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 sightseeing tours. Instead of simply being a means of transportation, crossing Mutsu Bay by ferry can become an enjoyable part of the journey itself.
The ferry Kamoshika has a passenger capacity of approximately 240 people and is equipped with facilities designed to provide a comfortable journey, including barrier-free features.
The regular route connects Kanita Port on the Tsugaru Peninsula with Wakinosawa Port on the Shimokita Peninsula. Under normal operating conditions, the service runs two round trips per day.
As the ferry crosses the calm waters of Mutsu Bay, passengers can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and expansive views of the surrounding coastline. The approximately one-hour crossing provides a peaceful break from driving and turns the journey between the two peninsulas into a memorable travel experience.
One of the most exciting attractions of the Mutsu Bay Ferry is dolphin watching. From late April through late June, wild dolphins are frequently seen swimming in Mutsu Bay.
Passengers may be lucky enough to see groups of dolphins swimming alongside the ferry or leaping above the surface. On some occasions, groups numbering more than 100 dolphins have been spotted, creating an unforgettable spectacle of nature.
Because the dolphins are wild, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, when a large pod appears beside the vessel, watching these animals move through the open sea provides a remarkable opportunity to experience the natural beauty and dynamism of Mutsu Bay.
Near Kanita Port, visitors can also stop at Kaze-no-Machi Exchange Plaza “Topmast”. Its observation deck, located approximately 30 meters above the ground, offers panoramic views across Mutsu Bay.
From the observation deck, visitors can watch ferries crossing the bay while enjoying the expansive seascape and surrounding mountains. The building’s first floor also includes a ferry ticket counter and local products shop, making it a convenient place to prepare for your ferry journey or browse regional specialties.
The first-floor shop offers a selection of specialty products from the Tsugaru and Shimokita regions, along with famous products from Hokkaido. It is a useful stop for travelers looking for regional souvenirs before or after taking the ferry.
On the second floor, the Chinese restaurant Chez Long Feng serves dishes prepared with local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a meal while looking out over the surrounding sea and mountains.
The area around Kanita also offers several attractions. Mount Kanran and Kanran-zan Park Beach are nearby, providing opportunities for walks, summer swimming, and relaxing by the sea. Visitors can also explore literary monuments associated with the renowned Japanese writer Osamu Dazai.
The Mutsu Bay Ferry is more than a convenient way to travel between the Tsugaru and Shimokita Peninsulas. The sea crossing offers beautiful scenery, refreshing ocean air, and the possibility of encountering wild dolphins along the way.
For travelers exploring Aomori by car, motorcycle, or bicycle, the ferry provides an enjoyable way to connect two very different parts of the prefecture while avoiding a much longer overland journey. Combined with local food, coastal scenery, and nearby attractions around Kanita Port, the ferry ride can become a memorable highlight of an Aomori sightseeing itinerary.