The Tsugaru area offers tourist attractions such as Onuma Park, sightseeing events such as the Goshogawara Tachineputa, and local delicacies such as apple pie.
The place name Tsugaru has a romantic sense of language. The Tsugaru region is the name of the western part of Aomori Prefecture, and broadly speaking, it consists of the Nakahonamikuro district in the south centering on Hirosaki City, the Seihoku-go district in the northwest centering on Goshogawara City, and the Higashiao district in the northeast centering on Aomori City. This Tsugaru region belongs to the climate of the Sea of Japan side, and its greatest feature is that it has a lot of snowfall in winter.
There are many sightseeing spots in Tsugaru. The first and most representative tourist spot is Ryubizaki. The tip of the cape is a cliff that drops into the sea, and the Cape Ryutobizaki Lighthouse is the symbol of the area.
The next tourist route in Tsugaru is the Ryudomari Line. It is a 20km long winding road. The view from the viewing platform at the pass includes Cape Ryubi, Gongenzaki, Mount Iwaki, Lake Jusanko, Mount Hakkoda, and the sunset over the Sea of Japan. The road is a sightseeing road with a series of sharp curves, and the scenery changes every time the road turns, allowing visitors to see the various faces of Tsugaru. The only road in Tsugaru that is unique in the whole country is National Route 339, which is called "Stairway National Route", and you will be surprised to find that the national road is a stairway.
Goshogawara City is located in the northwestern part of Tsugaru, and there are many things to see and do in Goshogawara City. First of all, there is the red apple tree-lined avenue, along the side of which there are many red apple trees, Goshogawara's specialty, and their pretty crimson flowers are a sight to behold. The Tsugaru Flower Center is also a must-see tourist attraction, and the approximately 2,000 plum trees here are well worth a visit. The Kusumi Family Residence, a tangible cultural property of Goshogawara City, is a representative house of the Tsugaru region and is open to the public. The Osamu Dazai Memorial Museum is also famous, and is visited by Osamu Dazai lovers from all over Japan.
Speaking of Goshogawara, one cannot help but mention the Tsugaru Railway when talking about sightseeing trips. Tsugaru Railroad is about 20 km long and runs slowly through the scenic landscape of Tsugaru, which is full of travelers' feelings. In summer, wind chimes are hung in the passenger cabins and the train becomes a wind chime train; in autumn, bell bug baskets are installed and the train becomes a bell bug train; and in winter, a Dharma stove is placed and the train becomes a stove train, where you can see a silver world from the train window.
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is one of the most distinctive wooden bridges in northern Japan. Located in Tsuruta Town, Aomori Prefecture, the bridge stretches for approximately 300 meters across Tsugaru Fujimi Lake, also known as Mawari-zeki Great Reservoir. Known as Japan’s longest wooden triple-arch bridge, Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is admired for its elegant design and beautiful natural surroundings. Beyond ...»
A Spectacular Encounter with Giant Festival Floats Tachineputa Museum is a cultural facility in Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture, dedicated to the spectacular Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival, held every August. The museum permanently displays enormous festival floats, allowing visitors to experience their impressive scale even outside the festival season. The largest floats reach approximate...»
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is a large artificial lake in Tsuruta Town, Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. Its official name is Mawarizeki O-ike Pond, and it was originally created as an agricultural reservoir. Today, however, the lake is also one of the area's most attractive scenic destinations. With beautiful Mount Iwaki, known as the "Tsugaru Fuji," rising in the background, the reflection of t...»
Goshogawara Tachineputa is one of the most spectacular summer festivals in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Held every year in Goshogawara City, the festival is known for its enormous illuminated floats, powerful music, and energetic chants. Along with the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, Goshogawara Tachineputa is regarded as one of the major Neputa and Nebuta festivals...»
Takayama Inari Shrine is one of the most distinctive Inari shrines in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. Located in Ushigata-cho, Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, the shrine stands on a small hill approximately 22 meters above sea level and has long been revered as a sacred place associated with abundant harvests, safe voyages at sea, and business prosperity. The shrine's most famous attraction...»
Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum “Shayokan” is the former family home of Osamu Dazai, one of Japan’s most celebrated modern writers. Located in Kanagi, Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture, the building is now open to the public as a museum dedicated to Dazai and his family. Completed in 1907, the grand residence was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2004. The building is also highl...»
Tsuruta Town is located in Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture, in the heart of the Tsugaru Plain. Surrounded by fertile farmland and beautiful natural scenery, the town has developed a rich agricultural culture centered on fruit growing. The area is particularly famous for Steuben grapes, a sweet and aromatic variety for which Tsuruta is Japan’s leading producer. Apples, cherries, and other ...»
