This winter, embark on an unforgettable journey to the Shimokita region of Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost tip of Honshu, and experience its mysterious natural beauty and meet the warm, fascinating people who call it home. Ideal for those seeking serenity, cultural immersion, and hidden gems in Japan. Exclusive private tours by Shimokita TABI Assist offer a blend of 10 nature, culture, and local adventures, inviting you to explore Shimokita’s mystical landscapes and deeply rooted culture.

Travel Attractions in Shimokita

Shimokita TABI Assist Tour Information and Registration

[COMING SOON] Nani X Shimokita, Aomori Prefecture Giveaway

Scenic Landmarks and Natural Wonders
(1) Omazaki “Oma Cape”
(2) Okuyagen Onsen (Hot Spring)
(3) Hotokegaura Rock Formations
(4) Snowshoeing Adventure in Kawauchi

Cultural Immersion and Local Traditions
(5) Temple Stay and Morning Zazen Meditation
(6) Shrine Maiden Experience at Tanabu Shrine
(7) Kabuki Performance in Sai Village
(8) Night Tour in Mutsu City

Culinary and Lifestyle Experiences
(9) Local Cuisine in Mutsu City and Sai Village
(10) Herbarium Crafting in a Traditional Japanese House

Scenic Landmarks and Natural Wonders

Known for its rugged coastline, dense forests, and dramatic landscapes, Shimokita is home to a variety of awe-inspiring sights that draw visitors seeking both beauty and adventure. Among the highlights is the scenic Hotokegaura cliffs featuring stunning rock formations carved by the sea, resembling a natural stone gallery. With its untouched wilderness, coastal vistas, and deeply spiritual sites, Shimokita offers a unique blend of natural wonder and cultural depth, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.

Begin your journey at the edge of Japan! Visit Omazaki, the northernmost tip of Honshu, marked by a famous tuna statue symbolising Oma’s renowned fishing industry. It is the perfect spot for a commemorative photo as you look out over the Tsugaru Strait.

Source: Shimokita TABI Assist

Okuyagen Onsen, nestled in the lush, remote wilderness of Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori, is a hidden gem known for its serene and traditional hot spring experience. Located along the Yagen Valley and surrounded by dense forests and scenic mountains, Okuyagen Onsen provides a tranquil retreat where visitors can relax and enjoy the healing properties of mineral-rich waters in a peaceful, natural setting. This rustic hot spring area offers outdoor baths (rotenburo) along the riverside, allowing visitors to enjoy a casual footbath or a full open-air soak while taking in the winter scenery—a relaxing moment immersed in Japan’s winter beauty.

Hotokegaura, located on the western coast of Shimokita Peninsula, is a breathtaking coastal rock formation known for its unique, almost mystical beauty. These dramatic cliffs and jagged stone pillars were naturally sculpted over thousands of years by powerful waves and wind, creating towering shapes that resemble Buddha statues or figures in deep meditation, which is how it earned the name "Hotokegaura" ("hotoke" meaning Buddha). Visit and experience a powerful connection to nature.

Snowshoeing in Kawauchi, a charming village in Shimokita Peninsula, offers a serene and immersive winter experience in one of Japan’s most picturesque snowy landscapes. Known for its pristine forests, snow-covered trails, and peaceful natural surroundings, Kawauchi provides the ideal setting for snowshoeing. Experience the quiet beauty of Shimokita’s wilderness at a relaxed pace. Start with a warm-up on the beach, then head into a peaceful winter forest, where you will pass historical sites such as mine chimneys and listen to local tales shared by your guide.

Cultural Immersion and Local Traditions

A temple stay and zazen (seated meditation) experience at Ooma Fugenin temple in Shimokita offers a deeply spiritual and immersive way to connect with Japan’s rich Buddhist traditions. Stay at a traditional “shukubo” temple lodging, spend a night and experience monastic life, engage in a morning service, and practise zazen in the peaceful surroundings of nature. Quietly reflect with zazen and ritual cleaning, immersing yourself in the temple’s tranquil atmosphere.

Source: Ooma Fugenin

This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural traditions of Japan. With over 400 years of history, Tanabu Shrine is known for its historical significance and serene atmosphere. Visitors are welcome to step into the role of a miko—a shrine maiden—where they can engage in sacred rituals and learn about the ancient practices associated with Shinto worship.

Source: Mutsu Japan

During the experience, you can dress in traditional shrine maiden attire, including a white kimono and red hakama (trousers), and participate in various ceremonial activities. This may include assisting in shrine rituals, offering prayers at the altar, and learning the significance of Shinto customs from the shrine’s priests. As a miko, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the spiritual connection between nature, the divine, and the community in Shinto traditions.

