Aomori Prefecture's spectacular scenery! A trip to find the best in the northernmost part of Honshu" - The best of the Mutsu Bay Coast, Southern and Shimokita areas.

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Blue sky and Butsugaura

The best trip in the northernmost part of Honshu" - The charms of the Mutsu Bay coast, southern and Shimokita area!

Have you ever visited the Southern and Shimokita areas along the Mutsu Bay coast of Aomori Prefecture?
The Southern and Shimokita areas are rich in natural beauty and abundant in fresh seafood and specialty products! The area also offers spectacular scenery that can be seen only in the northernmost part of Honshu.

Following the Tsugaru area, we will introduce the "best of the best" in the Mutsu Bay Coast Southern and Shimokita areas, with recommendations and recommendations known only to those who live in the area. Why don't you visit the northernmost area of Honshu to find the "best one"!

Information on the Tsugaru area along the Mutsu Bay coast is also available!

The best picture of Nobechi Town is "Nobechi Illumination Hikari Monogatari 2024

Nobechi Town is rich in the bounty of the sea. It is located about 45 minutes from Aomori City and Hachinohe City, where the Shinkansen stations are located, by Aoimori Railway. As a port of call on the Kitamae-bune shipping route in the Edo period (1603-1867), it is also a town with a long history of things imported from Kyoto and other places, such as Kawaraketsumeicha tea and the Gion Festival. One of the best things about Nobechi Town is its summer illumination.
Noheji Illumination Hikari Monogatari 2023
Although the image of illumination is often associated with winter, this one is held in the summer! The great enemy of winter illumination is the cold, but since it is in summer, you can take your time to enjoy it.
Atago Park is located on a slightly elevated site, so you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Nobechi and the sea. It might be nice to go to the park a little early and enjoy the panoramic view of the sunset before the illumination♪
Panoramic view of the town from the hill
Carp streamers can be seen in May

Here are some points recommended by locals

Everything from coming up with the theme for the illumination to the actual decorations is done by local town hall employees. On Friday and Saturday nights during the festival, kitchen cars will be set up so you can eat your way around. Scallop ema (votive tablet), in which wishes are written on scallops, is also offered free of charge, so couples, families, and friends can enjoy this event together.
For more information about "Noheji Illumination Hikari Monogatari 2024", visit

Seafood bowl at Noheji Jyoyatou market also recommended

Noheji Ikkatsuki Tokyodo Market is located adjacent to Noheji Tokyodo Park. Inside the store are fresh seafood caught in Nobechi, Nobechi Town's specialty "kokabu with leaves" and "kawaraketsumei tea," as well as specialties from the Kitamae-bune port of call, which are said to have been carried on board the Kitamae-bune (an old trading merchant ship)♪.
Kitamae-don," a bowl of rice topped with local products
I ordered the owner's favorite, "Kitamae-don," a bowl of rice topped with a bowl of rice topped with a bowl of vegetables. On this day, tuna, abura-me, aged flatfish, salmon, mazoi, aged sunfish, octopus, scallops, string, salmon roe, sea urchin, and shrimp were used! They are particular about "local products" and most of the ingredients are from Aomori Prefecture. The Kitamae Donburi, filled with the seasonality of Aomori, looked sparkling. The seafood of the day is used, so all of the ingredients are fresh and juicy. The octopus was fresh from the market, and was cut up on the spot and served in the seafood bowl! It was full of sweetness, and we finished it in no time.
Nobechi leafy turnip
Kitamae-don, a bowl of rice topped with a bowl of rice topped with a bowl of rice

Here are some points recommended by locals

Scallops, natural sea squirts, and blue crab are in season this time of year. Nobechi leafed kokabu," a registered trademark, is harvested at night, which gives it a sweeter taste. The best way to eat it is raw. It is also called "salad kabu" and you can eat all the leaves and stems.
Kitamae donburi is served with five or six different kinds of fish, depending on the day. Among them, local sea bream and flounder are aged before being served on top of the bowl of seafood, which makes the meat tender and flavorful.
For more information about Noheji Ikkatsuki Jyoyaton Market, visit

The best picture in Mutsu City is "Kamafuseyama Observation Deck: Swallowtail Butterflies of Light".

