Plan your Aomori road trip!
Recommended driving routes for sightseeing in the Shimokita and Nambu areas
The Shimokita Peninsula in the northernmost part of Aomori Prefecture offers a myriad of appeals with delicious freshly caught Oma tuna, invigorating hot springs, and the sacred Mount Osorezan. Meanwhile, the Nambu area in the eastern part of the prefecture is home to the stunning natural scenery of Lake Towada and the Oirase Stream. Come to the vibrant port city of Hachinohe to enjoy eating, drinking, and socializing at traditional food stalls, as well as the beauty of the Tanesashi Coast. Driving is one of the best ways to experience these amazing regions, allowing you to set your own itinerary and visit attractions that may be less accessible via public transportation. The following recommended driving routes will help you make the most of your time to enjoy everything the Shimokita and Nambu areas have to offer.
1. Shimokita Peninsula 2-Day Drive
Incredible scenery both of the sea and the mountains.
Let’s go to the northernmost island of Honshu–Shimokita Peninsula!
Shimokita Peninsula faces the Pacific Ocean, Tsugaru strait, and Mutsu Bay.
As such, it offers a wide variety of stunning sceneries, as well as exquisite seafoods such as Oma’s fresh-caught tuna and Kazamaura’s squid!
2. Enjoy activities at Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada
Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada are famous for their fresh greenery and autumn colors.
Nature that makes you want to take a deep breath is spreading.
Experience a memorable experience with activities that come into contact with nature, such as mountain stream walks, canoeing on Lake Towada, and tours by nature guides.
3. Autumn 1night 2day route
Towada Kohan Yasumiya (Central area along Lake Towada. There are many sights to see including the “Otome-no-zo” a symbolic statue along Lake Towada), Towadako Pleasure Boat (Enjoy the contrast of beautiful foliage and the blue of the water), Oirase Keiyu (One of the famous foliage spots in Japan. Mountain streams and many waterfalls bring out the color of the foliage), Towada Onsen Village (The starting point for sightseeing in Oirase Keiryu. Relax in an onsen bath while enjoying the view of the mountain stream), Tsuta Onsen (Take a leisurely stroll around the beech forest and ponds near the onsen), Jogakura Ohashi Bridge (The view of foliage from the hanging bridge 122 meters above the ground is impressive), Sukayu Onsen (Famous for its 1,000-person cypress bath, the atmosphere of the onsen area and the great effect of onsen water), Hakkoda Ropeway (The gondola takes its passengers 1,200 meters high over the carpet of autumn foliage covering the Hakkoda Mountains) Best Foliage Time: Towada Kohan / Oirase Keiryu (Mid October to early November), Tsuta Onsen, Jogakura Ohashi Bridge, Sukayu Onsen (Early to late October), Hakkoda Ropeway destination (Mid September to mid October) *Lake Towada Pleasure Boat: boat bound for Yasumiya departing at 1:15pm operates until November 10th, departing at 1:45pm operates to November 20th. During the winter season, departure and arrival only from Yasumiya.
4. Drive around the Shimokita Peninsula! Let's go eat tuna in Oma!
Oma Town is known as the "Tuna Town".
Introducing a course that goes around the Shimokita Peninsula to eat fresh "Oma tuna" that can only be eaten here.
5. Gourmet tour of Shimokita
Asamushi Onsen (Outside of Aomori City. There is a live Tsugaru Shamisen performance from 8:30 p.m .every day), Roadside Station Yokohama (A rape blossom field nearby turns the area into yellow carpet in May), Tsugaru Kaikyo Cultural Center Arusas (A starting point for travel through Hotokegaura, enjoy locally caught fresh seafood, including sea urchin), Hotokegaura (A famous sight of huge uniquely shaped rocks), Omazaki (The northernmost point on the main island, and tuna caught in the area have become brand-name fish), Yagen Onsen (Located in the forest, the open-air bath by the stream is popular), Osorezan (One of the three major holy sites in Japan), Hasshoku Center (Huge suburban market with many restaurants serving fresh seafood at reasonable prices), Tanesashi Beach (A beautiful landscape with an expanse of natural grass)
6. Enjoy nature and seafood in Hachinohe
Why don't you enjoy the special seafood in the vibrant port city of Hachinohe?
In Hachinohe, you can enjoy a variety of landscapes such as Kabushima, which is a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls, and Tanesashi Natural Lawn, where natural lawns spread.
This course is recommended for those who want to enjoy Hachinohe.
