The Shimokita District, on the northeastern side of Mutsu Bay, occupies most of the Shimokita Peninsula, aside from Mutsu City. The region’s main attractions center mainly around nature, with coastal rock formations, hot springs, and wild horses. They also include geographical landmarks which are all part of the Hanto Quasi-National Park and are well-deserving of travelers’ attention.
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Cape Shiriyazaki Geo Park and the Kandachime Horses
![Cape Shiriyazaki Geo Park and the Kandachime Horses]()
Cape Shiriyazaki Geo Park and the Kandachime Horses
If you are a horse lover, you cannot miss Cape Shiriyazaki. It is part of a Quasi-National Park in the Shimokita Peninsula, the northeastern-most point of Honshu. The main attraction is the wild horses known as “Kandachime”, literally meaning “the horses standing in the cold”. In fact, they are capable of enduring the harsh winter in Aomori and are cherished in the region as a national treasure. Have a peaceful time with the adorable horses strolling through the pasture. If you are lucky enough to be here in April to June, during its child-bearing season, you may be able to see the newly-born foals.
[Shiriyazaki Opening Hours]
7:00 -16:45 (In April 8:00-15:45)
*Closed from December to March -
02
Hotokegaura
![Hotokegaura]()
Hotokegaura
These are a set of towering rock formations created over centuries by the strong winds and strong seas of the Tsugaru Channel. The name Hotokegaura, which in English means “Bay of Buddha”, was given to this site as the rocks’ shapes are said to look like buddhas. The 2km area was designated as a scenic spot and as one of Japan’s National Natural Monument and should not be missed while touring the region.
![Hotokegaura]()
Hotokegaura
To access Hotokegaura visitors can take the 30-minute ride on the leisure boats departing from the “Arusasu” Cultural Centre in Sai Village at a cost of 1,250 yen. For those yearning for less leisure and more adventure, the shore can also be accessed by walking down a hiking trail and through a thick forest starting along Road 338. Keep an eye out for the macaque monkeys and the cliffs.
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03
Oma and the northernmost point of Honshu
![Oma and the northernmost point of Honshu]()
Oma and the northernmost point of Honshu
At Oma, visitors will be standing at the northernmost tip of Honshu. This town is famous for its views of Hakodate across the Tsugaru Straits and for its delicious tuna. Keep in mind that to get a taste of the freshest tuna, the season starts around October and runs through to the New Year. Nevertheless, Oma’s local delicacy can be had all-year round, and from early morning the local restaurants and food stalls offer some of the best tuna one can find in Japan.
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At Oma, visitors will be standing at the northernmost tip of Honshu. This town is famous for its views of Hakodate across the Tsugaru Straits and for its delicious tuna. Keep in mind that to get a taste of the freshest tuna, the season starts around October and runs through to the New Year. Nevertheless, Oma’s local delicacy can be had all-year round, and from early morning the local restaurants and food stalls offer some of the best tuna one can find in Japan.
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05
Shimofuro Village
![Shimofuro Village]()
Shimofuro Village
Shimofuro is a quaint onsen resort village located about 19km southeast of Oma in northern Shimokita Peninsula. Walking around the village, the smell in the air is a clear sign that this is hot spring central and just about every ryokan or guesthouse has their own onsen. This village is also a fishing port and the seafood and hot springs go hand in hand. For a unique experience, Maruhon Onsen is a charming ryokan with lots of history and is very much worth checking out.
- 下風呂温泉 まるほん旅館
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- 青森県下北郡風間浦村下風呂
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- 0175362330
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