Mutsu City is located on the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture and is the northernmost city in Honshu. With an area of 864.2㎢, it is the largest city in Aomori Prefecture, accounting for about 9% of the prefecture's total area.
Although Mutsu City is surrounded by the sea on three sides, about 85% of the city is forested, and in addition to Mount Osorezan, one of the three most sacred mountains in Japan, and the Yakken Stream, where one can enjoy the pristine nature that changes from season to season, there are many other attractions such as six kinds of curry made by the Navy and gourmet foods such as naval croquettes.
Kamagariyama Observatory "Light Swallowtail Butterfly" registered as a World Night View Heritage Site in 2024
Mutsu City chose "Swallowtail Butterflies of Light" at the Kamagariyama Observatory as the best picture. The night view of the lights of the city and the topography of Mutsu Bay looks like a swallowtail butterfly fluttering in the night sky, hence the name. You can feel the shape of the peninsula as if you were looking at a map, and this night view can only be seen here.
Mutsu Bay and downtown Mutsu at noon from the observatory
The observatory near the top of "Kamagariyama
The Kamagasan Observatory is located at an elevation of 785 meters, about 40 minutes by car from the city center. The road from the parking lot to the Kamagasan Observatory is dark, so it is recommended to bring a flashlight. On a clear night without clouds, you can enjoy "light swallowtail butterflies" along with the moon.

Here are some points recommended by locals

The night view from the Mt. The night view from the unexplored location of the observatory in the mountains is a unique point of interest here.
The 40-minute drive from the city center takes you along a road in the mountains, so you may wonder if there is really an observatory ahead. You may feel a little nervous, but please enjoy it as well.
For more information about Light Swallowtail Butterfly (Kamagariyama Observatory), visit

The best picture in Kazamaura Village is "Shimoburo Onsen Kaikyo no Yu".

Kazamaura Village in Aomori Prefecture is located in the northern Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori Prefecture and is the northernmost village in Honshu, blessed with nature. In addition to being known as the northernmost hot spring resort in Honshu, it is also a place where fishermen gather due to its thriving fishing industry centered on its abundant fishery resources. The best one we recommend in such Kazamaura Village is, of course, this facility related to hot springs, Shimoburo Onsen Kaikyo no Yu.
Tsugaru Straits seen from the window
The exterior is beautifully wood-grained. When you enter, there is a ticket machine where you can buy a bathing ticket. At Shimoburo Onsen Kaikyo no Yu, you can enjoy two sources of hot water, "Oyu" and "Arayu". This hot water is also known as kiki-yu, and you will be surprised by its heat and stimulation when you enter the hot water! Oyu is slightly cloudy water. Oyu is slightly cloudy water, while Shinyu is translucent water, and Shinyu is slightly softer. When you visit Shimoburo Onsen Kaikyo no Yu, please compare the two hot springs.
The appearance of the hot water of the strait
Exhibition room of "People related to Shimoburo
Hiba, one of Japan's three most beautiful forests, is used in the hot spring, and its fragrance relaxes you even more. The half-open window overlooks the Tsugaru Straits, and soaking in the large bath and looking out over the Aomori Sea soothed my fatigue from the day's work. After bathing, I took a sip of coffee milk and took a breather. On the second floor of the facility, there is an exhibition room "People Related to Shimoburo" that displays records of literary figures who visited Shimoburo Onsenkyo, and I could feel the long history of the hot spring in the straits.

Here are some points recommended by locals

In Kazamaura Village, you can enjoy a somewhat nostalgic retro atmosphere as you walk around in yukata and geta (wooden clogs).
Originally, each of the two sources could be enjoyed at two public bathhouses, but in 2020, they can now be enjoyed at one hot spring facility as Shimoburo Onsen Kaikyo no Yu. In Shimoburo Onsenkyo, in addition to the two sources, you can also enjoy the hot spring water from the "Hamayu" source, and you will not find another place where you can enjoy all three sources.

