Shiriya-zaki

Overview

Shiriya-zaki is a cape located at the northeastern tip of the Shimokita Peninsula in Higashidori Village, Shimokita District, Aomori Prefecture. It sits at the boundary of the Tsugaru Strait and the Pacific Ocean. This area has long been known as a difficult point for maritime traffic. The currents shift dramatically where the Tsugaru Strait meets the Pacific, and thick fog often occurs, making navigation dangerous. Because of this, during the Edo period, goods from the Shimokita Peninsula were primarily transported via the westward route (Kitamae-sen) through the Sea of Japan. The eastward route from Edo northward along the Pacific coast only secured transport as far as Hachinohe by the mid-Edo period. The full-scale development of Ezochi (Hokkaido) had to wait for the development of safe sea routes and marine technology in this area and beyond. The completion of the Shiriya-zaki Lighthouse in 1876 greatly improved maritime safety. However, 16 maritime accidents occurred between 1883 and 1892. Also, with the anticipation of war with the Russian Empire, there was concern that if the Tsugaru Strait were blocked, the mouth of Mutsu Bay would be controlled, hindering fleet movement. On December 8, 1941, the Navy Ministry, based on the Defense Sea Area Order, designated the area west of a line connecting Shiriya-zaki and Ayoro-hana in Hokkaido as the Tsugaru Strait Defense Sea Area. This marked Japan's entry into World War II, and Shiriya-zaki became an important national defense base. Today, Shiriya-zaki is a popular tourist spot where you can experience magnificent nature and history. The Kanda-chime horses, grazing freely in the area, are a particularly precious sight unique to this location. These horses are known for their resilience, enduring harsh winter winds. Their gentle nature makes them popular with tourists, and visitors can even participate in feeding experiences. Shiriya-zaki is also home to the Shiriya-zaki Lighthouse, boasting a luminous intensity of 530,000 candelas, one of the highest in Japan. Built in 1876, the lighthouse continues to play a vital role in ensuring safe maritime traffic. The view from the lighthouse is breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the Tsugaru Strait and the Pacific Ocean. Shiriya-zaki is a captivating tourist spot where nature, history, and culture blend seamlessly. We highly recommend a visit.