Mt Hakkoda & Oirase Stream in December

Hi,

We are a planning a trip to Aomori in December and would like to visit Mount Hakkoda (to enjoy the snow) and Oirase Stream. May we ask if there are trains or buses from around JR Aomori Station to these places in December? Are these transport covered by JR Pass?

Thank you very much for your advice.

Due to probable adverse weather conditions, the JR Tohoku buses that operates to Towadako from Aomori or Hachinohe don't operate in the winter months.

http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/route/detail/?PID=9&RID=14

I do remember driving my own car to Oirase in winter with snow tires and it was quite treacherous. I tried a few times with some of my friends on base and we never really made it there. We had to turn back. The snow markers on the sides of the road can be over 12 feet high.

The bus to Oirase is usually suspended from mid Nov due to winter. Not sure if the road itself will be accessible i.e. if you're driving, but it's quite a long and winding road.

http://www.en-aomori.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/timetable_oirase20...

I'm not sure for Mt Hakkoda but since there are some winter attractions, there may be some public transportation available.