From the windows of the onsen, you can see Hokkaido on a clear day and enjoy the setting sun in the evening. We hope you will enjoy Shimoburo Onsen Kaikyo no Yu, which is loved by the locals.
For more information about Shimoburo Onsen Kaikyo no Yu, visit

Kaisen-don at Shimoburo Onsen Shokudo is excellent!

Shimoburo Onsen Shokudo (Shimoburo Onsen Restaurant), located in the same building as the "Shimoburo Onsen Kaikyo no Yu" introduced earlier, offers a variety of local delicacies, including a bowl of rice topped with pickled flatfish and a set meal of local fish, as well as soy sauce ramen noodles topped with homemade pork chashu (pork belly) and a hearty karaage set meal, all popular among local people.
A bowl of rice topped with pickled Hirame (flatfish), a local fish
On this particular day, I ordered the owner's top recommendation, the "Hirame no Zuke-don" (bowl of rice topped with pickled flatfish) and the "Jiigyo Teishoku" (set meal of local fish). The flatfish used at Shimoburo Onsen Restaurant is fresh because it is cut to order. One bite of the clear, transparent Hirame will surprise you with its soft texture. I had imagined the fish to be chewy, but the flesh was so tender and sweet in my mouth.
Local fish set meal with flatfish tempura
Recommended lunch menu of the day
The second dish we ordered was the "Local Fish Set Meal," which included three local sashimi and flatfish tempura. The sashimi of the day consisted of flatfish, sea bream, and octopus. Because the octopus is freshly caught, it is soft and tasty without any peculiarities, and even those who do not like octopus can enjoy it. The flatfish tempura has sweet and fluffy flesh. The miso soup contained seaweed and wakame seaweed, which filled my mouth with the aroma of the sea.

Here are some points recommended by locals

The live fish used to make Hirame is also shipped to Toyosu and is highly acclaimed. When served at the restaurant, the fish is also fresh because it is tightened after it is ordered! Because we are located so close to the ocean, we insist on using "local fish" for our menu items. The fish used varies with the season, but anglerfish is very popular during the winter months. Some customers even order anglerfish hot pot in the summer.
Please enjoy nature, seafood, and the scenery that can only be enjoyed in Kazamaura Village.
For more information about Shimoburo Onsen Shokudo, visit

The best picture of Yokohama Town is "Rape Blossom Field

Yokohama Town is known for its "rape blossom fields! Yokohama Town is located at the neck of Shimokita Peninsula and is rich in nature with the "green" of the Shimokita Hills, the "blue" of Mutsu Bay, and the beautiful "yellow" of rape blossoms that bloom all over the town in the spring.
A field of rape blossoms spreading all over the area
In the rape blossom fields of Yokohama Town, rape blossoms bloom all over the fields in early May, the best time to see them. During the rape blossom period, the rape blossom maze is open, and every year on Saturdays and Sundays in the middle of May, the town holds a major event, the Rape Blossom Festival, in the middle of the rape blossom fields.
Blue sky and rape blossoms
Mutsu Bay and rape blossoms
During the period when the Nanohana Maze is open, visitors can enter the nanohana field and see the rape blossoms from inside the field, which is normally not possible. The blue sky and bright yellow rape blossoms are so beautiful that you will not be able to stop taking pictures of them. The observatory located inside the rape blossom maze is a recommended photo spot. If you go up to the observatory and look toward the sea, you can capture Mutsu Bay and the beautiful rape blossoms in one photo.

