Wedged between Mutsu Bay and the Tsugaru Strait, Mutsu sprawls across the Shimokita Peninsula at the northern tip of Honshu. It includes part of the Shimokita Hantō Quasi-National Park, which is marked by volcanic lakes, calderas and hot springs.
Things to do in Mutsu
Rising west of Mutsu is Mount Osore, an active volcano that forms part of the Osore-san Mountain Range. Also known as “Fear Mountain”, it’s renowned for the Bodai-ji Buddhist temple located in its caldera and is considered one of the gates to the underworld in Japanese mythology. Stroll along the shores of Lake Usori to see the steaming fumaroles that dot the landscape before bathing in the temple’s hot springs.
On the west coast of the Shimokita Peninsula are the Hotokegaura, a series of spectacular rock formations that have been named after figures in Buddhist theology. Carved by the waves over thousands of years, these impressive monuments of green volcanic tuff are best viewed aboard a sightseeing cruise from Mutsu. Dolphins are regularly spotted between April and July.
Perched atop the highest peak of the Shimokita Peninsula is the Mount Kamabuse Observation Deck, which offers sweeping views across Mutsu and its surrounding landscapes. A hiking trail extends from the deck to the 879-metre-high summit, from where you can see all the way to Hokkaido on a clear day. Stay until after dark to see the lights of Mutsu illuminate like a butterfly’s wings below.
Getting around Mutsu
Mutsu is around two hours drive from Aomori and Aomori Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Regular trains connect to the Shimokita and Ominato railway stations while buses travel throughout Mutsu. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the Shimokita Peninsula.