A wooden signpost with Japanese characters stands on a paved walkway next to a rocky coastline. The sign reads "Japan National Park, Oomazaki." In the background, the ocean and a distant lighthouse are visible under a vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds.
David Schulz

Cape Oma

Aomori sits nestled at the base of Mutsu Bay.  Cape Oma sits at the top of the eastern arm of Mutsu Bay and is the northern most point of Honshu, Japan's largest island.  Who wouldn't want to say they've been to the very top of Honshu?  We figured if we were this close, we'd be mad not to go.  While it is close, it's not cycle close, so another car hire day it is.

Eat

We stopped for a brief break at the Yokohama Nanohana michinoeki.  Ever on the lookout for the regional specialty soft serve, we were able to sample what we believe to be a canola flower soft serve.  Even for Japan, that's a bit out there.  Beloved declared it her favourite.

I guess when you come to the place famous for tuna, it behoves you to have the tuna donburi for lunch.  We selected, somewhat at random, Kamome for lunch. The tuna was good, but not necessarily life alteringly good.  That's probably me, I enjoy tuna, but it's not something I'd necessarily chase down.  In Japan it generally finds you.

See and Do

Today's plan was primarily to make the drive to the cape and take in any scenery along the way. From Aomori, it's a 300 odd km round trip, which on Japanese roads represents about 6 hrs of driving.  We picked up our Yaris from the Tsukurimich branch of Toyota Rent-a-Car on the dot of 8 am.  With only a few quick photography stops and a brief comfort break at Yokohama Nanohana, it was still close to midday before we rolled into the cape.  

Switching across the peninsula from the Mustu Bay side after leaving Mutsu City, we got our first sight of the Pacific Ocean in many weeks.  Driving up the eastern side of the cape, we knew Hokkaido was to the North but were surprised to be able to see it.  

There were a number of points of interest we had investigated but were outside of the scope of a 8 am to 6 pm car hire day.  Ideally you'd have at least an overnighter on the peninsula somewhere.  This would give you time to check out Sanzunokawa, do a complete loop around the peninsula and take in the spectacular scenery along the western side of the cape.  

Two hands holding soft serve ice cream cones with a greenish hue. The background is a vibrant yellow field of flowers, creating a bright and lively scene. One cone is slightly blurred, giving emphasis to the cone on the left.
A black car is parked in front of a wooden fence with greenery and pink flowers. Beyond the fence, there is a vast blue sea under a clear sky, and distant islands are visible on the horizon.
Brightly colored banners with intricate designs, including a large jumping fish, wave against a clear blue sky. The flags are adorned with golden fringes and vivid patterns, highlighting traditional Japanese artwork and symbols.
A large sculpture of a fish, resembling a tuna, is mounted on a series of stone waves structures. The background features a clear blue sky and a distant view of the ocean.
Close-up of a bowl filled with various slices of fresh sashimi, including cuts of tuna and other fish, garnished with a green shiso leaf and a small dollop of wasabi. The bowl is set on a wooden surface.
A hand holds a purple soft-serve ice cream cone in front of a food stand with Japanese signage. The stand has a menu with colorful options and a person in a red shirt is seen standing near the counter. The location appears sunny and bright.