The best view in Aomori prefecture! A trip to find the best view in the northernmost part of Honshu" - The best one, Mutsu Bay coast, Tsugaru area.

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The blue sky reflected on the surface of the lake at the old castle swamp

The "Journey to find the best in the northernmost part of Honshu" Mutsu Bay Coastal Tsugaru Area

Have you ever visited Tsugaru area along the Mutsu Bay coast of Aomori Prefecture?
The Tsugaru area is full of delicious and fresh foods, especially seafood! It also offers spectacular scenery that can be seen only in the northernmost part of Honshu.

This time, we will introduce the "best one" in Mutsu Bay Coastal Tsugaru area with recommendations and best information that only those who live in the area know. Why don't you visit this northernmost area of Honshu to find the "best one"!

Information on the southern Mutsu Bay coast and Shimokita area is also available!

The best picture in Aomori City is "Aomori Ekimae Beach

Aomori City, the capital of Aomori Prefecture and the gateway to sightseeing in Aomori Prefecture, is located about three hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train.

The city has seasonal attractions, but the Aomori Nebuta Festival in summer is especially famous. The hot summer is made even hotter and more exciting by the festival! Aomori City has many sightseeing spots, including the autumn leaves from Jogakura Bridge in the fall and the Hakkouda ice forests in the winter, but we chose this one as one of the best!
Aomori Ekimae Beach
I chose "Aomori Ekimae Beach" as one of the best photos! The beach is perfect for taking pictures, with the yellow AOMORI logo against the blue sky and an apple objet d'art (bakkuri ngo) that you can take a picture with! There are also benches, so you can relax and enjoy the ocean view or have a gelato from the nearby A-Factory.
Monuments that are sure to be photo-worthy!
Cute apple objet d'art
The breeze felt so nice as I strolled along the beach that I sometimes stopped to take a moment to gaze at the ocean. Aomori Bay Bridge over the beach is illuminated at night, so it is recommended to visit at night as well.

Here are some points recommended by locals

Aomori Ekimae Beach is located near JR Aomori Station! You can also visit in your spare time when you have a little time to spare.

Nearby is "Nebuta House Wa Rasse" where floats actually used in the Aomori Nebuta Festival are on display, "A-Factory" where you can buy souvenirs and sample ciders, and "Hakkouda Maru," the Seikan Liaison Ship Memorial Ship with its beautiful view from the deck.
Aomori Ekimae Beach details here

Aomori Public University International Art Center Aomori "Arcade of the Four Seasons" is also recommended

Aomori Public University International Art Center Aomori is an art spot located at the foot of Mt. Aomori Public University International Art Center Aomori is a unique art spot located in a lush green area at the foot of Mt.

There are no permanent exhibition rooms, but artworks are scattered in the open air. One of the recommended spots is the "Arcades of the Four Seasons" lying in the middle of the park.
Arcades of the Four Seasons
The Arcades of the Four Seasons is a reflection spot for those in the know. I had seen pictures of it, but the real thing is more beautiful than the pictures!

The arcade is made of a mesh-like structure, so as you walk through it, the light gently shines through, making you feel as if you are walking through the sun shining through the trees. The fact that the arcade is made of wood instead of metal was also impressive. The shadows of the geometric patterns are reflected in the nature, making you want to stop every so often to take a picture.
One of the outdoor artworks
A work of art on display at the time of our visit
There are other artworks scattered throughout the forest, and even in the heat of summer, I was able to enjoy the soothing negative ions as I walked around. The indoor exhibits are also free to visit, and there are many photo-worthy spots, so they are recommended for visitors of all ages and genders.

Here are some points recommended by locals

The arcade for the four seasons was selected by famous architect Tadao Ando, who wanted to create an architecture that blends in with the forest.

As the name suggests, each of the four seasons has a different look. In summer, the sun shines through the trees, in autumn the leaves turn beautifully red, and in winter they turn white with snow. Sometimes animals such as squirrels show their faces. Each season can be enjoyed in its own way, so be sure to visit.
International Art Center Aomori details here

The best picture of Hirauchi Town is "Scallop Ichiban," a restaurant specializing in scallop dishes.

Hirauchi Town is located next to Aomori City and can be reached by train or bus from Aomori Station. By car, it takes about 40 minutes from the center of Aomori City.

