Trekking in Hotokegaura in Winter to See the Mysterious Gigantic Rocks and the Seascape

【OUTLINE】

Hotokegaura is a place with its array of mysterious rocks formed over a long period of time. During summer, people go there by boat. But it is impossible during winter. You will walk along a mountain path for 600 to 700 meters, or walk down to the beach by 100 meters. If there is snow on the ground, you will use snowshoes called 'Kanjiki," and the like.
Hotokegaura is covered with snow for a short period from January to February. It is the best season to enjoy a striking contrast between snow and the rocks.
If you like to have lunch there, you can eat a fish lunch set, treat from Sai-mura in winter.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• A walking tour to Hotokegaura, a mysterious scenic spot
• Beautiful contract between white snow and gigantic gray rocks
• Trekking on the snow when Hotokegaura is covered with snow
• Gigantic rocks created by the force of nature over thousands of years
• Set lunch using the local seafood

【SCHEDULE】 

Meet up at the Hotokegaura Parking Area→Walk down to Hotokegaura for 20 minutes→Guided tour in Hotokegaura→The end of the tour

【DETAILS】

Hotokegaura is a series of rock formation along the sea cliffs on the west coast of Shimokita Peninsula. Strong wind and rough waves make it hard to approach Hotokegaura in winter. But there is a mysterious spectacle that can only be seen in the season. In summer, it is common to go to Hotokegaura by boat. But it cannot be approached by boat during winter because of the raging sea. Let's meet up at the Hotokegaura Parking Area and walk along a mountain path for 600 to 700 meters. A 20-minute walk will bring you to the beach 100 meters down the road. If the snow is heaped up, you will trek on the snow using the snowshoes called 'Kanjiki' that can be borrowed free of charge. It may not be an easy walk but you will get a sense of achievement to find the awe-inspiring views at the destination.

Located close to the sea and influenced by the strong sea winds, Hotokegaura is hardly blanketed with snow. During a short period from January to February, Hotokegaura is covered with snow. Actually it is the best time to visit Hotokegaura. You will enjoy the beautiful contrast between the gray rocks and the white snow on the rocks.

Do you like to eat lunch there? The local restaurant, usually closes during the winter, will specially open for you. You can enjoy a delicious set meal using fresh seasonal seafood from Sai-mura.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Time：90 minutes
• Meeting point：Hotokegaura Parking Area
  Sai-mura, Shimokita-gun, Aomori-ken
• Access：
  ・Take a ferry from Hakodate Port to Oma Port.　
      It takes about 60 minutes by taxi or rental car from Oma Port .
   ・Take a high speed ship Sii Line for 90 minutes from Aomori Port to Wakinosawa Port.
  　It takes 1 hour by taxi  from Wakinosawa Port. 
   ・From JR Shimokita Station
  　It takes about 90 minutes by rental car.
  　It takes about 3 hours by bus to Sai bus stop.

• Language support：English, Japanese
• Included ：Insurance, long boots (free of charge)
• Free Wi-Fi ：×
• Toilet：○

【CANCELLATION POLICY】 

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.