[2025 Shimokita District Attraction] Travel Guide for Hotoke-ga-ura Rock Formations (Updated Apr)

#timetotravel Hotoke Gaura is a series of rock formations along the sea cliffs on the west coast of Shimokita Peninsula at the entrance to Mutsu Bay in far northern Japan. These rock formations were designed a Natural Monument of Aomori Prefecture in 1934, and became further protected from April 23, 1941 as a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument,[1][2] From 1968, the rock formations were also located within the borders of the Shimokita Hantō Quasi-National Park. In 1975, the surrounding waters were designated as Hotokegaura Marine Park.

[Sunset at Mount Osore, Lake Usori, and Cape Oma, Shimokita Peninsula, Hotokegaura, Aomori] This is a record of our trip to Aomori, when we chartered a minibus as a group and watched the sunset at Mount Osore, Lake Usori, and Cape Oma, Shimokita Peninsula. We recommend that you go there in a mentally healthy state, with respect and caution towards places with spiritual legends. When we went there in August, the spiritual atmosphere from people was not strong, and it was easy to accept the environment as an outdoor activity. There are active volcanoes in every country, but as an example of a Japanese volcano, we can also recommend this place to those who like observing mountains. Osorezan in Shimokita Peninsula Quasi-National Park, Aomori Prefecture 🕰️Opening hours: Mountain climbing season: May 1st to the end of October 6:00-18:00 *Entry reception closes at 16:30 Closed: November to the end of April (Open every year between May 1st and October 31st) 💰Price per person: Adults 700 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen Groups 400 yen (20 or more people per group) Access: About 40 minutes by car from JR Shimokita Station 📍Location: 3-2 Usoriyama, Tanabe, Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture As I walked around the places named after hell and heaven from the temple grounds as guided, I heard the sound of the wind rattling the many windmills that pilgrims had inserted into the rocks, the sound of the straight wind hitting the rocks, the cold air, and the sunlight passing through the gaps in my hair. Along with Mount Hiei and Mount Koya, Mount Osore is one of the three most sacred mountains in Japan. Locals have long said that when people die, they go to Mount Osore. The sacred grounds, surrounded by the outer rim of the mountain, are a cut-off place that cannot be seen from the outside. When you cross the drum bridge over the Sanzu River and enter the sacred area, a landscape that resembles the world of the afterlife spreads before your eyes. Gokurakuhama, with its beauty reminiscent of the Pure Land, Jigokudani, with its sulfurous smell, the desolate Hell of Inferno, and Pond of Blood Hell... At Sai no Kawara, there are stones piled up by parents to mourn their young child who passed away, and a windmill spinning around, creating a melancholy atmosphere. Mount Osore Bodaiji Temple was founded in 862. It is said that Ennin, the founder of the temple, was guided by a prophecy in a dream and founded Mount Osore Bodaiji Temple in Shimokita at the end of his journey to preach his teachings to various countries. During the "Osorezan Grand Festival" held every year from July 20th to 24th, and the "Osorezan Autumn Pilgrimage" held during the long weekend in early October, many people line up to hear messages from the afterlife from shrine maidens called "Itako," who call out the spirits of the dead. ' There are also events in which "Itako" spirit mediums can hear messages from ancestors and deceased family members, or exorcise evil spirits that have possessed the client and help them attain enlightenment, and there are also self-proclaimed fortune tellers in the fortune telling market, but only a limited number of people who were born in this area of ​​Aomori Prefecture to a lineage of Itakos and have trained and studied since childhood are allowed to play the role of Itako. It is a pilgrimage destination for various purposes, such as mourning children and those affected by natural disasters, and is a base for travelers from all over the country, including the Tohoku region and Hokkaido. Hot Springs: Please bring your own swimsuit and towel. The facilities are simple and not a place to wash your body, but you can recover from fatigue in the sulfur baths. Lake Usori Lake Usori, which appears shallow at first glance and has a clear emerald-colored surface, can be reached by walking around the area within the grounds of Mount Osore. The water is highly acidic, which separates living creatures, and only one species of fish can live there, the Japanese dace. This caldera lake was formed by the eruption of Mount Tsurugi in the Osorezan mountain range. There are a dozen or so rivers that flow into the outer rim, but only one river flows out of it, the Shozu River, which flows into the Tsugaru Strait. The outer rim consists of eight peaks: Mount Keito, Mount Jizo, Mount Tsurugi, Mount Ojin, Mount Kojin, Mount Hokkoku, Mount Byobu, and Mount Kamafusa. Lake Usori and the outer rim are collectively called Mount Osore. The northeastern part of the lake is within the precincts of the sacred Mount Osore, where hot springs bubble up and volcanic gas and steam erupt from places. Mount Osore is designated as an active volcano. Omazaki, Shimokita Peninsula: Watch the waves crashing at the northernmost point of Honshu. There are also various monuments. Hotokegaura On the drive back, we saw the sun at its largest when it set. It was similar to the intensity of the light when watching the sunset at the twelve apostles from the coast in Victoria, Australia. #DomesticTravelTactics #Spring0YenTrip #MyTravelPlanBestSpots2014Aomori

| Misawa is so good to shop, why didn't anyone tell me? Check in to a niche but absolutely worth visiting Japanese small city - Misawa City🏡 The fusion of nature and history, the masterpiece of human and nature🎈All can be seen here! . 🪂Encounter of nature and culture Lake Towada: Get up in the morning and head straight to Lake Towada, where the lake and mountains are so beautiful that they will make you fall in love! Take a small boat or stroll along the lakeside path to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature. Misawa Aviation Science Museum: In the afternoon, visit the Misawa Aviation Science Museum, which showcases the history of aviation and space exploration, a paradise for aviation enthusiasts. . ⛲Fusion of history and modernity Misawa City Museum: In the morning, visit the Misawa City Museum to learn more about the rich history and culture of this city. Misawa Zoo: In the afternoon, visit the Misawa Zoo and have a close encounter with various cute animals. . 🌊Exploration of coast and wonders Buddha's Cape: In the morning, visit Buddha's Cape to explore natural wonders and experience the mysterious charm of coastal rocks. Misawa Aviation City: In the afternoon, visit Misawa Aviation City, experience flight simulators, watch aerial performances, or take a small plane flight to experience the thrill of aviation. . 🏨 Accommodation recommendations Choose a hotel near the city center for convenient exploration of Misawa's nightlife. . 🚌 Transportation tips From Tokyo, you can take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Hachinohe Station, then transfer to a local train to Misawa Station. You can also choose to fly directly to Misawa Airport. . 🍱 Food recommendations Nambu Ironware: Don't forget to bring home a piece of Nambu Ironware, a local traditional handicraft. Hachinohe Senbei Soup: Try the local specialty, this soup made with rice cakes and vegetables will definitely warm your stomach. . ⚠️Tips Check the weather before you go out, don't let the rain dampen your spirits. If you are an aviation enthusiast, be sure to visit the Misawa Aviation Science Museum, where there are many interactive exhibits waiting for you.🎏