First time to Northern Japan (part 1)

My friend from Vancouver has come for a visit to Japan and invited me to visit her hometown of Hirosaki city in Aomori prefecture.

So from May 4th to May 7th, I visited Kakunodate city in Akita prefecture and Hirosaki city and its surroundings in Aomori prefecture.

On May 4th, we took the midnight highway bus to Kakunodate. We left Tokyo at 10 PM and arrived the next day at about 7 AM....

On the bus at the very rear

We got on from Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal (4th stop from the right)

Honestly speaking, I don't know if I'd ever do this kind of trip again.... But it was a good experience!!

When we got there it was raining and quite chilly...

Kakunodate station

The main purpose for this trip was to visit the old homes that have been preserved since the late Edo to Meiji period. Also, to see the cherry blossoms.

Here are some shots of the old homes and some cherry blossoms.

Kitchen area

Living room

well

warehouse

After walking around for a few hours we headed back to the station to the take the local train to Hirosaki city in Aomori prefecture.

I'm glad I went but just wished it was warmer...