Shimokita Peninsula

The Shimokita Peninsula (下北半島), located at the northernmost tip of Honshu Island in Japan, is a remote and beautiful region known for its diverse natural landscapes, including rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and dense forests.

One of the main attractions in the Shimokita Peninsula is the Shiriyazaki Lighthouse, situated on the peninsula’s northernmost point. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan and is a popular destination for tourists and photographers.

The peninsula is also dotted with numerous hot springs, including Yagen Onsen and the spiritual Osorezan Onsen. While Mutsu Bay Onsen is located in Mutsu City, it is situated on the western side of the peninsula facing Mutsu Bay, not directly on the Sea of Japan.

The region is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly its delectable scallops and sea urchin, which can be enjoyed at various restaurants and seafood markets across the peninsula. In addition, local specialties like “Ichigo-ni,” a soup made with sea urchin and abalone, sold at the Tamanabe Machinaka Exchange Facility “Masakari Plaza,” are also popular.

Besides its natural beauty and culinary delights, the Shimokita Peninsula boasts several historical and cultural attractions. Osorezan Mountain, a sacred mountain in Japanese mythology and a popular pilgrimage site, is one such notable destination. Other key attractions include Hotokegaura, a breathtaking coastline with unique rock formations, Osorezan Bodaiji Temple, and Oma Cape, the northernmost point of Honshu Island, known for its wild horses.

Attractions in Shimokita Peninsula

Osorezan Osorezan (恐山), also known as Mt. Osore, is a sacred mountain located in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. The mountain is considered one of the three mo...

Cape Oma Cape Oma (大間崎) is a scenic and rugged peninsula located in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. It is the northernmost point of the Shimokita Peninsula an...

Getting there

By Train

1. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa from Tokyo to Hachinohe Station (about 3 hours)
2. From Hachinohe, take the Aoimori Railway to Noheji Station (30-45 minutes)
3. From Noheji, take the JR Ominato Line to Shimokita Station (50 minutes)

• Total travel time: 4.5 to 5 hours
• Cost: About 18,500 yen
• Entire journey can be covered by JR Pass

By Air

1. Fly to Misawa Airport (from Tokyo Haneda or Osaka Itami)
2. Take a bus from Misawa Airport to Misawa Station (15 minutes, 400 yen)
3. Take a train from Misawa Station to Shimokita Station (80 minutes, 1,980 yen)

By Ferry (from Hokkaido)

• Multiple ferries daily from Hakodate to Cape Oma
• Travel time: About 90 minutes
• Cost: About 2,000 yen (cheapest class)