Tsugaru Peninsula

Tsugaru Peninsula is celebrated for its abundant agricultural products, including delicious apples, peaches, and steuben grapes, as well as fresh tuna, flounder, and rockfish from its surrounding waters. It is also renowned for traditional crafts like intricate Tsugaru lacquerware.

While the Tsugaru Strait is a significant body of water between Honshu and Hokkaido, swimming across it is an extreme challenge. The strait is approximately 19.5 km point-to-point, but tides and currents often require swimmers to cover distances of 30 to 40 kilometers.

The Tsugaru Strait features eastern and western necks, each about 20 km wide. The maximum depths are approximately 200 meters in the eastern section and 140 meters in the western section. Ferry services, including the Tsugaru Kaikyō Ferry, operate across the strait.

The Tsugaru dialect, known as Tsugaru-ben, is predominantly spoken in the western part of Aomori Prefecture, which is the region encompassing the Tsugaru Peninsula. It is famously distinct, and even native Japanese speakers from other regions may find it difficult to understand.

Tsugaru Peninsula offers a culinary journey, particularly with its world-famous apples. You can also savor fresh seafood like tuna and flounder, and traditional dishes that highlight local produce. Don't miss experiencing the regional cuisine which often features these high-quality ingredients.