
ABOUT IWAKISO
Enjoy an “azumashii” moment of comfort at “Genki Monogatari no Yado” (the Inn of the Spirited Tale).
Mount Iwaki, the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture, is a place where the gods dwell and where the culture of Tsugaru is nurtured.
Mount Iwaki was once called “Asobe no Mori,” giving the name of “Asobe no Mori Iwakiso.”
The flow of time yields a flood of energy from the sacred mountain.
We call this the “Genki Monogatari” (“The Spirited Tale”).
Found in the midst of the tale by Mount Iwaki, the inn offers a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.
The rich nature and culture of Tsugaru Fuji, the warmth of the hot springs and people, and the cuisine filled with seasonal delicacies…
Please enjoy the “azumashi” moment of comfort that will rejuvenate your being to your heart’s content.
We look forward to welcoming you at the Inn of the Spirited Tale.
About Mt. Iwaki
Mount Iwaki is the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture, standing at 1625m above sea level. The summit is divided into three peaks, and the beautiful shape of the mountain is as the kanji character for “mountain” suggests. Osamu Dazai, a famous local writer, described it as “a beautiful woman so beautiful that looks like she is wearing a twelve-layered kimono.” It has been selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan.
Mount Iwaki is an irreplaceable symbol for the people of the Tsugaru region, who have long cherished the mountain, calling it “o-iwakiyama” or ”o-iwaki-sama.”
The shape of the mountain differs depending on the direction of view, and the people living in Tsugaru are proud of the unique shape of Mount Iwaki that can be seen from each locality.

History of Asobe no Mori Iwakisou
Iwakiso opened in 1964 as a government affiliated lodge.
In 2000, it was renovated as “Asobe no Mori Iwakiso,” named after the ancient name of Mount Iwaki, “Asobe no Mori.”
“Asobe” means ‘fire-breathing mountain’ in Ainu language.
It refers to Mount Iwaki, a stratovolcano, and the surrounding area is said to be a fertile place where the Jomon culture flourished.
The exterior of the inn blends in with the scenery of Mount Iwaki, the restaurant is made of oak wood, the baths are scented with Aomori hiba (cypress), and the facilities are built to be completely accessible.
The inn was built with the concept of embracing both people and nature, designed to encourage interaction among the people who gather here.
Come and enjoy a relaxing time at Iwakiso, where every detail has been carefully considered.
1964 | Main building opened |
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2000 | New building opened |
2005 | Guest rooms with open air baths open |
2006 | Restaurant “Wadona” opens, a reproduction of a traditional Japanese house |
2016 | Completion of seismic diagnosis of the main building |
2019 | New smoking room opened |
How to spend your time at Asobe no mori Iwakisou
At Asobe no Mori Iwakiso, you can enjoy a relaxing time in the midst of nature, a short distance from the city center.
Please enjoy a high quality of relaxation while experiencing the beauty and grandeur of nature.
Check-in

Please check in at the front desk first.
If you arrive early, please enjoy a break in the warm lounge richly made of wood, or by the traditional sunken hearth irori.
How to Enjoy Your Stay

Kimonos are available in each guest room. We have a variety of sizes for children and adults.
You are welcome to wear the kimonos inside the hotel. Please use it at the hot springs, restaurants, and stores.
A hot spring bath is the best cure to relieve travel fatigue.
Iwakiso’s hot spring water is free-flowing. Come and relax at your leisure.
On sunny days, we recommend taking a commemorative photo from the rooftop with a close-up view of Mount Iwaki (excluding winter).
Every evening at 8:30pm, a live Tsugaru Shamisen music is performed in the inn. Come and enjoy the powerful sound of the shamisen.
About the Hot Spring


Dining

Dinner can be enjoyed at “Asobe no Mori” restaurant or “Wadoka”, a restaurant in a restored traditional Japanese house (*except for overnight stays with no meal plan).
Enjoy a different menu depending on the season, as we use seasonal ingredients produced in Aomori Prefecture.
Breakfast is a buffet meal at the Asobe no Mori restaurant.
Open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., come and enjoy the view from the large windows of this restaurant.
Please enjoy a nutritious breakfast of local dishes, pickles, 100% apple juice, etc., which is the pride of Iwakiso.



Exploring the Surrounding Area

A visit the Iwakiyama Shrine, which is within walking distance, is a popular activity to explore the surrounding area.
A walk to enjoy the nature of Mount Iwaki, the highest mountain in Aomori Prefecture, is another activity that is highly recommended.
There is a walking trail in the forest on the facility’s premises. You can start with a short stroll.
The early morning walking tour takes you to Tsuruta’s Tsurunomai Bridge and Hirosaki City’s Zenrin-gai, while the evening walking tour takes you to recommended seasonal spots, such as firefly watching.