a powerful evening of Tsugaru shamisen (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument) performance from local Kuroishi talent, and learn how to play yourself! Originating in Aomori prefecture, Tsugaru shamisen sets itself apart from other shamisen performances with its striking rhythm and showmanship, and there’s no better place to learn than right here in the heartland of Tsugaru.
If you are staying for 2 nights or more, you can receive this experience for free, otherwise it is available for an additional fee of ¥7,000 per group.
Samurai Swordsmanship Experience (free): Slip back in time with an all in one samurai experience - wear traditional Hakama (kimono for sports and Swordmanship) and practice the art of the sword with Kurahaku owner, Ginya Tateyama. After practising your form and getting it just right, make your best pose in front of a specially prepared photo spot which looks like you could be on the set of Shogun.
Fruit and Vegetable Harvesting (free): In a true example of countryside hospitality, try the best that the land has to offer. Depending on the season, you can help yourself to the fresh tomatoes and vegetables growing in the garden during summer, or pick chestnuts in autumn.
BBQ Rental (¥5,000 per group): Rent a gas grill, and organise your ideal BBQ. Stop by at local markets, roadside stores, pick up everything and get the grill going for an outdoor lunch! The rental fee is for the use of the BBQ and does not include any food.
Other things to note
Booking of the accommodation is available through external booking sites: booking.com and AirBnB and is subject to the terms & conditions from those sites
Once a booking has been made, you will receive an email with more information about the exclusive experiences including how to reserve your preferred time slot
Booking of experiences is subject to the same cancellation policies as the booking of your accommodation
FAQs
Meet the Hosts
The Tateyama's are a husband and wife duo who are true Kuroishi locals
They have been running this Kurahaku accommodation since 2023 with the hopes of sharing what life was like in Kuroishi centuries ago to those visiting
Yoshiko Tateyama is in charge of the day to day at the accommodation and will go out of her way with local recommendations, helping recommend and book places to eat as well as organising all these unique experiences
Most of the unique antiques are the collection of Ginya Tateyama as he loves to find hidden treasures at local antique stores and flea markets. Although mostly hidden behind the scenes, he will show you the ropes when it comes to the samurai sword experience!
About the area
Aomori Kurahaku is in an ideal location to base your self as you explore both Kuroishi City, Hirosaki and beyond!
It is a 15 minute walk (or less than 5 minute drive) to the historic Komise street, one of the oldest remaining shopping streets in Japan with its unique feudal style architecture, local souvenir stores, restaurants and cafes
It is a 10 minute walk (or 2 minute drive) from the only Apple Research Institute in Japan! This historic building is covered in ivy that transforms in the different seasons!
