Asamin

The Northernmost Station on the Tsugaru Line: Minmaya Station I made my way to Minmaya Station, the northernmost terminal of the Tsugaru Peninsula. Though once a key stop, the station has been out of operation since a record-breaking rainstorm in 2022 devastated the Tsugaru Line between Kanita and Minmaya, and there are currently no plans for restoration. The unused tracks are slowly being swallowed by wild grass, and the station, devoid of passengers or staff, feels eerily silent. Is this the beginning of the end for Minmaya Station? Minmaya Station opened in 1958 as the final stop on the Tsugaru ...

Stay Where Dazai Osamu Once Did: A Cultural Visit to the Historic Okutani Ryokan and Tappikan in Cape Tappi Former Okutani Ryokan The former Okutani Ryokan, where famed novelist Dazai Osamu and woodblock artist Munakata Shikō once stayed, has been preserved and reopened as the Tappikan Tourist Information Center at Cape Tappi. Inside, you’ll find displays on Aomori-born artist Munakata Shikō and many handwritten calligraphy boards and artworks left by famous visitors. Admission is free—and to my surprise, I was even gifted a tiny “kingyo nebuta” goldfish lantern as a souvenir. So thoughtful! One of the highlights is a room ...

Shijimi Clam Ramen at Wakayama – A Local Favorite by Lake Jūsan While driving near the Jūsan Lake Bridge, we stopped by a well-known ramen spot: Shijimi Ramen Wakayama Jūsan Lake Main Branch. It’s a spacious eatery with both tatami and table seating. We couldn’t help but laugh at the name—“Wakayama” in Aomori? That contrast alone made us curious enough to drop in. Apparently, it’s a pretty famous place! We just stopped in on a whim, drawn in by the name alone, so we had zero expectations—pleasant surprise! We ordered the “Large Shijimi Clam Ramen”, featuring extra-big freshwater clams. Maybe ...

Tranquil Boardwalk Hiking at Tashirodaira Marshland, Hakkoda After checking out of Sukayu Onsen, I took a little detour to explore the peaceful Hakkoda region. I ended up at Tashirodaira Marshland, located in the northeastern foothills of Mt. Hakkoda in Aomori. The area features three well-maintained wooden boardwalk trails and a small rest area. It takes about an hour to walk the entire loop at a leisurely pace. Even in casual clothes, you can enjoy the beauty of a mountain hike here. I don’t know much about marsh plants, but the wide-open scenery and fresh air were so liberating—it felt like ...

Breathtaking Ocean Views & Seafood Delights! Savor Iso Ramen & Uni Bowl at Rest House Ushio Rest House Ushio We took a relaxing coastal drive down to Fudai Village in Iwate Prefecture. About 30 minutes south of Kuji City, you’ll find Rest House Ushio, a charming restaurant with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Window seats offer an unforgettable ocean view! This red-roofed building sits perched above the stunning Rikuchu Coastline—and fun fact: it was even used as a filming location for the drama Amachan! Here it is… the Iso Ramen and Uni Bowl set! They also offer a ...

Taro Kanko Hotel Tsunami Ruins The Taro Kanko Hotel is a building located in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture. Once a functioning hotel, it was severely damaged by the tsunami that struck during the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. Today, it stands as a preserved disaster memorial site to convey the destructive force of the tsunami and the importance of disaster preparedness. You can clearly see how high the water rose just by looking at the structure. While a few new facilities exist in the area, the surrounding neighborhood is strikingly empty—homes and buildings once stood here, but ...

Pilgrimage Spot for Anime Fans: Visit the Real “Suzume’s Door” in Yamada, Iwate The Door from “Suzume” The second half of the anime film *Suzume*—which deals with the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake—features the Sanriku coastal region as a key setting. For those who’ve seen the movie, you might recognize this spot: near a radio tower where Suzume’s childhood home once stood. The “backdoor” plays a symbolic role in the film. Search “Ano Tobira” (That Door) on Google Maps, and this location will appear! Makoto Shinkai’s *Suzume* is a story about loss and recovery set against the backdrop ...

Visiting the 3.11 Tsunami Memorial in Rikuzentakata: Remembering the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Miracle Pine Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum During my onsen-focused trip around Japan, I chose to travel through the Sanriku coast—a region not known for hot springs—because I wanted to witness the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake firsthand. The earthquake struck at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2011, originating about 130km southeast of the Oshika Peninsula in Miyagi Prefecture, at a depth of around 24km. Like many people, I only knew the disaster through news and the internet. In the rain, I went ...

Time Travel into the World of Tono Monogatari: Discover Kappa Legends & the Spirit of Oshirasama at Tono Furusato Village Tono Furusato Village We left the coast of Rikuzentakata and headed inland to Tono, the legendary land of folklore in Iwate. Just about an hour’s drive—and totally worth the trip. As a middle schooler, I was obsessed with Yanagita Kunio’s Tono Monogatari and dreamed of visiting someday… it took a while, but here I am, all grown up and finally living the dream. Tono is famous for its kappa legends, and yes, there was even a wanted poster for a ...

Step into the World of Folklore! Discovering the Tono Municipal Museum & Monogatari Hall Tono Municipal Museum Nestled in the heart of Iwate Prefecture, the Tono Municipal Museum opened in 1980 as Japan's first museum dedicated to folklore studies. Much of the museum’s exhibition revolves around the tales from Tono Monogatari, offering deep insights into the traditions, beliefs, and lifestyle of the Tono region. The museum is located inside the same building as the public library, so the entrance is a bit tricky to find—but the exhibits are absolutely fascinating and totally worth the hunt! Tono Municipal Museum Address: 5-5 ...