Shimokita Peninsula

Top Things to do

• Osorezan Bodaiji Temple

  4.5

  104 Reviews

  Aomori Pref. Mutsushi Tanabu Ugo Toshiyama 3-2

  Osorezan, which was founded in 862 by Jikaku Taishi, is one of Japan’s three largest reizan (sacred mountains) which also include Hiezan and Koya-san. It prospered as a place for the Tendai sect of Shugendo (a Japanese mountain asceticism incorporating Shinto and Buddhist concepts). Sights to see include the arching bridge over what is supposed to represent the Sanzu no Kawa (which has to be crossed by all dead souls on their way to afterlife and is often compared to the River Styx of ancient Greek mythology), Jigokudani (Hell Valley), and the beautiful Sai no Kawara (Dry Bed of the River of Souls) that makes one think of the Sukhavati (Amitabha’s Pure Land).

• Misawa Aviation & Science Museum, Aomori

  4.5

  166 Reviews

  Aomori Pref. Misawashi Misawa Kitayama 158

  This is an aero science hall located in a corner of “Misawa Sky Park” neighboring Misawa airport. It was opened in August 2003 with the theme of “Aviation” and the “Sky.” On the first floor of the building, a YS-11, used as a Japan Air Commuter, is displayed unchanged since its time of active service. In addition, outside the Museum, a replica of Miss Veedol is on display in the Sky Park. Visitors can enjoy seeing, touching and learning about aviation history. The second floor is a science museum with hands-on exhibits, consisting of a corner where experiences and experiments can be done, and the third floor has an observation deck overlooking Misawa airfield.

• Roadside Station Yokohama Nanohana Plaza

  4.0

  54 Reviews

  Aomori Pref. Kamikitagunyokohamamachi Hayashinowaki 79-12

  A roadside station located in Yokohama Town, which has the largest area dedicated to growing canola flowers, known as nanohana in Japanese, in the country. In Nanohana Plaza, you can buy canola flower donuts, vegetables picked that morning, and Japanese scallops from Mutsu Bay. The station's unique building was also modeled after a Japanese scallop.

• Sky Plaza MISAWA

  3.0

  48 Reviews

  Aomori Misawa-shi Chuocho 2-8-34

  In part because of the American military base, Misawa City is a center of international exchange, and this shopping mall is located in a part of the city known as America Village. The mall is filled with establishments with a strong focus on the American military base, the United States, and all things international. There's also restaurant where you can enjoy authentic pizzas baked in a brick oven imported from Naples Italy; as well as a cafe where you can enjoy sandwiches and baked goods along with a cup of coffee made using a cutting edge espresso machine.

• Omazaki Cape

  Aomori Pref. Shimokitagunomamachi Oma Omataira

  Located on the northernmost tip of Honshu, Japan’s largest island, Omazaki Cape looks out over the Tsugaru Straits. There is a stone engraved with the words “This is the northernmost point of Honshu” and when the weather is clear one can look out and see Hokkaido’s Hakodate across the straits. Since Oma is famous for tuna, the giant statue of a tuna that represents fishing is a popular spot for commemorative photos.

• Oma Tourist Souvenir Center

  4.0

  17 Reviews

  Aomori Pref. Shimokitagunomamachi Oma Hei 17-728

  A souvenir shop located on the northernmost tip of Honshu. As well as tuna, the specialty of Oma, and processed food made from sea urchin and scallop, the shop sells stickers, tote bags and various original tuna themed goods. Their most popular product is their original product, salted tuna fish guts.

• Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry Daikan Maru (Hakodate—Oma)

  Aomori Pref. Shimokitagunomamachi Oma Netanai 10

  The ferry terminal connects Oma at the northern most point of Honshu with Hokkaido by the shortest route. There are two round trips a day, and the one-way trip takes 90 minutes. Since the Hakodate Maru, Japan’s first open ocean ferry, went into service in 1964 connecting Oma and Hakodate in 90 minutes, it has become established as a lifeline route and is now also designated as a maritime road as National Highway No. 279. It is also perfect for enjoying Hokkaido with a car and your pet dog, and various facilities that cater for pet dogs are available on board.

• Omanzoku

  4.0

  67 Reviews

  Aomori Shimokita-gun Omamachi Oma Taira 17-377

  This is a small restaurant at Omataira, Oma, Oma Town, ShimokitaCounty. The eatery specializes in locally caught tuna and seafood entrees and combo meals such as the tri-color tuna donburi bowl, or the tri-color tuna combo meal, which includes fatty tuna and medium-fatty tuna, and the seafood donburi bowl or combo meals, and also offers entrees. From July through December, the tuna catching season, one may have the chance to watch a whole tuna being cut and prepared.

• Roadside Station Wakinosawa Refresh Center Taranosato

  3.0

  14 Reviews

  Aomori Pref. Mutsushi Wakinosawa Shichibiki 201-5

  A roadside station located in a naturally beautiful area adjoining a campground with cottages and a monkey park with Japanese macaques. The station has a restaurant as well as a souvenir shop carrying a large selection of local specialty products.