Here are some points recommended by locals

The rape blossom fields in Yokohama Town are among the best in Japan. The rape blossom fields seen from the rape blossom maze near the site of the Rape Blossom Festival are beautiful, but there are also rape blossom fields scattered along the road from the station. Each field of rape blossoms is also very beautiful, so I encourage you to take a look at them.
After the full bloom season is over, the fields are mowed and potatoes are planted as a cover crop. By receiving nourishment from the potatoes, the rape blossoms will bloom bright yellow the next season. After enjoying the rape fields, please stop by Roadside Station Yokohama and enjoy sweets and other treats made from the local specialty, rape blossoms.
For more information about Yokohama Town "Nanohana (rape blossom) Field, visit

Gourmet food at Roadside Station Yokohama is also recommended!

Michi no Eki Yokohama "Nanohana Plaza" is a building with a design featuring scallops, a specialty of Yokohama Town. In addition to fresh scallops and seasonal vegetables, the store offers handmade nanohana doughnuts, beko mochi (a traditional rice cake eaten in the Shimokita region since ancient times), "scallop okowa", "horoyoi pork meat burger", nanohana soft serve, and more. Soft drinks, etc. are also on display.
Rape blossom doughnuts lined up in the store
When I entered the store, I was dazzled by the many specialty products of Yokohama Town. The first thing that caught my eye was the "Nanohana Doughnut. The doughnut was sold in pieces, and when I split it in half, I found that the doughnut was yellowish green in cross-section! I was told that the dough was yellowish green because it was made by kneading the stems of rape blossoms before they bloom.
The popular Hollow Pork Menchi-Burger
Scallop rice bowl topped with a large scallop
The "Horoyoi Pork Menchi-Burger" was sold out the last time I visited. The Horoiyoi Pork is pork raised on a diet of sakekasu (sake lees), which makes the menchikatsu chewy and sweet, and the sweet and spicy sauce is a perfect match! The owner recommends the scallop bowl, which is a hearty bowl of rice topped with three large scallops. Three large scallops on top, matched with a generous amount of eggs, it was a must-try dish when I came here.

Here are some points recommended by locals

As the gateway to the Shimokita Peninsula, Michi no Eki Yokohama "Nanohana no Plaza" is visited by more than 350,000 people a year. There are many recommendations, such as sweets and honey made from rape blossoms, a specialty of Yokohama Town, processed scallop products, beko mochi (rice cakes), popular side dishes, and onigirizushi (rice balls). Processed scallop products are especially popular and are the No. 1 seller.
In Yokohama Town, the harvest of potatoes, the main crop of rape blossoms, is the largest in Aomori Prefecture. Potatoes from Yokohama Town are used as ingredients for potato chips, which you may have eaten at least once.
For more information about Roadside Station Yokohama, visit For details of "Rape Flower Plaza", see here

Higashidori Village's best picture is "Shiriyazaki Lighthouse

Higashidori Village has a total area of 295,30㎢, most of which is mountain forest and wilderness. Surrounded by two oceans, the Tsugaru Straits to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the east, the 65 km-long coastline is a fishing ground rich in seafood and seaweed.
Wildflowers and Shiriyasaki Lighthouse
The best piece of Higashidori Village is here at the Shiriyasaki Lighthouse. The Shiriyazaki Lighthouse is one of only 16 lighthouses in Japan that can be climbed, and it is the tallest brick lighthouse in Japan. The staircase has 128 steps. I started to climb the stairs at a good pace, but after 80 steps, I began to feel my breath getting heavier and heavier. When I climbed all the stairs and went outside, I saw the Tsugaru Straits all around me.
Overlooking the Tsugaru Straits and the Pacific Ocean
View of the Pacific Ocean
From the lighthouse, you can see both the Tsugaru Straits and the Pacific Ocean. Looking at the Pacific Ocean side, we could observe the topography of Aomori.
Unfortunately, it was bad weather that day, but on a fine day, you can see Hokkaido, Oma Town and Kazamaura Village from the observatory.

