![[Higashitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture] A great touring spot for motorcycles: Cape Tappi overlooking the Tsugaru Strait.](https://motopeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2367-1760838075800.jpg)
A pleasant winding road surrounded by spectacular scenery. National Route 339, the Tatsudomari Line, runs along the coast of the Sea of Japan.
Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku is divided by Mutsu Bay, with the Shimokita Peninsula on the Pacific Ocean side to the east and the Tsugaru Peninsula on the Sea of Japan side to the west. The northernmost point on Honshu is Omazaki on the Shimokita Peninsula. This time, we’ll be introducing Tappizaki, located at the tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula. The address and coordinate data at the end of the link indicate the Tappizaki Lighthouse Parking Lot. From the Aomori Ferry Terminal of the Seikan Ferry, head north on National Route 280. From Sotogahama Town, take a shortcut on Prefectural Route 14 (Tsugaru Nakayama Line), then head inland along the Hokkaido Shinkansen. From Imabetsu Town, take National Route 280 again and continue on Route 339. The distance is approximately 68 km, and the journey takes about 80 minutes by car. Incidentally, if you follow National Route 280 along the Mutsu Bay coast with the Tairadate Strait on your right, the distance is approximately 79 km, and the journey takes about 92 minutes.
Cape Tappi, known as the Cape of the Wind, commands sweeping views of the Sea of Japan, the Tsugaru Strait, and Mutsu Bay. To the east, the Shimokita Peninsula, and across the shore, Hokkaido, the northern land, can be seen. The Seikan Tunnel runs under the sea, and the Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum is also located here. There are many attractions, including the Tatsumi Bridge, stone monuments, the remains of artillery batteries, and a lighthouse. We also recommend taking a stroll along Japan’s unique “Stairway National Highway.” This 362-step walkway stretches approximately 390 meters in length with a 70-meter elevation difference. The view overlooking the ocean from the coastal promenade is also
spectacular. Motorcycle enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the “Tatsudomari Line,” which runs south along the Sea of Japan side (National Highway 339). With plenty of breathtaking viewpoints, carefully controlling your speed to navigate each corner is exhilarating. Enjoy a pleasant ride with varying elevations. National Route 339 runs approximately 130km from Hirosaki City to Goshogawara City, Nakadomari Town, and Imabetsu Town, crossing the Tappi Stairs National Highway.
Heading south from this coordinate point, you’ll reach Kodomari Roadside Station about 20km away, and then Lake Jusan, a brackish lake where seawater and freshwater mix and is a great place for birdwatching. Continuing along the coastline along Melon Road, you’ll encounter Takayama Inari Shrine, famous for its vermilion torii gates, and the Bense Marsh in Tsugaru Quasi-National Park. Continuing inland on Route 339, you’ll pass Nakadomari Town and arrive at Ashino Park, associated with Dazai Osamu. Heading west past Goshogawara City, you’ll see Tsuru no Mai Bridge, a triple-arched wooden bridge spanning the Mawarizeki Otameike Pond (also known as Lake Fujimi). If you have the time to spend a few nights, you can enjoy Towada-Hachimantai National Park, or you can head to the Shimokita Peninsula and enjoy the magnificent scenery, which has a different feel from the Tsugaru Peninsula.
The Tsugaru Strait on the Sea of Japan side conveys the harshness of winter.
A squid fishing boat sails through the Tsugaru Strait. On the other side you can see the northern land of Hokkaido. You can even see the Matsumae Peninsula and sometimes Mount Hakodate.
“Byobu Rock” is located further north than Tappizaki Lighthouse.
At the Tappizaki Promenade, the sun sets over the Sea of Japan west of the Tsugaru Strait.
Take a walk along Route 339, the only national highway with stairs.
The staircase along National Route 339 is lined with hydrangeas. (Photo taken in September)
It is known as a national highway that cars cannot use.
Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Site
URL: https://aomori-tourism.com/spot/detail_66.html#:
54-50 Minmaya Tatsuhama, Sotogahama-machi, Higashitsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture (Approx. 21 minutes by car/16km from JR Tsugaru Line Replacement Bus “Minmaya” Station)
