津軽半島〜その３：道の駅たいらだて→竜飛崎（青森県）
Road Station Tairadate Welcome back to our Tsugaru Peninsula journey. In this episode, we continue north toward Cape Tappi. Our drive starts from Road Station Tairadate. From here, Route 280 follows the coastline once again. We’ll pass through quiet fishing villages and orchards, with the Tsugaru Strait gradually coming into view. National Route 280 Road Station Tairadate, which we’ve just left, is located in Sotogahama Town. It sits on the eastern side of the Tsugaru Peninsula. It lies along National Route 280, making it a convenient rest stop between Aomori City and Cape Tappi. Compared to larger road stations, Tairadate feels quiet and community-centered. Many drivers and motorcycle riders stop here to rest, before tackling the winding roads toward Cape Tappi. We are now driving through the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park area. Tsugaru Quasi-National Park was established in 1972. It protects the unique nature of the Tsugaru region. The park includes Cape Tappi at the northern tip. Famous for its lighthouse, strong winds, and wide views. Lake Jusanko is another highlight of the park. A brackish lake, rich with clams and migratory birds. Mt. Bonju offers forested trails and hiking paths. A peaceful place between Aomori City and Goshogawara. Along Route 280, a historic pine tree avenue remains. Once planted as windbreaks, today they line the roadside. Rugged coastlines stretch along the Sea of Japan. Fishing villages and orchards add to the scenery. We are now heading toward Imabetsu Town. Imabetsu is a small town on the northeastern coast of the Tsugaru Peninsula. Imabetsu Town faces the Tsugaru Strait, with views toward Hokkaidō. The town is known for fishing and seaweed harvesting. Local specialties include fresh seafood and sea urchin. Imabetsu also hosts the entrance to the Seikan Tunnel. This undersea tunnel connects Honshu with Hokkaidō. Imabetsu is a fishing town blessed by the Tsugaru Strait. Its cold, nutrient-rich waters provide an abundance of seafood. Local specialties include sea urchin, abalone, and scallops. These delicacies are often served fresh in rice bowls. Kelp and wakame seaweed are also harvested here. They appear in miso soup and seasonal dishes. In summer, anglers catch squid and flounder along the coast. Autumn brings salmon runs, vital to the local diet. Traditional dishes combine seafood with local vegetables. Simple, hearty flavors reflect the town’s fishing heritage. Visitors can taste Imabetsu’s seafood at small local eateries. Roadside markets also sell dried fish and processed products. Together, the sea and cuisine form the town’s identity. Imabetsu is a place where ocean life truly shapes daily life. As you can see, the road narrows around here. To the right, the blue ocean stretches wide. On the left, green forest foliage lines the slopes. The contrast of sea and forest makes this drive unique. Fishing villages appear along the coast now and then. Their small harbors add charm to the rugged shoreline. Waves crash against rocks below, echoing in the distance. The sea breeze carries a hint of salt in the air. Driving here makes me forget the busy traffic of Tokyo. It feels like weaving between land and sea. Takanosaki Igamazaki Imabetsu Town Leaving Imabetsu Town behind, we continue north along the coast. The road narrows, winding between mountains and the Tsugaru Strait. This journey leads us to Cape Tappi, the northern tip of the peninsula. Known as “Tappi” or “Flying Dragon,” it is famous for strong winds. The cape looks out across the Tsugaru Strait. On clear days, you can see Hokkaidō on the horizon. Before reaching Cape Tappi, Route 280 comes to an end. From there, it connects directly to Route 339. Route 339 will guide us to Cape Tappi. It finishes as Japan’s only staircase highway. Seikan Tunnel Park National Route 339 National Route 339 runs about 108 kilometers in Aomori Prefecture. It stretches from Hirosaki City to Cape Tappi on the Tsugaru Peninsula. The road is famous for its “Staircase National Highway.” Near Cape Tappi, the route becomes 388 stone steps. Cars cannot pass this section—only pedestrians can walk here. It is Japan’s only staircase national road. Along the way, Route 339 offers scenic coastal driving. Fishing villages and orchards appear beside the Sea of Japan. In winter, snow makes the northern stretches difficult to drive. But in summer, wide ocean views are breathtaking. Right: National Highway of Stairs 339 From this point, the route becomes 388 stone steps. It is Japan’s only staircase national road. Beside Route 339, there is a paved road that leads up to the top of the cape. At the top stands the Cape Tappi Lighthouse. It has long guided ships through these dangerous waters. Tappisaki tōdai Lighthouse Thanks for watching!
青森県津軽半島を北上して竜飛崎を目指す旅〜その３
Tsugaru Peninsula Part 3: Tairadate – Cape Tappi (Aomori Pref.)
00:00 道の駅たいらだて「Oh!だいば」 – Road Station Tairadate
13:29 高野崎 – Takanosaki
17:08 鋳釜崎 – Igamazaki
24:32 今別町 – Imabetsu Town
27:44 青函トンネル入口広場 – Seikan Tunnel Park
31:26 国道339号 – National Route 339
47:37 階段国道339号 – National Highway of Stairs 339
48:22 龍飛埼灯台 – Tappisaki tōdai Lighthouse
📍 Location: Aomori Prefecture, Japan
🎥 Filmed: July 2024
@roadphantom