Hotate no Kaiyaki Miso is a traditional dish from Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. The name can be translated as “scallop shell grilled with miso,” and the dish is instantly recognizable for its distinctive cooking method: a large scallop shell is used as a small cooking vessel. Miso is dissolved in a savory broth inside the scallop shell, and an egg is added toward the end of cooking. Scallo...»
Michi-no-Eki Tsuruta “Tsuru-no-Sato Aruja” is a popular roadside station located along National Route 339 in Tsuruta Town, northern Aomori Prefecture. It serves as a convenient rest stop for travelers while also functioning as an important center for discovering the town's local food, agricultural products, souvenirs, and regional culture. In Japan, Michi-no-Eki, literally “Roadside Station,” are...»
Kizukuri Station is a railway station on the JR East Gonō Line in Kizukuri, Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture. Located in the heart of the Tsugaru Plain, the station is famous for one of the most unusual station buildings in Japan: its façade is designed in the shape of a giant Shakōki-Dogū, a distinctive clay figurine from the Jōmon period. The enormous face, affectionately known as “Shako-chan”, ...»
Kurokuma Falls is a spectacular waterfall in Ajigasawa Town, Aomori Prefecture, in northern Japan. With a height of approximately 85 meters and a width of about 15 meters, it is one of the largest waterfalls in Aomori Prefecture. The waterfall has also been selected as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan, a list highlighting some of the country’s most impressive and scenic waterfalls. Surround...»
Keno-shiru is a traditional local soup from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Packed with finely diced vegetables, wild mountain plants, beans, tofu, and other ingredients, this nutritious dish has been enjoyed for generations as a special food for the Little New Year, known as Koshōgatsu. Because it can be prepared in large quantities and keeps well for several days, Keno-shiru was partic...»
Tara no Ko-ae is a traditional winter dish from Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. It is a distinctive example of the local food culture of making full use of fish, combining cod meat and skin with cod roe and rich cod liver. The dish uses a traditional preparation known as tomo-ae, in which ingredients are dressed with a sauce or paste made from the same type of ingredient. For Tara no Ko-ae, ...»
Tsugaru City is located in the central-western part of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. Facing the Sea of Japan, the city is blessed with beautiful coastlines, mountains, rivers, lakes, wetlands, fertile farmland, and a rich collection of historical sites. The city is particularly interesting for travelers because its attractions span a remarkably long period of history. Visitors can explore ...»
Tsuruta Town Historical and Cultural Heritage Museum is a museum and cultural facility in Tsuruta Town, Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. The museum occupies the former Mizumoto Elementary School, a historic wooden school building that has been carefully preserved and given a new role as a place where visitors can learn about the area's history, traditions, and everyday life. Mizumoto Elem...»
Lake Jusan is a beautiful brackish lake located in the northwestern part of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. Locally, it is also known as Jusangata. For centuries, the lake has been closely connected with the lives and livelihoods of people in the surrounding region. Today, Lake Jusan is known for its distinctive natural scenery, rich history, local clam cultur...»
Discover the Sweet and Fragrant Steuben Grape Tsuruta Town in Aomori Prefecture is one of Japan's well-known grape-growing regions. Among the many varieties cultivated here, the most famous is Steuben, a grape variety originally developed in New York State in the United States. Steuben was introduced to Japan during the Showa period and has since flourished in Tsuruta thanks to the town's natura...»
The Kamegaoka Stone Age Site, located in the Kizukuri area of Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, is a large settlement site dating from the Late Jomon Period, approximately 3,000 to 2,400 years ago. It is also commonly known as the Kamegaoka Site. The site is particularly famous as the place where the remarkable Shakoki Dogu, or “goggle-eyed clay figurine,” was discovered in 1887. With its enormous...»
Tsugaru Global Village is a large-scale resort complex in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, combining nature, culture, sports, outdoor activities, hot springs, and entertainment in one destination. Surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes of northern Aomori, the resort offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors and relax. Visitors can soak in a hot spring, play sports, go camping, e...»
Koboji Temple, known as the “Koyasan of the West,” is a historic temple in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture. Belonging to the Koyasan Shingon School of Buddhism, the temple has long been an important center of faith and prayer in the Tsugaru region. The temple is believed to have a long history stretching back many centuries. The memorial tablet of the seventh head priest is said to be more than 6...»
Tsugaru Soba is a distinctive regional style of soba noodles from the Tsugaru area of Aomori Prefecture. Unlike the firm, springy texture that many people associate with Japanese soba, Tsugaru Soba is exceptionally soft. The noodles are so delicate that they may break apart when lifted with chopsticks. This unusual texture is not a mistake but an important characteristic of the dish. Tsugaru Soba...»
