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 building retains much of the atmosphere of its days as an inn. Today, it serves both as a gateway to sightseeing around Cape Tappizaki and as a valuable place where visitors can discover the literary and artistic heritage of this remote northern region.
One of the highlights inside Tappikan is a recreation of the room where Osamu Dazai stayed with his close friend, referred to as “N-kun,” while researching his travel novel “Tsugaru.”
The room includes a recreation of the atmosphere of the gathering held during their stay, along with books and historical materials related to Dazai. For visitors familiar with his work, the exhibition provides an opportunity to imagine the writer’s journey and see how the places described in his literature were connected to his actual experiences.
Even for travelers discovering Dazai for the first time, the recreated room offers an interesting glimpse into the literary history of northern Japan and the people who visited this remote coastal settlement.
The “Shiko’s Room” introduces the life and work of Shiko Munakata, a world-famous printmaker born in Aomori City. Through stories about his visits to the former Okutani Ryokan and examples of his work, visitors can learn more about both his personality and artistic career.
A sign bearing a title handwritten by Munakata is also displayed in the entrance hall. It provides a distinctive welcome to visitors entering the historic building and serves as a reminder of the strong connection between Tappizaki and Aomori’s artistic heritage.
Tappikan also features a variety of exhibits documenting the history and culture of the Tappizaki area. The “Tappizaki Then and Now Photo Gallery” presents photographs showing what the local settlement looked like during the 1960s and 1970s, allowing visitors to compare the community’s past with its present-day appearance.
The building also displays paintings depicting the natural landscapes of Tappizaki, as well as a guest register recording the names of writers, artists, and other notable cultural figures who stayed at the former inn.
Another exhibition features autograph boards signed by actors. These materials offer a glimpse into yet another aspect of Tappizaki’s cultural history: its role as a location for films and television dramas.
Today, Tappikan serves not only as a museum-like cultural facility but also as a tourist information center for Sotogahama Town. Visitors can obtain information about attractions around Cape Tappizaki and other destinations throughout the town.
The center is a useful place to gather information before exploring nearby highlights such as Tappizaki Lighthouse, the Staircase National Route, and the Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki Song Monument.
Cape Tappizaki Tourist Information Center “Tappikan” is much more than a conventional tourist information center. Its historic architecture and exhibitions preserve the atmosphere of the former Okutani Ryokan, while its collections introduce visitors to the literary and artistic figures who traveled to this northern corner of Aomori.
Before exploring the dramatic coastline and scenic attractions of Cape Tappizaki, consider stopping at Tappikan to learn about the area’s literature, art, history, and local culture. Understanding these stories can make a visit to the northern tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula even more meaningful.