Art & Culture / History & Tradition / Natural Scenery / Activities & Experience
Sightseeing facility / Events & Festivals / Special products
Shimokita Area
Simokita peninsula, shaped like the head of an axe, is at the most northern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu and boasts a variety natural places to see. The peninsula being surrounded by the sea has be producing a variety of sea based products. The tuna from this region is well known all around Japan as the Oma’s tuna. It has traded at high price by restaurants abroad recently; tuna fever seems to have staying power. There are many unexpected regions in Shimokita area that are untouched, as well as many natural types of scenery that can be seen only here. The view of Hotokegaura’s sheer quay from a tour boat lets visitors see an unusual and unseen world. In the natural forest of Wakinosawa, there live monkeys of and Japanese serows. Visitors sometimes get to view them up close when traversing the forest. At the spiritual spot Osorezan, the view of nature makes visitors feel the place is not the real world, as well as bring about a solemn feeling. In the Shimokita area there are also many hot spring spa that are called Hitou (or secret spa.) When bathing in an outdoor hot spring, it makes visitors gain the feeling that they are a part of nature. The chance to meet animals while relaxing is also a possibility. |
Spot information -----------------------------------------------
Art & Culture
◇Nou dance
The Nou dance, that is said to be brought to the area by monk 500 years ago, is an important and intangible folk cultural property of country. It is such a valuable art in the history of Japanese play; it was specified as an important intangible folk cultural property in 1989.
◇Yokichi-Narumi Cultural monument
It was spring of 1907 when Yokichi Narumi came to Sai village as an elementary school teacher for the village. Though he had taught only for half a year, he wrote 120 Haiku in that short period. On the cultural monument standing in front of the Ganakake-stone his haiku are carved.
History & Tradition
◇Chofuku-temple (a standing kannon statue with 11 faces of carved wood)
The kannon statue was dedicated by an old Iwashimizu family and is found in a pond preventing disaster from a fire. It is said to be one of the three standing statues made with the same wood. The size of the statue of 181cm and is said to be the second tallest of the existing statues made by Enkuu. As it seems to have been carved with a hatchet and chisel, the statue makes us feel its vitality in the wood when seeing the roughly carved statue.
◇Hokuyo-kan (Northern sea pavilion)
The Hokuyo-kan made with stones was built as a Navy officer's social function in 1916. It is in the Ominato Superintendent General of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. It exhibits many valuable materials of from the old navy and present day self-defense force.
◇Oma Inari shrine
Formally it was called Hyakutaki-inari-daimyoujin and was created to celebrate Ukanomitamano-mikoto as its God. In 1698, Gozaemon Itoh, a village chief of Oma, asked Tokugawa clan of Mito who is said to have belief of Tenhi to move the shrine here after seeing a lot of shipwrecks by village people. And then Tenhi was gathered to Inari-shrine. A parade of Tenhi festival is held annually on July 20.en.
Natural Scenery
◇Hotokegaura
The scenery of the cliff of white green tuff lasts for about 2km, and is a natural made beauty carved by years rainfall and rough seas. The rocks are named such as Nyorai-no-kubi, Gohyaku-rakan, Kannon-iwa, or Gokuraku-hama. Those names come from Buddhism. It was specified as the place of scenic beauty and a natural monument of Japan in 1941. A lot of tourists visit the scenic sites in the Shimokita peninsula quasi-national park.
◇Mt. Kamabuse observatory
The height of Mt. Kamabuse is 879 meters, the highest in Shimokita Peninsula. The view from two storey observatory at the summit of the mountain is wonderful and it may be possible to see Hakodate, the Pacific Ocean, or the Shimokita peninsula surrounding Mutsu Bay and the central town of Mutsu on a clear day. As the view of the peninsula at night looks like a butterfly dressed in jewels, it is compared to Swallowtail Butterfly at night.
◇Gankake-iwa rocks
They were enshrined as god's Rock-mountain, and this view was held by locals for a long time. They are called Ganakake-iwa as the meaning of the rocks (iwa) for making (kake) the wishes (gan.) And also they are believed the rocks of marriage as two rocks look like a man and woman are facing each other. The right rock was named a male rock and the left rock a female rock.
