Shimokita Peninsula

Top Things to do

• 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.

• Osorezan Bodaiji Temple

  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).

• 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.

• Hotokegaura

  Sai village in Shimokita-gun, Aomori Prefecture

  Hotokegaura is a series of impressive giant and oddly shaped rock formations extending about two kilometers along the coast. The crashing waves continually erode the rock face, and the resulting effects are mysterious and an amazing sight, especially given the contrast between the broad, blue sea and the gray rocks. It is believed that these rocks were created by undersea volcanic activity about 20 million years ago. While the rocks are visible from land, it is also possible to take an excursion boat to see them from the sea.

• Rokkasho Visitors Center

  Aomori Pref. Kamikitagunrokkashomura Obuchi Kamiobuchi 2-42

  A visitor’s center for the nuclear fuel cycling center located in almost the exact venter of Rokkasho Village on the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. The building is modeled after a nuclear fuel cycle ring. The third floor offers a sweeping 360 degree panorama of the Mt. Hakkoda, the Pacific Ocean, and the nuclear fuel cycling facility. Through large models, videos, information panels, and games, visitors can have fun learning about the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant. The visitor’s center also offers guided tours with easy to understand explanations provided by a center staff member with an advance reservation.

• Oma Tourist Souvenir Center

  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.

• Misawa Aviation & Science Museum, Aomori

  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.

• Maguro Chohomaru

  Aomori Pref. Shimokitagunomamachi Oma Okoppeshitamichi 22-6

  A restaurant which opened in 2009 which butchers its own tuna caught in the waters off Oma Town by its own boats, serving the fresh-sliced tuna meat as is, making it possible for the establishment to serve tuna at extremely reasonable prices. In addition to a standard menu, the restaurant also offers seasonal set meals and other dishes. The restaurant also sells tuna from Oma Town.

• Mt. Kamabuse

  Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture

  878.6 meters tall, this famous mountain is the highest peak in the Osorezan Mountain Range sprawling in the center of the Shimokita Peninsula. The mountain is seen as one of the most scenic locations in the prefecture. The mountain has climbing paths and an observatory near the top from which you can see Ominato Bay, Mutsu Bay, and the Hakkoda Mountains; on clear days, you can even see all the way to Hokkaido. In the evening, you can enjoy a stunning nightscape known as the Swallowtail Butterfly of Light, so named because the lights of Mutsu City as seen from near the mountaintop resemble the shape of a swallowtail butterfly. It is also possible to drive up to near the observatory, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the view.