Here are some points recommended by locals

Shiriyazaki Lighthouse was designated as a national important cultural property (building) in 2022. The lighthouse has long played an important role as a guardian deity for fishermen, protecting difficult spots on the sea and marking the return of ships. A variety of wildflowers can be observed near the lighthouse, and this time of the year, skunk lilies and zentai (zinnia) are in bloom. In 2026, the 150th anniversary of the lighthouse's lighting, the village is scheduled to host the Lighthouse World Summit.
Higashidori Village is rich in seafood such as sea urchins, abalone, and scallops, thanks to its location between the Tsugaru Straits and the Pacific Ocean. Because of its large land area, the village also has a thriving agricultural industry, including Higashidori beef, blueberries, rice, kantategai (cold green vegetables), and jyuwari soba (buckwheat noodles).
For details of Shiriyazaki Lighthouse, see here

You will be lucky to see Kandachime horses!

In the pastureland near the Shiriyasaki Gate, not far by car from the Shiriyasaki Lighthouse, you can observe kanryaku horses, which are registered as a natural treasure. 18 kanryaku horses are currently grazing in the pasture, with babies born between April and May.
You can see it so close.
Cold-rumped horses are very friendly and gentle, and their lovable nature is the secret of their popularity. On the other hand, they can be a bit timid, so please watch them from a distance to avoid startling them.
Meal time
Cold standing horses in the pasture
When we arrived at the pasture, it was time for the horses to eat. They were munching away at the grass, not caring if humans approached them or not. According to a local resident, the leader of the herd, the "boss," is the one who calls out to the horses, and the other horses will come with him. In a pasture about three minutes away by car, we were able to see a small baby cold-horse.

Here are some points recommended by locals

In 2002, the Koratate-uma were designated as a natural monument. Along with the Shiriyazaki Lighthouse, it is a must-see tourist attraction in Higashidori Village. The Koratate-uma is an ancestor of the Nanbu-uma, and has been improved into a farm horse unique to this area.
Just like humans, cold-rumped horses often hide in the bushes when it is windy or raining, but on sunny, calm days, they are often seen in front of us. The cold-horse is so friendly that it will lick you when you approach it, but it may start running when startled, so please keep your distance and touch it.
For details of Kantatema, see here

The best photograph in Oma Town is "Oma-zaki

Ohma Town is the northernmost town in Honshu, facing Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Straits. Cape Shiohubimisaki in Hokkaido is only 17.5 km away, and on a clear day, you can even see Hokkaido right in front of your eyes. The best piece of land in Oma-cho that we recommend this time is here at Oma-zaki.
Tuna Monument
It takes about 60 minutes by car from Shimokita Station to reach Oma Zaki. When you arrive at Oma-zaki, the first thing you will see is the "Tuna Monument," the symbol of Oma-zaki. The monument, which resembles a 440-kilogram tuna actually caught in Oma and a fisherman's arm, is a great photo op! You can take pictures of the monument alone, but it is also fun to take pictures of the tuna in your own fun way, such as riding on top of the tuna or posing with it.
Monument of the northernmost point of Honshu
Benten Island and Oma-zaki Lighthouse
Right next to the Tuna Monument stood the monument "The northernmost place in Honshu". It might be a good idea to take a picture with the "Certificate of Arrival at Ohmazaki, the northernmost point of Honshu," which can be obtained at a souvenir shop just outside of Ohmazaki. On a fine day, you can even see Benten Island beyond the monument to the northernmost point of Honshu. There are also many sea cats in Oma-zaki, and their loveliness and cute meows were also soothing♪

Here are some points recommended by locals

If you visit Oma-zaki, you should see Benten-jima Island and the Oma-zaki Lighthouse that towers over it. The Oma-zaki Lighthouse has been selected as one of the 50 best lighthouses in Japan.
The best seasons to visit are autumn and winter. The air is cold and chilly, but the air is clear and you can see far into the distance. On a clear day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate and the sea, and you can even see Goryokaku Tower.
Visitors of all ages can enjoy taking pictures with the Tuna Monument. After taking pictures, please be sure to go home and eat some real tuna.
For details of Oma-zaki, see here

