[Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori Prefecture] Hotsugaura is a scenic spot where the gods descend! Get the water of immortality

On the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, Hotokegaura , where large, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row. It is a very mysterious and mystical sight. The group of strangely shaped rocks stretches for about 2 km along the coastline.

It's a spot you'll want to visit at least once. This time, we'll be explaining about Hotokegaura

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What kind of place is Hotokegaura?

Hotokegaura has been formed into a mysterious shape through repeated upheaval and weathering over millions of years. Its appearance is somewhat majestic, and it resembles a Buddha, hence the name Hotokegaura

This spot gives you a surreal feeling, as if you've landed on another planet. It was used as a filming location for the popular fantasy novel "The Guardian of the Spirit," which was adapted into a TV drama. It's also known as a mecca for fans of the original novel and the TV drama

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Access to Hotokegaura

You can access Hotokegaura by car and foot, or by boat or train

Car + Walking

If you are travelling by car, be prepared for it to take a long time to get there, as it takes around five hours one way from Aomori City

From the parking lot along the national highway, follow the footpath down to Hotokegaura. The elevation difference is about 100m. Make sure to wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes

Car + Boat

From Noheji Town in Aomori Prefecture, take National Route 279 (Hamanasu Line), then pass through Mutsu City and Kazamaura Village before arriving at Oma Town

In Oma Town, take National Route 338 (Strait Line). Continue to Sai Port in Sai Village. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From here, take a boat to Hotokegaura

Train + Boat

Get off at Shimokita Station on the JR Ominato Line. Take the Shimokita Kotsu bus bound for Sai to the last stop, Sai. The journey takes about two hours

Once you arrive at Sai Port, board the Hotokegaura sightseeing boat. The ride takes about 30 minutes

Not accessible during snowy periods

You can only go to Hotokegaura from spring to autumn. When there is snow on the ground, the sightseeing boats are closed. Also, if you try to get there on foot, the promenade is closed.

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The rocks have names

Each of the strangely shaped rocks at Hotokegaura has a name. For example, Renge Rock, Jizo Hall, Gokurakuhama, Hitotsubutsu, Oyakoiwa, Jusanbutsu, Kannon Rock, Tenryu Rock, Nyorai no Kubi, and Gohyaku Rakan.
All of these names evoke Buddhism and the Pure Land. All of these strangely shaped rocks together are called Hotokegaura.

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If you access it by sightseeing boat, you will be accompanied by a guide

If you go by sightseeing boat, the guide will explain about the strange rock formations (for about 15 minutes). It's really fun because they will tell you the names and characteristics of each rock formation

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Uniquely shaped rocks

The bird-shaped "Ryuu Rock" is very popular and stylish.

owl-like Kannon Rock is also a nice sight.

"Nyorai no Kubi" (Nyorai's Head) is shaped like an upright gourd, and was named after the fact that it resembles the profile of a Buddha.

Renge Rock is shaped like a lotus flower.

"Mount Horai" is characterized by countless vertical cracks.

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Omachi Keigetsu, the literary giant who made Hotokegaura known

famous Meiji era writer Omachi Keigetsu . There is also a literary monument to him. Keigetsu wrote a poem about this place.

"The work of God, the handiwork of a demon, Butsu-Ura (Hotokegaura) is a place not of human kind."

Just as Keigetsu felt, the rocks of Hotokegaura certainly make you feel that they are the work of the gods, the handiwork of demons, and are distinct from the work of humans

Also, as the song sang, "This is a place not of the human world," there is a tranquil and strange aura that is different from the atmosphere of this world. This song made the present-day Hotokegaura known to the world

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The customs of Hotokegaura

There are several Jizo statues set up on the coast. The Hotokegaura Festival is held every July in honor of Buddha and Jizo Bodhisattva. There is a custom of women chanting the hymn of the Thirteen Buddhas. There is a local legend that the deceased depart for the Pure Land from Hotokegaura.

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Hotokegaura's secret spot, Gokurakuhama Beach, and the water of eternal youth and longevity

A little-known hidden spot in Hotokegaura Gokurakuhama , a tiny beach formed in the gap between two strangely shaped rocks.

To get to Gokurakuhama, you have to get your feet wet in the tidal pools. It's not a place you can just walk to, so some people hesitate to go

However, Gokurakuhama is the "Water of Eternal Youth and Longevity ." The water is as cold as ice and has a sharp taste. Meltwater trickles out from the gaps in the rocks.
If you know of its existence, prepare an empty bottle in advance and fill it with water to take home. When you land at Hotokegaura, be sure to stop by Gokurakuhama and soak your palate in the sacred water.

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Summary of Hotokegaura

Hotokegaura is a geopark and has been designated as a quasi-national park. Due to nature conservation reasons, there are no food or drink stores. If you walk on uneven ground, or if you choose to walk from the parking lot instead of by boat, you will have to go up and down stairs with a large difference in elevation.

It is quite possible that you will feel hungry or need some water, so be sure to bring food and drink with you. Of course, you will need to take home any waste from the food you bring with you

Be sure to take a look at the chain of strangely shaped rocks towering neatly in the beautiful scenery

Hotokegaura＜Information＞

• Name: Hotokegaura
• Address: Nagagonoidoishi, Sai Village, Shimokita District, Aomori Prefecture
• Phone number: 0175-38-2111 (Sai ​​Village Office)
• URL: Sai Village Office Website – Hotokegaura

Google Map

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