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

On the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori PrefectureHotokegaura, where large, strangely shaped rocks stand in a row. It's a truly mysterious and mystical sight. The cluster of unusual rocks stretches along the coastline for about 2 kilometers.

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 really go to Hotokegaura from spring to autumn. During the snowy season,the sightseeing boats don't operate. Also, if you try to go on foot,the walking trailsare closed.

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The rocks have names

Each of the unique rock formations at Hotokegaura has a name. For example, there is Renge-iwa (Lotus Rock), Jizo-do (Jizo Hall), Gokuraku-hama (Paradise Beach), Hitotsu-butsu (One Buddha), Oyako-iwa (Parent and Child Rock), Jusanbutsu (Thirteen Buddhas), Kannon-iwa (Kannon Rock), Tenryu-iwa (Head of the Buddha), and Gohyaku-rakan (Five Hundred Arhats).
All of these names evoke Buddhism and the Pure Land. All of these unique rock formations 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"Rock Dragon Rock"is cool and popular.

which resembles an owl,The "Kannon Rock,"is also quite nice.

"Nyorai's Head"is shaped like an upright gourd, but it was given that name because it resembles the profile of a Buddha.

"Renge-iwa" (Lotus Flower Rock)is shaped like a lotus flower.

"Horaisan"is characterized by countless vertical cracks running across it.

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Omachi Keigetsu, the literary giant who made Hotokegaura known

a famous literary figure of the Meiji eraKeigetsu Omachi. There is also a literary monument to him here. Keigetsu composed 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

Several Jizo statues are placed along the coast. In honor of Buddha and Jizo Bodhisattva, the"Hotokegaura Festival"is held every July. There is a custom where women chant hymns of the Thirteen Buddhas. Locally, there is a 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

As a little-known hidden spot,Gokurakuhama. Gokurakuhama is a tiny beach that has formed in the gap between 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, at Gokurakuhama,"water of eternal youth and longevitythere is a spring of
Those who know about this spring prepare empty bottles in advance to fill them with water and take it home. When you land at Hotokegaura, be sure to enter Gokurakuhama and moisten your tongue with the sacred water.

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Summary of Hotokegaura

Hotokegaura is designated as a national park and a geopark.Due to nature conservation efforts, there are no food or drink shops whatsoever. In particular, if you are walking on uneven terrain or walking from the parking lot instead of taking a boat, you will have to go up and down stairs with steep inclines.

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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