Jusanko Shijimi Ramen is a regional ramen specialty from Goshogawara City in Aomori Prefecture. The dish is made with Yamato shijimi clams harvested from Jusanko Lake, a brackish lake where freshwater from the Iwaki River meets seawater from the Sea of Japan. The small clams release an impressive amount of savory flavor into the broth. The result is a distinctive ramen with a fragrant, deeply fla...»
Shijimi Soup Yakisoba is a relatively new local specialty that originated in Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture. Created with a focus on using locally produced ingredients, the dish combines specially made noodles containing rice flour from Aomori with high-quality Yamato shijimi clams harvested from nearby Jusanko Lake. The noodles are grilled first, giving them a pleasant chewy texture and an ...»
Yamato clams from Lake Jusanko are one of Aomori Prefecture’s prized local seafood specialties. Lake Jusanko, located on the Sea of Japan side of Aomori, provides an ideal environment for growing flavorful Yamato shijimi, a freshwater clam commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Aomori is one of Japan’s leading producers of freshwater clams. The prefecture’s two major clam-producing areas are Lake Jus...»
Baman is a unique local specialty from Kanagi, Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture, the birthplace of renowned Japanese novelist Osamu Dazai. It is a casual way to enjoy the area’s famous horse meat, wrapped in a soft, steamed Chinese-style bun. The name “Baman” combines the idea of horse meat with the Japanese word umai, meaning “delicious.” It is a playful name suggesting that you may find your...»
Jappa-jiru is a traditional local soup from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. The name comes from the Tsugaru dialect word “jappa,” meaning something rough, miscellaneous, or leftover. In this dish, it refers to the parts of a fish that remain after the main fillets have been removed, such as the head, bones with meat still attached, and internal organs. In other words, j...»
When people think of tuna from Aomori Prefecture, Oma Tuna is probably the most famous name. However, another highly regarded variety comes from the Minmaya area, located near the northern tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula. In recent years, Minmaya Tuna has earned a reputation for quality that rivals the famous tuna of Oma. Minmaya's fishing grounds are located in the Tsugaru Strait in front of Cape T...»
Steuben grapes are a distinctive specialty of Aomori Prefecture, particularly the Tsugaru region. These seeded winter grapes are grown naturally in the area's cool climate and are known for their exceptionally high sweetness and rich flavor. Although grapes are often associated with warm regions, Steuben grapes thrive in the cool northern climate of Aomori. The Tsugaru region has climatic conditi...»
Kemame is a traditional variety of edamame, or young soybeans, that has been cultivated by farmers for generations, particularly in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Known for its large beans, pronounced sweetness, rich aroma, and deep savory flavor, Kemame is considered a distinctive seasonal specialty of northern Japan. Unlike ordinary edamame commonly found in supermarkets, Kemame has a...»
Tara no Tazu Nabe is a traditional hot pot dish from Aomori Prefecture made with cod and its rich, creamy milt. In the local dialect, “tazu” refers to cod milt, also known as shirako in Japanese. The dish combines pieces of cod with milt and simmers them in a savory soy sauce-based broth, allowing diners to enjoy the rich flavors of the fish in one comforting meal....»
Tsugaru, in western Aomori Prefecture, is blessed with rich fishing grounds along the Sea of Japan. The region is well known for its distinctive local cuisine, which makes use of abundant seafood as well as vegetables, wild mountain plants, and preserved foods. The area's deep winter snow and surrounding seas have also played an important role in shaping its food culture. Before modern refrigerat...»
Goshogawara Age Taiyaki is a popular local specialty of Goshogawara City in Aomori Prefecture. As its name suggests, this unique version of taiyaki is made by deep-frying a freshly made taiyaki in oil and then coating it with sugar....»
Megami no Ringo, meaning “Goddess's Apple,” is a distinctive black apple vinegar drink made exclusively from fully ripened apples grown in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, one of Japan's leading apple-producing areas. It combines the natural qualities of apples with the benefits of fermentation in a mellow, richly flavored vinegar that is designed to be enjoyed as part of everyday life....»
Masshigura is a rice variety developed in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. It combines an attractive appearance with good flavor and a satisfying texture, making it one of the varieties associated with Aomori's rice-growing tradition. The grains are relatively large and produce beautifully white and glossy rice when cooked. Masshigura has a moderate firmness and a pleasant bite, with less stick...»
Yaki-Boshi Ramen is a distinctive local ramen from Aomori Prefecture, known for its deeply flavorful broth made from yaki-boshi, a traditional Japanese method of roasting and drying sardines. The sardines used for this specialty come from Mutsu Bay, where high-quality sardines have long supported the region's food culture. Yaki-boshi is valued for its ability to concentrate the natural umami and ...»
