Cape Tappi: Northern Gateway of Seikan Tunnel and Sayuri Ishikawa's Enka Landmark

Cape Tappi

Cape Tappi at the northern tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Aomori is famous as the inspiration for Sayuri Ishikawa's beloved enka song "Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyu Geshiki" (Tsugaru Strait Winter Scene). The raw Sea of Japan view and constant strong winds make it a powerful, haunting place.

Highlights

- Song Monument: A unique monument where pressing a button plays the famous song - Seikan Tunnel Entrance Viewpoint: Ground-level view of the underwater tunnel entrance - Cape Tappi Lighthouse: White lighthouse standing since the Meiji era - Staircase National Highway: Japan's only "pedestrian-only national highway" — a flight of stairs (Route 339)

Getting There

- From Kanita Station by bus: about 1.5 hours (infrequent service) - Rental car is the practical option

Tips

Cape Tappi is perpetually windy. Winter access may be difficult due to snow. Walking the "staircase national highway" is a must-do novelty experience.