Hirauchi Town is famous for scallops! Driving around, you will see many stores selling fresh scallops. Around Golden Week, more than 10,000 camellias bloom on Tsubaki Mountain, and in winter, 200 to 300 swans fly to Asasho Beach.
Enjoy scallops in three different ways, Hitsumabushi style
Scallop Ichiban" is a place where one can enjoy dishes made from fresh scallops caught in Hirauchi Town. The large windows look out onto the lawn and the ocean, making for an excellent location!

The menu is prepared by purchasing tickets from a ticket machine, but there are so many delicious scallop dishes to choose from that it is hard to choose just one. This time, I ordered the "Sushi Gozen with Teppan Steak of Scallops" and "Scallops Hitsumabushi Style to be enjoyed in three different ways" recommended by the restaurant staff.
Selecting a menu item from the ticket machine
Sushi set meal with scallop steak on iron plate
The "Sushi Gozen with Teppan Steak Scallops" includes not only the standard nigiri scallops, but also seared, crispy shoyu-topped, and salted scallops. The teppan steak is thick and delicious, with a mouthwatering flavor!

As the name suggests, there were three different ways to enjoy the scallops: sashimi, seared, and dashi chazuke, which made for an exciting taste change!

Here are some points recommended by locals

We recommend tasting the delicious local scallops in a variety of ways. There are many variations, and for those who don't like sashimi, there are ramen noodles and curry using scallops.

Of course the scallops are from Hirauchi, but we also use other ingredients from Hirauchi and Aomori Prefecture as much as possible. Although it is not stated explicitly, we use Aomori's brand rice, "Bolt from the Blue Sky," as we are particular about the rice we use. Please come and enjoy the fresh, sweet, and delicious scallops.
Scallop Ichiban details here

Another recommended spot Natsudomarizaki "Oshima".

Another spot in Hiranai-cho is Oshima Island, which is connected to Natsudomari Peninsula by a bridge. It is good to go there in the evening because the sunset is very beautiful, but if you go during the daytime, it is also recommended to go to the lighthouse at the top of Oshima.
The setting sun and Oshima Island seen from the torii gate
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes one way to the top of Oshima. It was a little bit difficult because of the thick bushes in some parts, but the clear blue ocean view from the top blew away my fatigue!
The clear blue sea
Mutsu Oshima Lighthouse at the top
At the top, there is a lighthouse, a small shrine, and a torii (a Shinto shrine), which can only be seen here. It is a bit of a climb, so be sure to bring all the proper equipment, and be sure to dress appropriately, especially in the summer when the bushes are thick.

Here are some points recommended by locals

What you should pay attention to is the bridge leading to Oshima. If you look closely, you will see that the ocean looks different on the west side and the east side across the bridge. The sea on the west side is often rough, while the east side is often very calm, making for a strange sight.

There are various theories about the torii gate before crossing the bridge, but it is said that the gods pass through this gate and go through Oshima. Please visit the mysterious Oshima Island.
Natsudomari Saki "Oshima" details here

The best picture in Yomogida Village is "Kojo no Numa

Yomogida Village is located about 30 minutes from Aomori City by JR Tsugaru Line or car, northwest along the sea, and is famous for growing tomatoes.

In addition to beaches for swimming, there are Mt. Okura, Mt. Akakura, and Mt. Hakamagoshi-dake, where mountain climbing can be enjoyed, and Kurodaki, a magnificent waterfall, making it an attractive place to be close to nature. In winter, swans also fly in and can be seen spending time at sea.
The beautiful blue sky reflected on the surface of the water at the old castle swamp
The Old Castle Swamp, chosen as one of the best in Yomogida Village, is located in a park called "Tamasondai," not far from the sea. In this park, there is a 300-year-old pine tree whose thick branches look like a circle when viewed from certain angles, and it was used as a navigational landmark in the past.
A tamamatsu pine tree with branches that look like circles
There is also a pavilion in the center of the swamp.
The swamp of the old castle is surrounded by trees, so spending time here will make you feel relaxed. The blue sky reflected on the water was beautiful and I took many pictures. There is also a pavilion in the center of the swamp, where you can sit and read or watch the carp.

Here are some points recommended by locals

It is recommended to take a stroll and relax as the air is so calm and relaxing. After lunch, you can take a breather. The park is located on a hill, so the view is great, and the ocean is nearby. The view of the ocean from between the trees is also beautiful. Please heal the fatigue of your trip in the old castle swamp.
Old Castle Swamp details here

Yomogita Product Center "Marche Yomogita" is also recommended

Marche Yomogita is located about a 10-minute walk from Furujo-no-no-numa. In addition to fresh local vegetables such as tomatoes from Yomogita Village, processed products such as bottled tomato ketchup, which people come all the way from far away to buy, are also sold there.

