Oma: Between Ferry Route, Coast and Culture

Oma combines a ferry route to Hakodate with coastal scenery, religious heritage and seasonal products. These highlights offer different starting points for planning your trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Oma, first consider whether the crossing, culture, coast or a particular time of year will be the deciding factor.

Getting There by Ferry and Bus

The ferry connection between Hakodate and Ōma takes about 90 minutes. Schedules and service frequency may change; check the latest information before traveling. From Shimokita Station, the Mutsu–Sai bus operated by Shimokita Kotsu takes about two hours to reach the Ōma ferry terminal, via the Ōhata stop. The “Ferry Terminal” stop is right beside the terminal. It is also advisable to check the latest timetable for this bus connection, as schedules may change.

Coastal Scenery Around Ōma-zaki

Ōma-zaki (大間崎) is one of the Shimokita Geopark’s 16 geosites. The park is recognized as a Japanese Geopark. Nearby, Bentenjima (弁天島) lies about 600 meters offshore from Ōma-zaki. The island is home to a red shrine and a black-and-white striped lighthouse.

A different coastal landscape awaits at Akashi Coast (赤石海岸), where cliffs of varying sizes rise from the sea. The coast is along National Route 338 from Ōma toward Sai, about a 15-minute drive away. The coastal scenery varies from place to place: Ōma-zaki is a geopark geosite, Bentenjima lies offshore, and cliffs define the view at Akashi Coast.

Ōma-zaki Campsite (大間崎テントサイト) is next to the Ōma-zaki parking lot. Its facilities include a cooking shelter and public restrooms. Seasonal facilities may change; check the latest information when planning your trip.

Religious Heritage and Events

Ōma Inari Shrine (大間稲荷神社) was founded in 1730. A statue of Mazu is enshrined in the Tenpi Shrine Prayer Hall (天妃神拝殿), next to Ōma Inari Shrine. The statue was transferred from Taiwan’s Beigang Chaotian Temple (北港朝天宮) in 1996.

The annual Ōma Blue Marine Festival (大間町ブルーマリンフェスティバル) is held at Ōma Fishing Port. The program includes a traditional boat race with seven people per team, market stalls, stage performances and a fireworks display. Program details may change; check the dates and latest information for the year of your trip.

Seasonal Cuisine and Spring Blossoms

Ōma tuna (大間まぐろ) is landed in Ōma, with its peak season from autumn to winter. Availability at individual restaurants may vary. The cherry trees in Uchiyama Park bloom every spring, later than those in southern Hokkaidō. The park’s spring festival features a barbecue with Ōma beef under the cherry trees. Check the festival program each year for exact details.

The seasons bring different highlights: cherry blossoms and the spring festival take place in spring, while tuna is at its peak from autumn to winter. Another local product is the temple beer Mugi Shizuku (卍麦雫). It is brewed on the grounds of Sōtokuji Temple (梅香山崇徳寺) in the Okudo district of Ōma.

Discover more destinations: Hachinohe, Sotogahama, Ajigasawa, Goshogawara, Hashikami, Nishitsugaru District, Aomori, Towada

For the broader travel overview: Aomori Prefecture.