The best picture in Saimura is "Butsugaura

Sai Village faces the west coast of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost part of Honshu.
With a population of approximately 1,600 people, Sai Village continues to be a place of great natural creative beauty, including Butsugaura and Ganagake Iwa. Not only nature, but also delicious gourmet foods such as sea urchin, processed apios (small potatoes), and Saimura beer are plentiful... The best picture of such Saimura is "Butsugaura," which will participate in the "14th Japan Geopark National Convention Shimokita" this year.
The sky peeking out from between the giant rocks
Futsugaura is a spot where you can see a spectacular view created by nature, with rocks carved by the waves. The contrast between the white rocks and the clear ocean is so beautiful that it seems as if you are in another world.
There are two ways to get to Futsugaura, but this time, we will board a Futsugaura sightseeing boat from Sai Port at Tsugaru Kaikyo Cultural Museum Arsus, the departure and arrival point of the Futsugaura regular sightseeing boat, to Futsugaura. While boarding the boat, we recommend that you take a seat at the end of the boat where you can see the clear blue waters of the Tsugaru Straits up close.
Rocks like sculptures
Emerald green sea seen from a regular sightseeing boat
When we departed from Arsus, we were concerned about the cloudy skies, but when we arrived at Butsugaura, blue skies were spreading. The contrast between the blue sky and the emerald green, crystal clear sea is breathtaking, and the view is indescribable. The rocks created by the forces of nature are majestic and large, and 12 of them are named after Buddha.
The footing is a little slippery, so it is recommended to visit with comfortable walking shoes.

Here are some points recommended by locals

The best part is the emerald green sea that can be seen from Butsugaura. When you go there by regular sightseeing boat, you can see the whole view of Butsugaura on your left hand side just before you arrive at the landing place. It is recommended that you go by boat, as it gives you an overall impression of the power of Futsugaura as seen from the sea.
Although it is only available in the evening, if you go there by car, you should definitely see the contrast of Futsugaura, the sea, and the sunset that looks like a combination of orange and purple colors, which can be seen from Route 338.
For details of Butsugaura, see here

Gankei-iwa is also recommended!

Another recommended spot is Ganagake Iwa. The two huge chunks of rock that line the cape have been called Otokoiwa (male rock) and Onnaiwa (female rock) since ancient times and are believed to be the rocks of "matchmaking.
Otokoiwa seen from the south
A path extends from the Gagakeiwa Park parking lot to the top of both rocks. It is a 10-minute walk to the top of Otoko-iwa. Although it is a short walk, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes as there are some thick bushes. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline and the ocean, and your fatigue will disappear! Unfortunately, it was cloudy when we visited, but when it is sunny, the clear blue of the sea looks beautiful.
Otoki-iwa seen from the north
View from the top of Otoki-iwa
When we went around to the south side of Otokoiwa, we were surprised at the size of the rock! It is frustrating that the picture does not do it justice, but it is quite impressive. From the south side, you can go down to the beach and see small fish and hermit crabs. When you visit Ganagake-iwa, please enjoy the view and climb up.

Here are some points recommended by locals

The two huge rocks, which are over 100 meters above sea level, look like a man and a woman hugging each other, depending on how you look at them. Because of this, the rock is also believed to be a place where the god of marriage dwells. Recently, a keyhole net has been set up here, which is believed to bring about the fulfillment of love, making this a popular spot for praying for love. It is recommended to go down to the beach and take pictures, or climb up on the neighboring rocks and take pictures.
It is scheduled to participate in the "14th Japan Geopark National Geopark Competition in Shimokita," and like Butsugaura, it is one of the creative beauties of which Sai Village is proud.
For details of Gakkei-iwa, see here

Let's find the "Best Picture" in the southern and Shimokita area along the Mutsu Bay coast!

How was everyone's visit to the Mutsu Bay Coast Southern and Shimokita area? The Southern and Shimokita areas are full of natural spots, spectacular views, and gourmet foods that can only be tasted here.
Please enjoy the Southern and Shimokita areas along the Mutsu Bay coast, feeling the charms and points of interest known only to the locals who live in this area.

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