There is also an eating and drinking area inside the store, where you can enjoy lunch such as omelette rice, Neapolitan, and keema curry using locally grown tomatoes.
Rummaging for delicious-looking tomatoes
Although it was out of season when I visited, I couldn't help but buy a very large tomato from Yomogida Village.

After shopping, sit at a table outside and enjoy the sea breeze as you enjoy your lunch. All of the lunch dishes served while looking out at the sea were excellent, with a strong tomato flavor, with a hint of sourness and deliciousness.
Keema curry with tomatoes from Yomogida
The sea stretches out before your eyes.

Here are some points recommended by locals

We recommend visiting in the summer when tomatoes are in season. The "Yomogita babybaby" tomatoes from Yomogida Village are so popular that they are sometimes sold out by phone reservation! The skin is thin and the tomatoes are very sweet, so we recommend eating them as they are. It is recommended to eat them as they are. If you heat them, they will become too sweet. The slightly lower grade "Punyo Punyo" of the same variety is also popular because of its reasonable price.
Marche Yomogita details here

The best picture in Tonogahama Town is "Mumonkan, Ohira Yamamoto Ruins Exhibition Facility

Sotogahama-cho is an enclave, divided into two areas: one facing Mutsu Bay and the other facing the Tsugaru Straits.
Seafood is delicious, and at the "Crab and Shirouo Festival" held around Golden Week, visitors can enjoy fresh Shirouo crab, a cherry blossom viewing delicacy in Aomori, and sea urchin in the summer.
Scanning the two-dimensional code and taking a commemorative photo with "Ohirayama Motohito
Mumonkan is a new facility that just opened on April 26, 2024. It is a facility that introduces and tells the charms of the Ohira Yamamoto Ruins, one of the constituent assets of the World Heritage Site "Jomon Ruins in Hokkaido and the Northern Tohoku Region. The museum exhibits valuable early Jomon-era artifacts and other artifacts from the pioneer period of the Jomon Period, and also provides visitors with an easy-to-understand introduction to the Jomon Period through videos and other means. Mumon, the official character of the Ohira Yamamoto Ruins, is a flying squirrel wearing an unmarked earthenware vessel. Please look for "Moomon" in the facility.
Museum store with a variety of original goods
The nearby Ohira Yamamoto Ruins
While this is a serious facility where visitors can learn about the Jomon, there are also unique activities such as taking a commemorative photo with "Ohirayama Motonin" by reading the 2D code posted in the museum and playing with "Moomon," from which the name "Moomon" comes. The "Ohirayama Genjin" can be adjusted in size, so you can take interesting pictures by putting it in the palm of your hand or other ideas.

It is also important to note that "mini earthenware making" and "maga-dama making" can be experienced on the same day, with no reservation required!

Here are some points recommended by locals

The Ohira Yamamoto Ruins are very valuable ruins. The oldest earthenware in Northeast Asia has been discovered, and it is rare to find a site that shows the transition from the Old Stone Age to the Jomon Period. If there are not too many visitors, it is possible to give a guided tour, so please ask the staff for assistance.

The actual ruins are located in the immediate vicinity, so a visit there as well is recommended. The explanation boards at the ruins have a two-dimensional code that, when read, brings to life what the ruins looked like in those days.
Ohirayama Ruins Exhibition Facility Mumonkan details here

Stairway National Route 339 is also recommended

The Stairway National Highway at Ryubizaki is a popular spot because of its uniqueness: it is a national highway, but it is only accessible by stairs and only on foot.
Stairway National Highway leads from the road on the right into the green to the sea
The road is planted with hydrangeas along the stairway, so we recommend visiting in July when the hydrangeas are in full bloom. The path is winding and longer than expected, so be sure to be in good physical condition. There are resting spots with benches along the way, so take a rest and enjoy the view!

There is also a "stairway village road" near the stairway national road. Please take a walk along this narrow road, too, where hydrangeas are close to the road.
Stairway with hydrangea in full bloom
Scenery from the rest area

Here are some points recommended by locals

Tatsuhobizaki, where the Stairway National Highway is located, is on the Sea of Japan side, so you can see the beautiful sunset. The starry sky is also recommended since the surrounding area is dark. From Tatsutobizaki, we tend to look out to the ocean, but the Kodomari area (south) is also worth seeing. You should drive around the Kodomari direction because you can see the impressive view of the winding road.
Stairway National Route 339 details here

The best picture in Imabetsu Town is "Sunset at Igamazaki".

