Shimokita Peninsula is located on the northernmost tip of Honshu and is noted for its axe like shape.
The Shimokita Peninsula is a little known gem,
affectionately referred to by locals as "the hatchet" due
to its unique geographic shape. Boasting beautiful cliffs,
forested mountain areas, tiny fishing villages, and wind-
swept beaches, this area is a magical travel destination
that is a bit off the beaten path. The peninsula, called
Shimokita-hanto, is located on the northeastern-most
tip of Honshu, the main island of Japan. It is separated
from the northern island of Hokkaido by the Tsugaru
Strait. Its hatchet shape curves to form a natural bay,
which is called Mutsu-wan, or Mutsu Bay. While the bay
is popular for kayakers and ferry tours, its main purpose
is fishing. Small fishing boats can be seen dotting the
bay at all times of day, and coveted glass fishing balls
can often be found by taking a stroll along the rocky
beaches.
The western side of the peninsula overlooks the Pacific
Ocean, and since the roads hug the sides of the cliffs,
something as simple as driving will give travelers
spectacular views. There are numerous sites to take in
while visiting the Shimokita Peninsula! Toward the
south end of the “handle” of Shimokita-hanto is the
small village of Rokkasho, which is known for its annual
late-spring salmon festival. To the northwest is
Yokohama-machi, a town overlooking Mutsu Bay.
Yokohama is known for its vibrant yellow fields of
nanohana, also known as rapeseed or canola, which
typically bloom in the late spring. The town also boasts
small shrines, natural hot springs, and a plethora of
cultural festivals!
Traveling west along the “blade” of the hatchet-shaped
peninsula will take explorers to Mutsu-shi, or Mutsu
City, Shimokita’s largest urban area. Similar to Tohoku’s
other large cities, Mutsu-shi creates and displays
Nebuta floats for annual festivals and celebrations. The
city also boasts museums, distilleries, and popular
restaurants. Mutsu-shi’s dining choices often feature the
fish of the region, caught and served fresh.
Not far from Mutsu-shi is one of Shimokita’s popular
tourist destinations: the Bodai-ji temple at Osorezan.
The valley is considered one of Japan’s most sacred
places, and the peaks of Mt. Osore offer beautiful views
of the peninsula. The temple is home to Buddhist
monks, and is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists across the
country. Bodai-ji is located adjacent to Lake Usori, a
caldera lake situated near the center of the mountain
range. Long, winding roads will take travelers up to the
range’s eight famous peaks. The most popular of these,
Kamafuseyama, has an observatory offering panoramic
views of the peninsula, Mutsu Bay, Tsugaru Straights,
and other surrounding areas. The low-hanging clouds
provide mists that are almost other-worldly, but on those
rare cloudless days, observatory visitors can often see
as far as Hokkaido!
The “tip” of the peninsula is an adventurer’s paradise,
with dramatic cliffs and coastlines bearing large rock
formations. Visitors can take a ferry near the village of
Sai to see the Hotokegaura, large volcanic rock
formations; or climb to the top of Gankake-iwa, the
“wishing rock,” for breathtaking views of Mutsu Bay. The
northern edge of the peninsula boasts many places of
interest as well, including Yagen Onsen, one of Japan’s
many natural hot springs; and Shiriyazaki, home to
Shimokita's lighthouse and the famous Kandachime
wild horses. A visit to this tucked-away peninsula will be
one remembered for years to come!
Tohoku | Aomori | Shimokita Peninsula
Osorezan
Osorezan is one of the three most sacred mountains in Japan and is said to be the mythical entrance to Buddhist Hell.
