Aomori travel

Visited a Powerful Spiritual Spot in Aomori, Japan – Towada Shrine! Lake Towada in Aomori is not only known as a scenic destination, but also as a spiritual and even haunted place. Right along its shores sits Towada Shrine, believed to be a sacred power spot with mystical energy. Along with Osorezan on the Shimokita Peninsula, this area was once a training ground for Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism), and it still exudes a mysterious spiritual atmosphere. One key feature of the shrine is the “Uraba”, or Fortune Telling Spot. From Towada Shrine, there’s a path about 150 meters into the ...

We Took the Mutsu Bay Ferry: From Shimokita to Tsugaru by Car The Mutsu Bay Ferry connects two major peninsulas in Aomori Prefecture—Shimokita and Tsugaru. It’s about a 1-hour journey by boat from Wakinosawa (Shimokita Peninsula) to Kanita (Tsugaru Peninsula). According to the owner of the Ryutobi Ryokan I stayed at, this ferry service is operated by just one captain. So if the captain is off-duty, the ferry doesn’t run! She told me that in the past, a guest couldn’t cross from Shimokita to Tsugaru because the ferry was suspended that day. I had taken a ferry from Aomori to ...

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 ...

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 ...