Imabetsu-cho is located in the north of Tsugaru Peninsula and is the gateway to Hokkaido. There is also a Shinkansen station, Okutsugaru Imabetsu Station, which is one step before heading to Hokkaido.

Imabetsu-cho is well known for its Takanosaki, with its impressive red bridge and mozuku udon noodles, but it is also home to the Spring Festival, where visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing and stalls, the Arauma Festival in summer, where men acting as horses and women acting as reins are paired up and paraded through the town to the accompaniment of music, and the Autumn Festival in fall, where Imabetsu beef and other local foods can be enjoyed. In the fall, the town holds an autumn festival featuring local delicacies such as Imabetsu beef.
Sunset at the cast-iron kamazaki
Imabetsu Town has many places of interest along the coastline, such as "Shoinkuguri" and Takanozaki, one of which is Castgamazaki, a small fortress-like observatory. One of them is Taimagama-zaki, a small fortress-like observatory from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tsugaru Straits. The sunset from here is unobstructed and very beautiful.

There is also a legend that an evil demon used to live in Taimagamazaki, but was defeated by Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Why don't you relax and watch the sunset in a slightly mysterious atmosphere with the ruggedly shaped rocks?
The road leading to the observatory at Castgamazaki
Rugged rocky terrain

Here are some points recommended by locals

There are many spots in Imabetsu where the sunset can be seen beautifully, but I recommend Castgamazaki in particular! There is a free campground where you can enjoy the sunset. There is a free campground where you can sit on a bench and watch the sunset. The scenery of the fishing village on the way to Takanosaki from Kagamazaki is also recommended for its charm.
Castgamazaki details Click here

I also recommend the Arauma Festival "Kaikyo Fireworks Festival", a summer tradition

The Straits Fireworks Festival held on the day of the joint operation
The Arauma Festival held every year in early August is a major event in Imabetsu Town!

One of the most worth seeing is the joint operation day (this year it is Saturday, August 3, 2024), when all the groups in town gather together during the six-day Arauma Festival schedule from Friday, August 2, 2024 to Wednesday, August 7, 2024. At the end of the joint event, a spectacular fireworks display is held in front of Imabetsu Fishing Port for about 30 minutes starting at around 19:30.
Jumpers wearing brightly colored hats
Nebuta floats parade by
Araba is a traditional performing art of Imabetsu-cho, designated as an intangible cultural asset by Aomori Prefecture.
Unusually for a traditional performing art, it is performed by a male-female pair, which is said to have an aspect of matchmaking. The highlight of the performance is the synchronized dancing of the man who plays the horse and the woman who takes the reins. The choreography differs from group to group, so be sure to pay attention to the differences.

Here are some points recommended by locals

The Arahma Festival joint operation, in which all the groups in the town gather together, starts from "Kaikyo Sazanami Park" located in Imabetsu fishing port. Recently, a total of about 100 people from each group parade through the town while jumping. Participants are mainly locals, but also include university students from Kyoto, who have a relationship with the town. There are no seats for spectators, so please feel free to watch.

After enjoying the fierce movements of the Arauma horses, the fireworks are at their most exciting! The fireworks are launched from the quay right in front of you, so they are very powerful. Please come and see the fireworks.
For more information about Araba Festival Click here

Comfortable access to sightseeing spots by shared-ride cab "Wan-taku

Wan-taku," a shared-ride cab service that runs through the towns of Sotogahama and Imabetsu, is ideal for sightseeing in the area.
The "Wan-taku regular service," which has a fixed route and time, is convenient for connecting with the Shinkansen bullet train and JR Tsugaru Line. Wan-taku Free Service" can be used by making reservations for times and drop-off/pick-up points within the area.
The service is scheduled to run until March 31, 2025. Please check the details by yourself.
Wan-taxi free service area "Wan-taxi regular service" route and stops
For more information about "Wan-taku Free Service" and "Wan-taku Regular Service"

Let's find "the best picture" in Mutsu Bay Coast Tsugaru area!

How was everyone's experience in the Tsugaru area along the Mutsu Bay coast? The Tsugaru area is full of delicious food and unforgettable views.
Please enjoy the Mutsu Bay Coastal Tsugaru Area while feeling the points and charms that only the locals who live in this area know.

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

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