The ferry crossing from Hakodate to Ōma takes about 90 minutes. Here, the coastal landscapes of Shimokita Geopark meet Mazu traditions with ties to Taiwan and seasonal culinary themes. This makes it possible to explore Ōma not only through the journey there, but also through its culture, landscapes and seasons.
Plan your trip to Ōma
The Hakodate–Ōma ferry is a direct way to reach the town by water; the crossing takes about 90 minutes. Check the operator’s current timetable before you travel, as schedules and service frequency may change.
A bus service also goes to the ferry terminal: Shimokita Kotsu’s Mutsu–Sai route runs from Shimokita Station via the Ōhata stop to the Ōma terminal and takes about two hours. The “Ferry Terminal” stop is right beside the terminal. If you plan to use this service, check the current journey time against your travel plans. The ferry crossing and bus journey have different starting points and destinations, so their journey times each refer to a separate connection.
Shrines and Mazu traditions
Ōma Inari Shrine (大間稲荷神社) was founded in 1730. The Tenpi Shrine worship hall (天妃神拝殿) is located directly beside it. A statue of Mazu, transferred in 1996 from Beigang Chaotian Temple (北港朝天宮) in Taiwan, is enshrined there. The shrine’s history is therefore connected to a specific cultural relationship with Taiwan.
If you want to include culture and landscapes in your travel plans, you can combine these shrine sites with Ōma’s other coastal attractions without treating them as the same experience: the shrine’s history dates back to the 18th century, while the Geopark sites focus on the coastal landscape.
Seasonal food and festivals
Ōma tuna (大間まぐろ) is landed in Ōma, with its peak season in autumn and winter. This provides a clear seasonal reference for planning your visit. Availability at individual restaurants may vary, so don’t base specific dining plans on the seasonal information alone.
Another local culinary highlight is the temple beer Mugi Shizuku (卍麦雫). It is brewed on the grounds of Sōtokuji Temple (梅香山崇徳寺) in the Okudo district of Ōma. In spring, the cherry blossoms take center stage: the trees bloom every year in Uchiyama Park, and their bloom is considered later than in southern Hokkaidō. During the spring festival, a Ōma beef barbecue is held beneath the cherry trees. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the dates and program for that year.
The Ōma Blue Marine Festival (大間町ブルーマリンフェスティバル) is another seasonal event. It is held every year at Ōma Fishing Port. The program includes a traditional boat race with seven people per team, market stalls, stage performances and fireworks. As program details may change, it’s worth checking the announcements for that year’s festival before you travel.
Coastal sites and landscapes
Ōma-zaki (大間崎) is one of the 16 geosites in Shimokita Geopark, which is recognized as a Japanese Geopark. Nearby, Bentenjima (弁天島) lies about 600 meters off Ōma-zaki. The island is home to a red shrine and a black-and-white striped lighthouse. According to the local tourism description, Bentenjima is also a breeding ground for more than 10,000 gulls and black-tailed gulls. This trip offers a chance to take in both the coastal features and the birdlife.
A different coastal landscape awaits at Akashi Coast (赤石海岸), about a 15-minute drive from Ōma along National Route 338 toward Sai. Cliffs of various sizes rise from the sea there. Unlike Bentenjima, which lies off Ōma-zaki and is home to a shrine and lighthouse, Akashi Coast is defined by its rock formations. The two sites therefore offer distinct landscape features.
A campsite option at Ōma-zaki
The Ōma-zaki Campsite (大間崎テントサイト) is next to the Ōma-zaki parking lot. Facilities include a cooking shelter and public toilets. If you’re considering this campsite as an overnight option, check the current status of the facilities, which may vary seasonally, before you travel. This lets you consider camping separately from your search for a hotel.
Discover more destinations: Aomori, Hiranai, Hashikami, Akabonai, Hirosaki, Mutsu, Hachinohe, Goshogawara.
Back to the main travel guide: Aomori Prefecture.
