More than 10,000 wild camellias cover Tsubakiyama, blooming red on its slopes from late April to late May. Hiranai also offers coastlines, a swan resting area and seasonal leisure activities. If you’d like to plan your stay around a particular season, the different nature and activity themes provide a helpful guide.
Camellias and Coastlines Throughout the Year
Tsubakiyama is designated as the northern limit of the range of wild camellias. The blooming period on the slopes runs from late April to late May. Tsubakiyama Coast is also recognised as one of Japan’s 100 most scenic beaches and is used for swimming in summer. The flowers, summer swimming and later swan-watching therefore offer different seasonal highlights.
The gently sloping Asashore Coast, at the eastern foot of the Natsudomari Peninsula, is known as a resting area for swans. The birds arrive from Siberia around mid-October and can be observed until the end of March. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find a different season here from the camellia blossoms of late spring or summer swimming.
Peninsula, Island and Views across Mutsu Bay
Oshima is another of Hiranai’s distinctive coastal destinations. The island can be reached via a bridge from the tip of Cape Natsudomari. A lighthouse at the tip of Oshima offers views across the entire Mutsu Bay. Fishing and golf are also available in the area around the island. Alongside coastal views, these two activities are options in the vicinity of Oshima.
Asamushi-Natsudomari Prefectural Natural Park spans the Natsudomari Peninsula as well as Aomori and Hiranai. Its named coastal and natural attractions include Tsubakiyama and Asashore. Asashore Coast and the surrounding Natsudomari Peninsula are also designated as the Special Natural Monument “Kominato Swans and Their Resting Area.”
Discover Nature and Culture on a Guided Tour
The Swan Guide Team offers guided tours by reservation. Topics include Raiden Shrine, Matsushima and swan ecology. Tours are available in 10-, 20- or 30-minute options; depending on the weather, the route and duration may be changed. The different time options allow for a shorter or more in-depth exploration of a topic, while the possibility of weather-related adjustments should be taken into account when planning.
Yogoshiyama: Runs and Summer Activities
Yogoshiyama Ski Resort has runs for beginners through to advanced skiers. A lift reaches the 180-metre-high summit in about six minutes. In summer, a super slide and a roller-ski facility operate on the ski resort’s slopes. These seasonal offerings are quite different: in winter, the focus is on the runs; in summer, it is on the two facilities on the slopes.
Aomori Scallops at Hotate Hiroba
Hotate Hiroba is a facility in Hiranai where visitors can taste Aomori scallops, see them and learn more about them. A visit combines a tasting with insights into a local product. Along with the coastal and nature themes, this experience adds a culinary dimension to Hiranai.
Discover more destinations: Towada, Hirakawa, Mutsu, Hirosaki, Owani, Ajigasawa, Kuroishi, Aomori.
For the main travel overview: Aomori Prefecture.
