[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, there is a scenic spot called Hotokegaura, which is lined with large strangely shaped It is a very strange and mysterious sight. A group of strangely shaped rocks stretches for about 2km along the coastline.

It's a spot I'd like to visit at least once. This time, I will explain about Hotokegaura.

What kind of place is Hotokegaura?

Hotokegaura (Hotokegaura) has been repeatedly raised and weathered over millions of years, forming into a mysterious form. Its appearance is somewhat majestic, and it looks like a Buddha, which is why it is called Hotsugaura.

It is a spot where you can experience a surreal feeling, as if you have landed on another planet. It was used as a filming location for the drama adaptation of the popular fantasy novel "Spirit Guardian." It is also known as a sacred place for fans of the original work and drama fans.

Access to Hotokegaura

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

Car+walk

If you come by car, be prepared that it will take some time to get there. It takes about 5 hours one way from Aomori City.

From the parking lot along the national highway, go down to Hotokegaura along the promenade. The height difference is about 100m. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers.

car + boat

From Noheji Town, Aomori Prefecture, take National Route 279 (Hamanasu Line). Afterwards, it passes through Mutsu City and Kazamaura Village before arriving at Oma Town.

Use National Route 338 (Kaikyo Line) in Oma Town. Proceed 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 and go to the last stop, Sai. It will take approximately 2 hours.

When you arrive at Sai Port, board the Hotokegaura sightseeing boat. Boarding time is approximately 30 minutes.

Inaccessible during snowy periods

You can actually only go to Hotsugaura from spring to autumn. When there is snow on the ground, sightseeing boats will be closed. Also, if you try to head there on foot, the promenade will be closed.

Strange rocks have names

Each of the strangely shaped rocks in Hotsugaura has a name.
For example, Renge Rock, Jizo Hall, Gokurakuhama, Ichibutsu Rock, Oyako Rock, Thirteen Buddhas, Kannon Rock, Tenryu Rock, Head of the Tathagata, and 500 Arhats. All of the names give a sense of Buddhism and the Pure Land. All of these strangely shaped rocks are collectively called Hotokegaura.

If you visit by sightseeing boat, you will have a guide.

If you go by sightseeing boat, the guide will explain various things about the strangely shaped rocks (about 15 minutes). That's why you can enjoy it because it tells you the name and characteristics of each rock ahead.

Strangely shaped rocks

``Ganryu Rock'' which is shaped like a bird, is very cool and popular.

Kannon Rock, which looks like an owl, is also a nice sight.

``Neck of the Tathagata'' is shaped like an upright gourd, but it was given that name because it looks like the profile of the Buddha.

"Renka Rock" is shaped like a lotus flower.

``Mt. Horai'' is characterized by numerous vertical cracks.

Keigetsu Omachi, the literary giant who made Hotsugaura well known

of the famous literary figures of the Meiji period was Keigetsu Omachi There is also a literary monument to this person. Katsuragetsu wrote a poem about this place.

``The work of God, the handiwork of demons, the Buddha's snake (about Butsugaura), a place that is not a human's world''

This is the song. As Katsuragi felt, the rocks of Butsugaura certainly give the impression that they are the handiwork of demons, the work of God, and far different from the work of humans.

In addition, it has a tranquil and strange aura that is different from the atmosphere of the real world, as it is said to be ``a place outside of the human world.'' This song made Butokegaura known throughout the world.

Customs of Butsugaura

There are several Jizo statues set up on the coast. The ``Butsugaura Festival'' is held every July in honor of Buddha and Jizo Bodhisattva The custom of women chanting chants of the Thirteen Buddhas remains. There is a local legend that those who have passed away depart for the Pure Land from Buddhagaura.

Hotsugaura’s secret spot “Gokurakuhama” and the water of eternal youth and longevity

There is a place called Gokurakuhama in Hotsugaura that is a little-known hidden spot Gokurakuhama is a very small beach that was created between two strangely shaped rocks.

To get to Gokuraku Beach, you have to get your feet wet in the tide pools. Some people are hesitant because it's not a place you can easily walk to.

the ``water of eternal youth and longevity'' gushes out
at Gokurakuhama The water is very cold, like ice, and has a sharp taste. Water from the melting snow flows little by little through the cracks in the rocks. If you know about this, prepare an empty bottle in advance, fill it with water, and take it home. When you land at Hotsugaura, be sure to go to Gokuraku Beach and soak your tongue in the sacred water.

Summary about Hotokegaura

Hotokegaura has been designated as a national geopark. Due to nature conservation reasons, there are no food and drink stalls at all. Especially if you are walking in areas with poor footing, or if you are going on foot from the parking lot instead of by boat, you will have to go up and down stairs with large differences in height.

There's a good chance you'll want more water or be hungry. Be sure to prepare food and drinks before heading out. Of course, you will need to take away any trash from the food you brought with you.

Be sure to go and see the chain of strangely shaped rocks standing neatly in the beautiful scenery.

Hotokegaura＜Information＞

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

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