Where can I go off the beaten track in Japan?

This is your Japan expert, Emi. I was a “tenjoin” (tour guide/tour conductor) in Japan for domestic tourists and I’ve travelled throughout the whole of Japan!.

This the last part of our “off the beaten track in Japan” series. We hope you’ve enjoyed the first 2 locations. If you missed them, you can see them here and here.

Just a reminder that public transportation may either not exist, or be very infrequent when you go off the beaten track in Japan. Always prepare and organise your trip in advance to ensure you make the most of your journey!

Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori (Tohoku region)

The Shimokita Peninsula, in Aomori Prefecture, is located at the northern-most point of the main island of Japan. The entire peninsula is designated as a National Park. Here you’ll meet spectacular nature and enjoy delicious food – from super fresh seafood to savoury and hearty local specialties!

Hotokegaura is a fantastically shaped rock formation. Over many years, the rough waves of the Tsugaru Channel eroded the precipice, turning it into a 2km long spectacle along the coast. The rocks have been given names that relate to Buddhism, such as Gohyakurakan, Renge-iwa and Gokuraku-hama etc. Hotokegaura means Buddha’s Cove.

You can get here by car and take a 20 minute walk on the foot path. However, it’s worth taking a boat to access some of rock formations that can be only seen from the ocean.

Try driving right to the top of Honshu to Oma. From there, it’s only 17.5km to Hokkaido! Oma is well known for its tuna fishing industry and tuna dishes. Walk into a local restaurant to try some of the freshest tuna sashimi teishoku or tuna sashimi don here!

If you travel in May, it is definitely worth stopping by Yokohama. Not the Yokohama near Tokyo! Yokohama-cho in Aomori Prefecture. There’s over 370 acres of canola flower fields which will be in full bloom in the middle of May!!  It’s just gorgeous!

Tip! Exploring the Shimokita Peninsula by rent-a-car is a brilliant idea. It’s an easy drive around the countryside with a lot less traffic. Still, if you are not confident enough to drive in another country, or you’d like to have more guidance or information about each destination, we can organise a private tour with a guide as well!

See a sample itinerary which includes Shimokita Peninsula visit – our Forgotten Japan 15 Days – Tohoku

If you’d like to include any of our “off the beaten path in Japan” destinations in your next trip to Japan, contact us and we can prepare an itinerary to suit your needs. We’ll book all your accommodation and prepare a detailed, suggested itinerary to match your travel plans.

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