Shimokita Peninsula 2-Day Drive

Suggested Time
2 days / 1 nights
Transport Options
Drive
Season
All year around

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!

Start
Day1

Osorezan Reijo

Osorezan has been considered a sacred mountain for over 1,100 years ago since Jikakutaishi of Tendai Buddhism established it as a place of worship in 862.
Osorezan, also known as Usoriyama, is considered one of the three most sacred mountains in Japan, along with Koyasan and Hieizan.
The beauty of Chinoike Jigoku, Juuzai jigoku, Jigokudani, Sai no Kawara, Gokurakuhama and Sanzu no Kawa perfectly matches with Usoriyama Lake as the foliage around it changes color with the coming of the seasons.

Address
むつ市大字田名部字宇曽利山3-2
Telephone Number
0175-22-3825

Sun Mamoru Winery

Wine with a robust flavor made from Aomori-grown grapes

Taste the miraculous wine 

Address
むつ市川内町川代1-6
Telephone Number
0175-42-3870
Opening Times
April to December: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
January to March: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closures
April to December: Open daily
January to March: Irregular closings
Day2
 

Cape Shiriyazaki and Kandachime Horse

Cape Shiriyazaki, part of Shimokita Hanto Quasi-National Park, is located on the northernmost east edge of Honshu and features many wetlands and rare flowers and mountainous plants. A local symbol of the area is the Shiriyazaki Lighthouse, which was built in 1901 as the first electric lighthouse. Today, the structure is regarded as one of Japan’s top 50 lighthouses.


The Kandachime Horses


Kandachime horses, located throughout Cape Shiriyazaki, are characterized by their short legs and stout frames, which help protect them from the severe winter of the Shimokita peninsula. These local horses are protected and cherished as a prefectural Natural Treasure.


During the winter season, Cape Shiriyazaki becomes inaccessible, and the horses spend the season at a grazing land called “Ataka”. The horses’ perseverance through the harsh winters teach us about the importance and power of life. In spring, you can see adorable foals after the child-bearing season.

Address
下北郡東通村
Telephone Number
0175-27-2111
 

Quasi-National Park, Cape Oma

The black and white Oma Cape Lighthouse stands on Benteto Island of Oma Cape, which is designated as part of Shimokita Hanto Quasi-National Park. The Oma Cape Lighthouse has been chosen as one of the top 50 lighthouses of Japan. During the tuna fishing season (July-January), pole-and-line fishing boats can be seen from the cape.
Cape Oma is located on the northern most part of Honshu. On clear days, the city of Hakodate in Hokkaido can be seen across the ocean. Oma’s city symbol is a tuna pole-and-line fishing statue and a stone monument marking the northern most point of Japan’s main island, Honshu.. A common kitchen, free rest place (April-October), tent sites (free) are available nearby.


A 90-minute Ferry Ride to Hakodate

Oma is 17 km (10 miles) from Hakodate, a 90-minute ride on a ferry. Visitors can easily enjoy both Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori prefecture and the Donan, the southern region of Hokkaido. 

Address10 Netanai Oma-machi Shimokita-gun Aomori-ken 039-4601
Contact0175-37-3111
Hours of Opeartion5:30 ~ 19:00
URLTsugaru Kaikyo Ferry(English/Korean/Chinese)
Address
下北郡大間町大字大間平17-1
Telephone Number
0175-37-2111
 

“Arusas” – Tsugaru Kaikyo Cultural Center

Terminal for Hotokegaura-bound sightseeing ships and Aomori-bound passenger ships

Address
下北郡佐井村佐井大佐井112
Telephone Number
0175-38-4513
 

Hotokegaura

Nearly 20 million years ago, deep sea volcanic activity created a precipice of green volcanic tuff around the current village of Sai in the Shimokita peninsula. Over many years, the rough waves of Tsugaru Channel eroded the precipice turning it into a fantastically shaped rock formation that goes on for 2 km (1.2 miles) along the coast.
The rocks have been named after Buddha, thus the name Hotokegaura (Buddha’s Cove).
In 1934, a stretch along the coast of Hotokegaura was designated as an Aomori Natural Monument, and additionally as a national place of scenic beauty and a National Natural Monument in 1941.
A Jizodo (a hall dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu) is built on the Hotokegaura beach, where the Hotokegaura Festival is held for worship on July 24th every year.


Tsugaru Channel Cultural Center “Arusasu”

Arusasu is a tourist, cultural and industrial spot in Sai village. The regular ships and tourist boats to Hotoge-ga-ura depart from here, from Arusasu.


Address112 Osai, Sai-mura, Shimoita, Aomori 039-4711
Contact0175-38-4513
Hours of Operation6:00~17:45(April-October) 8:30~16:30(November-March)
Closed DaysNone
Admission FeeFree
URLBlog(Japanese)
Address
下北郡佐井村長後 縫道石国有林地内
Telephone Number
0175-38-2111
Goal

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