A Lighthouse Surrounded by Three Seas Tappizaki Lighthouse stands at the tip of Cape Tappizaki, the northernmost point of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. Its striking white cylindrical structure stands against the dramatic coastal landscape, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in this remote part of northern Japan. The area around the lighthouse is part of the Tsugaru Qu...»
Roadside Station Minmaya, also known by the nickname “Tappizaki,” is located along National Route 339 in Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture. Situated at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, it is a convenient base for exploring an area surrounded by the Sea of Japan and the Tsugaru Strait. The surrounding area is part of the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park, where visitors can experience the...»
Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum is located at Cape Tappizaki, at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture. The museum tells the story of the Seikan Tunnel, one of Japan's most ambitious civil engineering projects, and allows visitors to learn about the technology, history, and human effort behind its construction. Connecting Honshu and Hokkaido, the Seikan...»
Staircase National Route 339 is one of Japan's most unusual roads. Located near Cape Tappizaki in the Tatsuhama area of Minmaya, Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture, this remarkable section of National Route 339 is officially designated as a national highway even though it consists entirely of stairs. Cars and motorcycles cannot use this section. It is reserved for pedestrians, making it a truly u...»
Seikan Tunnel Entrance Plaza is located in Imabetsu Town, Aomori Prefecture, and offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the Honshu-side entrance of the Seikan Tunnel up close. The Seikan Tunnel is one of Japan's most ambitious national infrastructure projects, connecting the main island of Honshu with Hokkaido beneath the Tsugaru Strait. Standing at the entrance plaza, visitors can appreciate ...»
Roadside Station Imabetsu Hanto Plaza Askuru: A Convenient Gateway to Okutsugaru Roadside Station Imabetsu Hanto Plaza Askuru is located in Imabetsu Town, Aomori Prefecture, and serves as a convenient base for exploring the Okutsugaru area. The facility is particularly distinctive for its exterior design inspired by the Seikan Tunnel, reflecting Imabetsu's role as an important transportation gate...»
Horozuki Coast and Cape Takanosaki are located in Imabetsu Town, Aomori Prefecture, and are recognized as one of the most scenic areas of the Tsugaru Peninsula. The coastline, which stretches from Cape Igamazaki toward Cape Takanosaki, is part of Tsugaru Quasi-National Park and is characterized by dramatic cliffs, unusual rock formations, and rugged coastal scenery. Facing the Tsugaru Strait, the...»
Roadside Station Tairadate “Oh! Daiba” is located in the Tairadate area of Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture, within Tsugaru Quasi-National Park. Situated along National Route 280 on the eastern side of the Tsugaru Peninsula, the roadside station enjoys a beautiful location overlooking Mutsu Bay. Surrounded by the sea, mountains, and historic landscapes, the area offers a peaceful setting where ...»
Mutsu Bay Ferry is a car ferry service connecting Aomori Prefecture's two major peninsulas—the Tsugaru Peninsula and the Shimokita Peninsula. The crossing takes approximately 60 minutes, offering a much faster alternative to traveling by road, which can take around three hours. Because cars, motorcycles, and bicycles can also be carried aboard, the ferry is a convenient choice for road trips and ...»
Obijima Island is a small island located at the tip of Cape Tappizaki in Minmaya-Tatsuhama, Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture. Situated at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, the island is a scenic destination where history, legend, and dramatic coastal landscapes come together. The island is now connected to the mainland by a concrete bridge, making it easy to visit on foot. Obijima ...»
Ryubazan Gikeiji Temple is located in Minmaya, Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture. Quietly standing halfway up a mountain overlooking the Tsugaru Strait, the temple is a historic site closely associated with the legendary northern journey of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, one of Japan's most famous and tragic historical figures. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Gikeiji offers visitors not only a glimpse...»
The Tatsudomari Line is the northern section of National Route 339 that crosses the Tsugaru Peninsula. Stretching for approximately 20 kilometers between Kodomari in Nakadomari Town and Cape Tappizaki in Sotogahama Town, it is a popular scenic driving route in northern Aomori. Along the way, the scenery changes dramatically from the rugged coastline of the Sea of Japan to the mountains of the nor...»
Cape Tappizaki Tourist Information Center “Tappikan” is a tourist information facility located at Cape Tappizaki, the northernmost point of the Tsugaru Peninsula. The building was created by renovating the former Okutani Ryokan, an inn where numerous cultural figures once stayed, including renowned writer Osamu Dazai and internationally acclaimed woodblock artist Shiko Munakata. The historic buil...»
Wind Town Exchange Plaza “Topmast” is a landmark tourist facility in the Kanita area of Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture, offering spectacular views across Mutsu Bay. The glass-fronted building stands beside Karanoyama Park Beach and opened in 1996. With its combination of sea, sky, and the magnificent landscapes of the Tsugaru Peninsula, Topmast is a popular place to enjoy the scenery of north...»