12 tourist spots to visit on a drive to Cape Tappi, the northernmost tip of Aomori Prefecture’s Tsugaru Peninsula

How about exploring Tappizaki, located at the tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, by rental car? Enjoy the beauty of the Tsugaru Peninsula's coastline while driving along National Route 339. The drive along the Tatsudomari Line, in particular, is refreshing and highly recommended.

At the Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum, you can learn about the history of Tsugaru, the snowy country, and experience the unique "Staircase National Route" on foot. Tappizaki, known for the song Tsugaru Kaikyō Fuyu Geshiki, offers hidden charms and scenic spots. We’ll also introduce ways to explore, using both walking and driving, as well as tips for sightseeing.

1. Where is Cape Tappi?

Located at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula on the western side of Aomori Prefecture, Cape Tappi is best reached by driving along National Route 339. With a rental car, it takes less than two hours from Shin-Aomori Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen or from Aomori Airport.

National Route 339 continues along the coastline from Minmaya Station, the terminus of the JR Tsugaru Line, up to Cape Tappi.

From Cape Tappi, Route 339, known as the "Tatsudomari Line," extends inland past the "Staircase National Route," connecting the Sea of Japan coastline to Hirosaki.

2. Tappizaki Lighthouse and Tappi Observatory

The "Tappizaki Lighthouse" is located at the northernmost point along the mountain-side road of National Route 339. Just a few minutes past the “Tappi Dining” area is the parking lot for Tappizaki Lighthouse and Observatory.

Selected as one of Japan's "Top 50 Lighthouses," Tappizaki Lighthouse is a small white lighthouse equipped with a large Fresnel lens. Just a bit further from the lighthouse is the Tappi Observatory.

From here, you can enjoy expansive views of the Tsugaru Sea, and on clear days, you can see as far as Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait. Take your time to enjoy this spectacular view once admired by Yoshida Shoin and Osamu Dazai.

3. Staircase National Route (Route 339)

National Route 339 consists of two parallel routes leading to Cape Tappi: one runs along the coastline, while the other follows a mountain path. The coastal route extends to the tip of Obishima, while the mountain route reaches its northernmost point just past the monument for the song "Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki." Beyond that, a steep cliff with a significant elevation difference separates it from the coastal route, making it impossible to build a drivable road.

As a result, Cape Tappi features Japan's only national route that vehicles cannot traverse, known as the "Staircase National Route." The upper entrance to the Staircase National Route is accessible by walking from the Tappizaki Lighthouse parking lot or the Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki monument parking lot.

The Staircase National Route 339 consists of 362 winding steps. If you’re driving, be sure to turn back before reaching the coastal part of Route 339. The lower entrance to the Staircase National Route is located along Route 339 on the coastline. To reach it by car, you’ll need to take a detour up to the Minmaya Kiotoshi junction.

When you reach the coastal road, turn left and head north along Route 339. Along the way, you’ll pass the Tappi Cape Tourist Information Center, "Tappikan," and a bit further, you’ll see the Tappi-Imabetsu Fishery Cooperative on the right. Across the road on the left is the lower entrance to the Staircase National Route.

4. Ryuken Bridge & Monument Hill

South of Tappizaki Lighthouse, across the Ryuken Bridge, you’ll find "Monument Hill." This area is beautifully maintained with walkways, grassy areas, and features a gazebo and benches, offering a great view. It’s a short walk from the lighthouse, so it’s worth a visit.

As the name suggests, Monument Hill is home to literary monuments dedicated to writers and artists who visited Cape Tappi. It includes the distinctive monument of Yoshida Shoin, the literary monument of Keigetsu Omachi with carved works, the simple haiku monument of Santaro Kawakami, and the poetry monument of Sataro Sato. It’s a great spot to take a break while exploring.

