'''Mutsu''' (____) [http://www.city.mutsu.aomori.jp/indexe.html] is the largest town of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori, Japan.

Understand

located across the bay from Aomori, Mutsu merged with three neighboring towns in 2005 and its city limits now cover most of the peninsula. The actual town of Mutsu, though, is a fairly grim place full of gray concrete and rusting corrugated iron with no attractions to speak of — however, it serves as the central transport hub of the peninsula, so it's a convenient place to base yourself while exploring its attractions.

Get in

Mutsu is well connected by Shimokita standards.

By train

The JR Ominato line from Noheji (on the Tohoku main line) passes through '''Shimokita station''' (___k_w) in the southern suburbs of Mutsu.

From Tokyo station it takes roughly five hours to reach Shimokita. You will need to take three trains: The Tohoku Shinkansen ''Hayate'' to Hachinohe, a limited express train (''Tsugaru'' or ''Hakucho'') to Noheji, then the Ominato local to Shimokita station. This trip will make your wallet almost ¥17000 lighter each way.

All seats on ''Hayate'' trains are reserved. Take your Japan Rail Pass to a ticket window at a train station for a free reservation.

The private Shimokita Kotsu Railway stopped operating in 2001.

By bus

Buses from Mutsu's central '''bus terminal''' connect to various points in the peninsula, including Ohata (35 min, many daily), Oma (1.5h, 8 daily) and Mount Osore (30 min, 4 daily). No direct services to the Yagen Valley though, you'll have to connect through Ohata in time to catch the single daily bus.

There are several services daily to Aomori (3.5h) and even occasional direct sleeper buses to Tokyo.

Get around

Local bus services provide transportation around Mutsu, but the center is small enough to walk.

See & Do

  • The northern command of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces is located on the road to Kawauchi, at the very edge of the city. Visitors can request tours of the base, which is home to several destroyers and other vessels. (Note, however, that these tours are unlikely to be available in English).
  • Mt. Kamafuse overlooks the city and offers a couple chair lifts in the winter and a decent hike in the summer.
  • There are a few ''onsen'' on the outskirts of Mutsu.
  • Eat

    Central Mutsu has a number of quaint bars and restaurants.

    Drink

    Sleep

    Mutsu has a wide selection of reasonably cheap lodgings (¥6000+ with two meals), and the tourist information office is glad to help you book.

    Cope

    '''Mutsu's tourist office''' (Masakari Plaza, tel. 0175-22-0909), near the bus terminal, is helpful and can provide basic information in English, not just for Mutsu but the entire peninsula. They will also book accommodation for you.