◇Oma cape
The cape in the top edge of Oma town is at the most northern part of main island of Japan. It is located at 41°33" north and 140°58" east. At the edge of the cape, there is a monument stone carved with the inscription “The most northern place on Honshu.” The distance between Oma cape and Shiokubi cape in Hokkaido is only 17.5km. We may realize that the place is at the most northern part of Main Island when we see Hokkaido Island that appears before our eyes. The monument of the huge 440kg tuna of legend welcomes you.
◇Quasi-national park Shiriya cape
There is a lighthouse of all white built October 20, 1876 as the first foreign- style lighthouse in the Tohoku region. It is important for its historical and cultural value and it was selected as one of the best 50 Japanese lighthouses. Moreover, around the area natural horses called Kandachime. These horses are pretty and innocent, but brave and friendly, are pastured here. This area has received specification as an Aomori Prefecture natural monument on November 18, 2002.
◇Mt. Nishifukitake Observatory
There is an observatory on the top of the Mt. Nishifukutake. Visitors can enjoy the view around the Tsugaru channel from the observatory. There is a monument with carved poem by, Omachi Keigetsu, a writer of Meiji era, about the view from the Oma cape.
◇Park of the pond of the water source
The pond was used as the water source of the city until 1976. It was designated as a private water supply for old naval forces in the strategic port of Ominato in October, 1909. It is the oldest stone made arch type dam in Japan. There are about 150 cherry trees in the park and the Sakura (cherry blossom) Festival is held in May every year. It was specified for national important cultural properties in December, 2009.
Activity & Experience
◇Cabin house・Gankake Camp site
The Cabin house on the mountainside of Ganakake-rock is construced from all cypress wood. Visitors can view Tsugaru channel and Hokkaido from each cabin. And they can also enjoy fishing and swimming in summer at the sea shore in front of the houses. There is also an outdoor cooking area in the camping site and it is possible to rent tents and BBQ grills.
◇Mutsu Science Museum
It is a museum in the shape of a ship. It stands at the hill by the Sekinehama port that was a home port of the nuclear-powered ship “Mutsu”. In the museum, the history of Mutsu is introduced. The nuclear reactor itself and control room, and much more are on display. There are also many corners that exhibit the wonder of nature as well as information on the sea. From children to adults, people can enjoy the nature, marine and science.
◇Hayagake lakeside hill camping site
The camping site is near by the Hayagake marsh and has electric power. As there are also cabins that have a set of daily tools for camping, coin showers, and a launderette, people can easily enjoy outdoor life here.
◇Oma cape tent site
It is this tent site that exists on the most northern part of the main island. There is a lawn that is good for tent construction as well as cooking houses . In front of the site, there is the monument of the most northern area and the monument of tuna.◇Mt. Kamabuse Ski area
The largest ski area in Shimokita called a “downhill beach”. The course against the Mutsu bay that is spreading before your eyes is so exiting. When it is clear, we can see Hakkoda, Shiriya cape and even Hokkaido.
◇Mt. Meidouishiyama
This is a rock mountain that shows a strange shape in the western area of Shimokita peninsula. The rock plate stands straight for about 200m. It used to be used for rock climbing but in 1976, the lichen called Oourahidaiwatake was discovered, now only mountain climbing is allowed. It takes about 2 hours to climb and visitors can enjoy the wonderful view of Mutsu bay and Tsugaru channel the from the mountain top.
Sightseeing Facility
◇Seaside Cattle Park
Visitors can view a panorama of Tsugaru cannel from the observatory. The view is so wonderful, and in summer and autumn, tuna fishing can be seen. And there are exhibits about the cows of Oma and old farm machines and implements on display.
◇Hotokegaura Sightseeing Ship
The ship goes around Hotokegaura, a site specified as the national natural monument and scenic beauty. Visitors can land on the coast and see and feel the great rocks with a height of 90m nearby. Each rock has Buddha related names and the guides explain about the rocks. There are ships departing from Sai port and from Ushitaki port.