5.Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki Song Monument

The "Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki Song Monument" was erected in honor of how Sayuri Ishikawa's song "Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki" made Cape Tappi widely known across Japan. It’s accessible on foot from Tappizaki Lighthouse, and there is also a parking area in front of the monument.

6. Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum

The "Seikan Tunnel," which connects Hokkaido beneath the Tsugaru Strait, was completed under extremely challenging conditions. Construction began in 1961, with the main tunnel breakthrough occurring about 24 years later in 1985, and it opened for operation in 1988.

The "Seikan Tunnel Museum" was established to commemorate the tunnel's construction, showcasing the process from concept to completion through exhibits and galleries. The Tunnel Theater on the second floor presents the story with sound and visuals.

Seikan Tunnel Museum "Seikan Tunnel Tappi Inclined Shaft Line 'Mogura-go'"
A must-try experience at the museum is a 40-minute tour down the underground tunnel via the Tappi Inclined Shaft Line. Board the "Mogura-go" to descend the 14-degree incline to the fixed point that was once Tappi Undersea Station. In the tunnel, you’ll see machinery used in the excavation and can walk through the passage while listening to explanations from the staff.

The Seikan Tunnel Museum is just a few minutes by car or a 15-minute walk from the Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki Song Monument, so be sure to visit.

Name: Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum
Address: 99 Miwa, Tappi, Sotogahama Town, Higashitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Official/Related Website: http://seikan-tunnel-museum.jp/

Note: Open from early April to early November (closed during the winter season)

7. Tappizaki Tourist Information Center "Tappikan"

The Tappizaki Tourist Information Center "Tappikan" is a renovated tourist facility, originally the "Okutani Ryokan," where Osamu Dazai is said to have written his novel Tsugaru.

Inside, you can visit the rooms where Dazai and the woodblock artist Shiko Munakata stayed, along with displays of photos, paintings, and other items related to them, all of which are available for free viewing. If you learn about Dazai’s travels with friends such as N-kun and M-kun, you'll likely be inspired to read Tsugaru.

8. Osamu Dazai Literary Monument

On the right side of the road across from Tappikan, you’ll find the "Osamu Dazai Literary Monument," which is engraved with a passage from his novel Tsugaru. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the view from the adjacent gazebo, and you can easily stop by while visiting Tappikan.

9. Gikei-ji Temple

Ryōmazan Gikei-ji Temple, associated with the legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune's northern journey, is also a recommended detour spot. It is the 19th temple of the Jodo sect Tsugaru 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, where a statue of Kannon, to whom Yoshitsune prayed, is enshrined.

10. Seikan Tunnel Entrance Plaza

A highly recommended sightseeing spot on the drive to Tobi Saki is the "Seikan Tunnel Entrance Plaza." Here, you can watch the Hokkaido Shinkansen trains entering and exiting the Seikan Tunnel up close.

11. Tatsudomari Line

The approximately 20 km section of National Route 339 from Cape Tappi to Kodomari is known as the "Tatsudomari Line." This scenic road offers views of the Sea of Japan, Lake Jusan, and Mt. Iwaki. The route features alternating coastal scenery along the Sea of Japan and dynamic mountain winding roads, making it a popular course for enjoying a drive with diverse landscapes.

12. Tappizaki Hydrangea Road

The section of Prefectural Route 281 from the Tatsudomari Line to JR Tsugaru Line's Minmaya Station is called the "Hydrangea Road." The recommended season is from July to August when hydrangeas bloom along the roadside. If you’re visiting Tappi during this period, be sure to take a drive along this road adorned with hydrangeas, the northernmost in Honshu.

◎ Access to Cape Tappi

Cape Tappi can be easily explored by renting a car from Shin-Aomori Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen or Okutsugaru-Imabetsu Station on the JR Tsugaru Line.
If renting a car is not an option, you can also reach the Tappi Lighthouse via the local community bus. Take the Sotogahama Town Circulation Bus from either Shin-Aomori Station or Okutsugaru-Imabetsu Station.