By train
The Tohoku Shinkansen provides hourly service from Tokyo station to Hachinohe. Trains are all-reserved and are known as Hayate ã¯ã㦠trains. The trains only stop at major stations such as Ueno, Omiya, Sendai and Morioka prior to reaching Hachinohe, then continue on to Aomori.
Hayate trains from Tokyo reach Hachinohe in three hours and cost ¥15,400 each way. For foreign tourists making the trip from Tokyo, the better deal is to purchase a JR East Rail Pass or the national Japan Rail Pass. Beware that the Hayate trains are coupled to Akita-bound Komachi trains, which split at Morioka sometimes Sendai, so be sure you're in the right train and car when boarding.
There are also various local, rapid, and limited express trains to Aomori and other points in Tohoku.
Also, if you're living in Japan it would be a good idea to watch out for the Hachinohe-Higairi Hachinohe-Day-Trip package offered by JR. This can be booked at the JTB or View Plaza counters at most major JR Stations.
Typically, during the winter season, the rail trip tickets are discounted to a total of ¥10,000 Return Tickets!! and they have extra options such as Shopping Tour extra ¥2,300 or the Onsen Trip ¥1,600 Onsen - Hot Spring Bath.
By bus
Towada Kanko Bus and Kokusai Kogyo bus operate an overnight bus service to Hachinohe from Tokyo Station and Ikebukuro 9 hours from Tokyo Station, ¥9500 one way, ¥17100 round trip.