Shimokita Hanto: Getting there and around

How to get to the Shimokita Peninsula

By train

The JR Ominato Line runs from Noheji Station to Shimokita Station (50 minutes) on the Shimokita Peninsula. From Tokyo, take a Hayabusa train on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Hachinohe (3 hours, seat reservations mandatory) and transfer to the Aoimori Railway to Noheji (30-45 minutes). The entire one way trip takes 4.5 to 5 hours, costs about 18,500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. From Aomori, Noheji can be reached in a 45 minute ride by the Aoimori Railway.

By air

The closest airport to the peninsula is Misawa Airport with flights from Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Osaka's Itami Airport. From Misawa Airport, take a bus to Misawa Station (15 minutes, 400 yen one way), from where Shimokita Station is an 80-minute train ride via Noheji Station (1980 yen one way).

By ferry from Hokkaido

There are multiple ferries per day between Hakodate on Hokkaido and Cape Oma on the Shimokita Peninsula. The one way ride takes about 90 minutes and costs around 2000 yen for the cheapest class. Fares are increased during the peak seasons.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

Public transportation on the Shimokita Peninsula is limited and seasonal. Mutsu City, the largest city on the peninsula, serves as the area's transportation hub. Most rail travelers will access the peninsula through Mutsu's Shimokita Station and use a rental car or local buses to navigate the area from there.

Mutsu Bus Terminal is located about three kilometers northeast of Shimokita Station. Several buses serve both the railway station and the bus terminal, but some buses stop only at the bus terminal. The most important bus line connects Mutsu via Ohata with Oma year around. The bus line to Osorezan, however, does not operate from November through April.

A simplified rail and bus network map of the peninsula is shown below:

A more convenient means of getting around the peninsula is a rental car. Rental outlets are available at Shimokita, Noheji, Aomori and Hachinohe stations and at Misawa Airport.