Mutsu Travel Guide

Discover everything you need to know about Mutsu, Aomori, including the best things to do, where to stay, and where to go next in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Mutsu

Mutsu is a small city in Aomori Prefecture, located in the northernmost part of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Situated on the Shimokita Peninsula, which extends into the Pacific Ocean, Mutsu is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, including rugged cliffs, dense forests, and pristine beaches. With a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of outdoor activities on offer, Mutsu is an idyllic destination for travelers looking to explore Japan beyond the typical tourist hotspots.

List of Places to Visit in Mutsu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mutsu City Museum: Exhibits of the cultural and natural history of the region and displays of local crafts and pottery.

  • Osorezan Bodai-ji Temple: A temple located in the caldera of an extinct volcano, Mount Osore, believed to be the gateway between the living world and the afterlife.

  • Ainu Museum: Dedicated to the Ainu, an indigenous people of Japan, with displays, artifacts, and information on their culture and way of life.

Natural Attractions of Mutsu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cape Shiriyazaki: A scenic promontory with historic lighthouses, scenic ocean views, and a shrine.

  • Ashino Park: A park with cherry and maple trees, hiking trails, and a large pond.

  • Mount Osore: A caldera complex with a sacred temple, hot springs, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mutsu

Mutsu is known as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are many hiking and biking routes available. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Michinoku Coastal Trail: A long-distance hiking trail that runs along the east coast of Japan’s northern Tohoku region, including the Shimokita Peninsula.

  • Cape Shiriyazaki Hiking Trail: A trail that leads from the lighthouse to the Shiriyazaki Shrine, offering stunning ocean views along the way.

  • Osorezan Pilgrimage Trail: A trail that leads from the Osorezan Temple to the nearby Hakkoda Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Mutsu: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Osorezan Temple and participate in a Buddhist pilgrimage ritual.

  • Take a scenic drive along the Shimokita Peninsula, stopping at Cape Shiriyazaki and other scenic spots along the way.

  • Take a day trip to nearby Hachinohe to visit the Hachinohe City Museum of Art or the Hachinohe Fish Market.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mutsu

Day 1: Explore Mutsu City Museum and Osorezan Temple. Day 2: Hike the Osorezan Pilgrimage Trail. Day 3: Visit the Ainu Museum and Mount Osore. Day 4: Take a scenic drive along the Shimokita Peninsula. Day 5: Relax at Ashino Park. Day 6: Hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Day 7: Take a day trip to Hachinohe.

Food and Drink Scene of Mutsu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hoya: A local dish made with sea squirts, which are caught off the coast of Mutsu.

  • Miso Ramen: A savory local ramen dish made with a rich miso broth.

  • Nanbu Sembei: A type of rice cracker that is a specialty of Mutsu and the surrounding Nanbu region.

Local Beverages

  • Tsugaru Apple Juice: Freshly squeezed juice made from local apples.

  • Sake: Mutsu is known for its high-quality sake, made from locally grown rice and spring water.

Where to Stay in Mutsu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Mutsu Grand Hotel: A modern, four-star hotel with hot springs and sea views.

  • Mutsu Park Hotel: A comfortable hotel with a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

  • Minato no Yado: A guesthouse with ocean views and a traditional Japanese-style interior.

What to Buy in Mutsu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Nanbu Tekki (cast iron) ware: Traditional ironware, such as teapots, pans, and kettles, crafted by the skilled artisans of the Nanbu region.

  • Hachinohe Sansha Sake: A high-quality sake made by a famous brewery in nearby Hachinohe.

  • Nanbu Sembei Rice Crackers: A delicious and crispy snack made with locally grown rice.

Local Culture and Customs of Mutsu

Mutsu has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience many unique aspects of local life and customs. Some of the most notable include:

  • Ainu culture: Mutsu is located near the ancestral homeland of the Ainu people, and there are several museums and cultural sites dedicated to their rich heritage.

  • Tsugaru dialect: The accent and dialect spoken by the residents of the Tsugaru region, including Mutsu, is famous throughout Japan for its unique pronunciation and intonation.

Best Time to Visit Mutsu

The best time to visit Mutsu is from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is mild and pleasant. The cherry blossoms in late April are also a popular attraction.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mutsu

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and shrines.

  • Enjoy the local cuisine and try the specialty dishes and beverages.

  • Take time to appreciate the stunning natural scenery of the Shimokita Peninsula.

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside a traditional Japanese-style guesthouse or temple.

  • Touch or disturb any wildlife or plants in the natural areas.

  • Be disrespectful or disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mutsu

Mutsu is a safe and welcoming destination, with low levels of crime and a friendly local population. It is advisable to take standard precautions, such as locking valuables in a safe and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Mutsu

Mutsu has a highly developed healthcare system, with modern medical facilities and trained medical professionals. It is advisable to carry health insurance and to check the details of coverage before traveling to Japan.

Getting to Mutsu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mutsu is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options.

Airports Near Mutsu

The nearest airport is Aomori Airport, located approximately 110 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or train to Mutsu.

Bus Stations Near Mutsu

Mutsu Bus Terminal is the main bus station in the city, with frequent connections to nearby cities and towns.

Other Options

You can also reach Mutsu by car or train, with the nearest train station being Shimokita Station on the JR Ominato Line.

How to Get Around in Mutsu

The best way to get around Mutsu is by car or bicycle, as the city is spread out and there are many scenic drives and cycling routes available. Taxis and buses are also available, but are less convenient for exploring the more remote areas of the region.

Where to Go Next from Mutsu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hachinohe: A bustling port city known for its fresh seafood, historic temples and shrines, and excellent shopping.

  • Aomori City: The capital of Aomori Prefecture, with a bustling downtown district, a wealth of cultural attractions, and easy access to the stunning Oirase Gorge.

  • Towada Lake: A picturesque crater lake located in the heart of Aomori Prefecture, with scenic hiking trails and a range of outdoor activities on offer.

Conclusion

Mutsu is a unique and captivating destination that provides a glimpse into the rich cultural and natural heritage of northern Japan. With a variety of attractions, outdoor activities, and delicious local cuisine on offer, Mutsu is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the real Japan beyond the typical tourist hotspots.

Mt. Kamafuse and JMSDF Ominato Naval Base Mt. Kamafuse and JMSDF Ominato Naval Base