◇Mutsu Kasamai Hall
Mutsu Kasamai Hall is an integrated facility designed to broadcast information about sightseeing and local events. On the first floor, there is a space to show information and as well as meeting rooms that can be used for a variety of events. On the second floor, there is an exhibition space that introduces the Shimokita area with the corners of “Sightseeing and foods and spas,” “Histories and cultures,” “Nature,” “Marine science,” and “Industry.”
◇Kaikyou isaribi park
Kaikyou Isaribi Park is a sightseeing base around Simofuro hot spring village. This park is made to fill sea water into the inner pond using eddo tides and flood tides. Also there is an observatory where visitors can see Hokkaido on the opposite side of the channel. There is also a cultural monument to the author Inoue Yasushi who has close relationship with Shimofuro spring spa. In the pond in the park, there are two big rocks called “Futami iwa”, and Ebisu shrine dedicated to safety on the sea and a bountiful fish harvest.
◇Oma onsen kaikyou hoyou center
This facility is known as the most northern hot spring on the main island. In the facility, there are a large spring, Sauna, restaurant, accommodations, and a large rest space. If more than 10 visitors attend a party or stay there, the facility can provide a bus to pick up visitors from Mutsu City (requires a reservation.) It takes 7,290 yen at least for one night stay with 2 meals. It is possible to order tuna law fish from August to December (need confirmation.)
◇The Arusas Museum of Tsugaru Straits
On the first floor of the facility, there is a Tourist Board Information Center and a souvenir shop. On the second floor, there are three restaurants and a museum. The museum called Channel museum and exhibits glasses which are brought from Nagasaki and blue stones which are used by Ainu people, as well as silk clothes made in china. On the third floor, there is an observatory. The fishing port near the museum is also an arrival and departure place for Ferries to Hotokegaura and Aomori. It is used as a gate for sightseeing around Sai area.
◇Mutsu Shimokita Sightseeing Hall “Masakari plaza”
At the souvenir shop, we can by special products around the area and at the restaurant we can enjoy squid from Oma or Kazamaura and scallop from Mutsu bay and many other delicious foods from Shimokita area. It is recommended to see an exhibition corner displaying a miniature float from the Tanabu festival.
Events & Festivals ---------------------------------------------
Spring
Summer
In the circular racing course of 20 meters is squid reserving center. Squid races are held in summer. The race is a swimming competition of squids that visitors buy.
The owners can have squids with sashimi right then and there and of course, it is possible to take them home. The races are held from 5PM everyday during summer.
◇Tanabu festival
It is the largest festival in Shimokita area held from August 18 to 20. The festival is told to be brought by Kitamaebune ship and is said to be a sub sect of the Kyoto Gion festival. In the festival, 5 floats from 5 towns go with elegant Gion-bayashi melody. In the night of August 20, the climax of the festival called Goshawakare occurs, 5 floats join together and share glasses of sake to swear to making the next year’s meeting.
◇Higashidori Yosakoi Kasamai festival
20 dancing teams from in and out of the village attend this festival. Each dancer carries clappers and the teams demonstrate a wonderful dancing performance. The dancing performance is full of spirit and very exciting.
◇◇Oma town blue marine festival
In the festival, there are many events such as traditional ship races, tuna dismantlement show, or a songs show. Tuna is served after the show for free. Enjoy fireworks viewing from the Tsugaru channel at night.
◇Yukai village seafood festival
The festival is an event that makes the summer in Kazamaura village exciting. It is an event with variety of events such as seafood bowls filled with northern delicious foods, Ikasama races and fireworks that decorate short summer night of Shimokita.
◇Ominato Nebuta festival
The festival has a history dating back 150 years. It is held on the first weekend in August. Ten or more Nebuta floats made by regional teams parade down the street. The sounds of flutes and drums from the bands are very peculiar and specific.
