Itinerary for self drive from Shin-Aomori to Hakkoda Ropeway, Oirase Stream and last stop at Lake Towada during autumn season. Continue the journey toward Hachimantai, Nyuto Onsen and Lake Tazawa in second day.
The roadside and nature scenery in early November is worth the road trip! You can enjoy the beautiful autumn colors along the way and a great way to rejuvenate your soul too.
We collect the rented car from the Shin-Aomori station. Our first overnight location is Lake Towada Hostel and followed by Lake Tazawa for second night.
For the first day, we are afraid for the night time come early due to autumn season, we only visit the places for a short awhile.
Our first day itinerary as following:

For the video in first day, please view here.
1. Transfer from Aomori to Shin-Aomori by local train
2. Collect the car from Budget Car Rental , you need to book the car in advance through online
https://www.budgetrentacar.co.jp/shop/0750/
3. First stop: Restaurant name is Kayano Cyaya 萱野茶屋 (Convenience Store with Food for brunch)

4. Hakkoda Ropeway-八甲田ロープウェー 山麓駅
5. 渓流の駅おいらせ(Oirase Stream area)
Our Tips: We just arrived here for a quick walk for enjoy the surrounding and have wonderful meals before the next journey start.

6. LAST STOP for the day-Lake Towada

For video in Lake Towada, please view here.
We arrived at about 3plus evening and luckily still have the chance to peek the evening view of Lake Towada. However, be aware that it is very cold and windy at evening time.
Our second day itinerary start with a short tour at Lake Towada to enjoy the morning view at lakeside.
After breakfast, we continue our journey by the following:

For the second day video, please view here.
7. Onuma nature trail, Hachimantai alps

9. TOWADA-HACHIMANTAI NATIONAL PARK/ 黑台山-
Our tips: The temperature drop the more we drive up to the altitude, be careful when driving especially during cloudy day!

9. Tamagawa dam
Our tips: The blue-green color of the water is so wonderful and worth to stop here for photoshot.

10. NYUTO ONSEN VILLAGE
Our tips: There has view onsen at this area. We went to Nyuto Onsen village as it has the restaurant and cafe for meal.

11. LAKE TAZAWA in AKITA!

13. Stay in the hostel –cafe + inn That Sounds Good!
Our tips: We really enjoy the atmosphere in this hostel, the great Japanese food, friendly owners and music and books!


For the video of stay in cafe+inn hotel, please watch here.
The next day, we drove back to Shin-Aomori to return the rental car. We hope this itinerary give you some tips to insights in Japan Tohoku.