Yadoya Tsubaki

I decided to come all the way from Tokyo to this location near Aomori in the middle of some heavy heavy snowfall and snow blizzards. Thankfully, the Ryokan is literally in front of the train station. This was very helpful in the middle of a white out snow blizzard. Expect this kind of weather in northern Aomori in mid-December. The train station Asamushi Onsen on the Aomori Railway is fairly straightforward to access from Aomori Station and brings you to the Ryokan fairly easily. There isn't a big sign which would have been helpful during a snow blizzard. Check-in was fairly easy , even with no Japanese, the lady understood the important basic things required for simple check in I needed to know. I had asked for an "ocean" view when booking and that was the best part really.. amazing view of Mutsu Bay from the room. The room was a really really big tatami floored room for just one. Nice softbeds, some loose matcha green tea leaves and tea set/kettle. Despite the spacious room, almost no space between ends of beds and cheap wardrobe. Kind of just shoved in there. TV and Japanese dining table although I didn't use them. And an Aomori Apple cake of some description to welcome, nice touch. Really annoying noisy air conditioner / heater, although managed to turn off the "swing" function that kept me awake. Reception had a nice log fire, but it's a kind of dark and creepy place. I guess there's not much happening here in mid-winter. Here was the onsen. Pretty standard bathing facility is you're familiar with these kinds of onsen. No view so nothing special or noteworthy to write. Had to use it as the room had no bathroom. I didn't eat meals here so cannot comment. The location is excellent, near some places to buy food and the other onsens and places of interest all nearby. I wonder if they need to update one or two things as it does feel kind of outdated but for the price and size of room, cannot complain.