◇Osorezan festival
Osorezan is a general name for the basin area surrounded by Mt. Kamabuse that surrounds Lake Usori and by Mt. Daijin and other 6 mountains. The temple of the Osorezan was opened by Jikakuktaisi Ennjin in 862. The area is counted as one of the 3 largest spiritual areas along with Hieizan and Kouyasan. During the festival season, many visitors come together for ceremonies or events. One of the events is Itako’s oracle that is said to be a voice of the dead.
Autumn
◇Oma super tuna festival
Autumn is the season that the taste of tuna becomes the most delicious starting from late Autumn until winter. It is during this time that we can fully enjoy the taste of tuna at the of tuna fishing areas. A huge tuna is dismantled with a dynamic cutting performance in the tuna dismantlement show. After the show, the dismantled tuna is sold to the visitors. Visitors can see Tsugaru channel and tuna fishing on fishing boats. Visitors can also enjoy a BBQ of fresh seafood from Oma on a charcoal grill. Visitors can fully enjoy the fishing port town Oma during the festival.
◇Yanonemori Hachimanngu Reitaisai(Shrine annual festival)
This festival that have begun in Genroku era in the Edo era (1696), it is the greatest event of vllage with the history of 300 years’. The venerable annual festival is conveyed from historical Gion festival in Kyotoby a Kitamae-Bune ship which inherited.
Winter
◇Funori(Seaweed) harvest experience tour
Funori is a kind of seaweed that becomes soft and delicious around February and March. In that period visitors can experience the harvest of seaweed in the village. Visitors can take them home after the harvest.
Gourmet information -----------------------------------------
Special products
◇Natural Ezo ear shell, Natural seaweed, Natural sea urchin
These are natural sea foods that are fished at the Shiriya area where Tsugaru channel and Pacific Ocean meet. Boiled ear shell, root of seaweed, bottled sea urchin are very popular. Those products are introduced at Takashimaya in Tokyo; they gained good reputation from the people from the village.
◇Scallop (Mutsu bay)
Mutsu bay exists in the center of Aomori. It is a bountiful area for harvesting the sea where water flows come from Hkkoda Mountains, the Tsugaru peninsula, and the Shimokita peninsula. Scallops are grown in the bay and this area provides the second most scallops for all of Japan. It is highly praised for its sweetness and jelly texture.
◇Shimokita wine
The wine is distilled with the grape grown from the northern most vineyard on Honshu. There are wines such as the red wine Ryou and white wines Sarah and Cannon. Each is a quality wine that surprises tasters.
◇Roast and Dried anchovy
This is a traditional natural food that is made with anchovies fished from Wakinosawa. They are made carefully made by hand and contain five times the “dashi”(ingredient of deliciousness) compared with ordinary anchovies Its nutritive value is also high.
◇Tsugaru channel outer sea scallops
These scallops are grown in the natural environment of the outer sea of Tsugaru channel. Their size is quite large and their texture is steady. It is very popular scallop with many repeat eaters. Processed scallop is sold at Takashimaya and it is so delicious. The sales are increasing gradually.
◇Wild boar meet
Wild boar meet from boars growing up in the hard environment of Shimokita peninsula has awhite and fine fat with a strong sweetness. The unique flavor without gamey smell is very impressive.
◇Ominato naval forces croquette
Naval forces croquette that used to be eaten by the old Japanese navy is said to be created by Ominato naval forces. It used to be sold at the self-defense forces event held twice a year. It is now sold at the specified stores. The texture of the croquette is very crispy as it uses fat of beef called “het” it is also favorable.
◇Kisui(specially distilled saka)
The sake is made with the collaboration of rice “Komanomai” produced at the village and water that flows from stratum of Jurassic Period. The feeling is clear and the flavor is excellent.
◇Higasidori’s beef and blueberry products
Higashidori’s beef gets a good reputation as highest class of food since they are grown in a good natural environment to give it a good taste and soft texture. Each of the processed foods such as beef jerky, salami, sausage and ham are very popular. Blueberry is processed into jam and juice and the soft ice blueberry cream is unforgettably delicious.
