Discover 4 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Shimokita Hantō Quasi-National Park (Japan). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Shiriyazaki Lighthouse, Lake Usori, and Ōmazaki Lighthouse. Also, be sure to include Cape Shiriya in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Shimokita Hantō Quasi-National Park (Aomori).
Table of Contents
Shiriyazaki Lighthouse
Also known as: 尻屋埼灯台
Lighthouse in Higashidori, Japan. Shiriyazaki Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on the outermost extremity of Cape Shiriyazaki, the northeasternmost point of Honshu, in Higashidōri, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It received protection as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2017.[1]
Lake Usori
Also known as: 宇曽利湖
Lake in Japan. Lake Usori is a volcanic crater lake in northern Honshū island, Japan. It is also referred to as Lake Usorisan. Located in the Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori Prefecture, it is within the borders of the city of Mutsu and Shimokita Hanto Quasi-National Park.
Lake Usori is located in the volcanic Osorezan Mountains, of which the famed Mount Osore forms one portion. From the surrounding caldera walls, some ten streams drain into Lake Usori, but there is only one outlet, the 13.85 kilometer Shotsu River, which drains into the Tsugaru Strait.
The lake is noted for the extreme acidity of its water, with an average pH of around 3.3 to 3.4. Geologists attribute this to hydrogen sulfide seeping from the caldera bottom, forming sulfuric acid in the lake water. Due to its acidity, the lake is home to only one subspecies of Japanese dace, along with several insect species. However, the lake is a noted spot for waterfowl.[2]
Ōmazaki Lighthouse
Also known as: 大間埼灯台
Lighthouse in Oma. The Ōmazaki Lighthouse is a lighthouse located at the northernmost extremity of the Shimokita Peninsula of Honshū island in Ōma, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It is maintained by the Japan Coast Guard.
The lighthouse is located on a small offshore island called Bentenjima, 600 meters off Cape Ōmazaki, within the borders of the Shimokita Hantō Quasi-National Park. There is no public access.
The Ōmazaki Lighthouse illuminates the Tsugaru Strait at the entrance to Mutsu Bay. This is the narrowest point on the Tsugaru Strait and the light from this lighthouse can be seen across the strait in Hokkaido.[3]
Cape Shiriya
Also known as: 尻屋崎
Town in Japan. Cape Shiriya is a headland on the northerneastern point of the island of Honshu in Japan. It is located within the borders of the town of Higashidōri, Aomori in northern Shimokita Peninsula, and is part of the Shimokita Hantō Quasi-National Park. The cape is on the border of Tsugaru Strait separating Honshu from Hokkaido, and the Pacific Ocean.
Shiriyazaki Lighthouse is located on Cape Shiriya. The area is also noted for Kandachime (寒立馬), a breed of semi-feral horse noted for sturdiness in cold weather.[4]