Amazing AOMORI

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.