Known for its elaborate costumes, dynamic storytelling, and powerful performances, Kabuki is one of Japan's most iconic cultural expressions, blending music, dance, and drama to tell stories that range from historical epics to tales of love, tragedy, and adventure.

In Sai Village, this unique art form has been passed down for generations, blending both ancient customs and community spirit. The fishing village's rural setting provides a charming contrast to the grandeur of the Kabuki stage, giving the experience a sense of authenticity and connection to the local culture. Enjoy this cultural journey which offers insights into one of Japan’s oldest and most revered art forms, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Shimokita Peninsula.

During this captivating night tour in Mutsu City, you will delve deeper into the lives and lifestyles of the people who call the Shimokita Peninsula home. As night falls, the city transforms into a peaceful haven, offering a quiet contrast to the busier daytime hours. The tour takes you through the heart of Mutsu, where you can explore traditional streets lined with historical buildings, some of which date back centuries, providing a glimpse into the past.

The experience culminates with a warm, locally-sourced dinner, where you will savour the flavours of Shimokita’s abundant natural resources. Feast on fresh seafood caught from the surrounding seas, locally grown vegetables, and traditional dishes passed down through generations.

Culinary and Lifestyle Experiences

The local cuisine of Mutsu City and Sai Village is a reflection of the region’s rich natural resources, agricultural traditions, and coastal culture. The food here is deeply tied to the land and sea, offering fresh, seasonal ingredients with unique flavours. Whether you are dining in the bustling heart of Mutsu or the tranquil rural charm of Sai Village, you will enjoy the fresh, local dishes that highlight the area’s seasonal produce and seafood.

Visit a quaint Japanese house where you will create your own herbarium—a beautiful way to capture a bit of Shimokita’s natural charm. The experience includes relaxing in a traditional space that embodies Japanese aesthetics.

The Shimokita region in Aomori Prefecture offers a rare and enriching experience for those seeking tranquillity, natural beauty, and deep cultural immersion. From the mystical landscapes of Hotokegaura and the serene temple stays to the exciting snowshoe adventures and traditional kabuki performances, every moment in Shimokita brings you closer to Japan's untouched charm. This winter, step off the beaten path and discover the unique wonders of Shimokita – a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

About Shimokita TABI Assist

Shimokita TABI Assist provides comprehensive tourism services in the Shimokita Peninsula, including sharing information on local attractions, offering specialised travel packages, and providing various forms of visitor assistance.

 They strive to make every visitor’s trip to the Shimokita a lasting memory. They will guide you through your journey, ensuring you enjoy the unique cuisine, stunning nature, and vibrant culture of the Shimokita Peninsula, creating unforgettable experiences along the way. 

Tour Information

All-inclusive Package
includes full transfers, accommodation, experiences, meals and guides for 3 days 
Group booking offer
For a group of 6 pax: ¥293,000 per person
For a group of 4 pax: ¥335,000 per person

À-la-carte cost per pax
Transport
1-day taxi charter: from ¥138,600

Accommodation (per night)
Temple stay (with 2 meals): from ¥43,680
Minshuku “guesthouse” (half-board): from ¥17,160
Hotel stay (half-board): from ¥13,200

Experiences
Winter stroll in Hotokegaura: from ￥9,240
Herbarium experience: from ￥3,300
Kabuki experience: from ￥26,400
Snowshoeing experience in the Kawauchi region: from ￥9,240
Miko (shrine maiden) experience at Tanabu Shrine: from ￥9,240
Tanabu area night tour: from ￥3,600

Guides
Interpreter/guide: from ￥237,600 for 3 days
Tour guide: from￥108,000 for 3 days
*Solo travellers are welcome. 

Tour Registration

Shimokita TABI Assist [Tourist Information Center]
Location: 4-3 Shimokitacho, Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, 035-0061
Contact number: 0175-34-9095 
Email: shimokita@kasamai-shimokita.or.jp
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✈️ 🇯🇵 Stand a chance to win an attractive prize and fuel your next travel adventure when you book a Shimokita TABI Assist tour! Embark on an unforgettable tour of Shimokita Peninsula—where extraordinary sights, rich culture, and authentic local experiences await. 

✨ Highlights include:
🌊 Hotokegaura - a scenic wonder of seaside rock formations 
⛩️ Tanabu Shrine - dress up as mikos and immerse yourself in Japan’s culture 
❄️ Kawauchi - snowshoe through pristine forests and picturesque landscapes 

Whether you are dreaming of exploring Japan’s hidden gems or immersing yourself in its culture & traditions, this is the perfect chance to make your next adventure even sweeter!

Stay tuned for updates!

*This article is brought to you in partnership with Shimokita TABI Assist and Visit Aomori Japan.

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