インバウンドツアーを強化するむつ市の観光協会から、通訳ガイドの要請が当会にあった。そこで、公共交通機関を使用し下見に出掛けた。JR大湊線の車窓から広がる光景は、どことなくスコットランドを思わせる。海岸線とほぼ並行に走る風景は鉄道マニアにとても人気が高い。線路と海岸線が近いのは、陸奥湾は海面が安定しており、津波や高潮の心配がないためだ。この日も数名の欧米人が乗車していたが、大湊線のツアーポテンシャルは相当高い。
The tourism association of Mutsu City, which is strengthening its inbound tours, reached us for official interpreter guide for them. So, using public transportation, I went to the site for a research tour. The view from the windows of the JR Ominato Line is somewhat reminiscent of Scotland. The scenery running almost parallel to the coastline is very popular among railroad enthusiasts. The close reason between the tracks and the coastline is due to the stable sea level of Mutsu Bay, which is less susceptible to tsunami and storm surge. The tour potential of the Ominato Line is quite high, as evidenced by the fact that several individual Westerners were on the train that day.
JR下北駅から目的地の恐山へは、バスに乗る事約40分。862年開山の恐山は日本を代表する霊山で、死後、全ての魂がここに集まり、その後あの世へ旅立つ事ができると信じられている。いわば、この世とあの世を結ぶ結界だ。
From JR Shimokita Station, it is about a 40-minute bus ride to the destination, Mt. Osore-zan. Osorezan, founded in 862, is one of the most sacred mountains in Japan, where it is believed that after death, all souls come here and then depart to the other world. In a manner of speaking, this is the gateway between this world and the next.
荒涼とした恐山のイメージは、この宇曽利湖によるところが大きい。生物が生息できない強酸性の湖は、まるで死後の世界を現しているかのようだ。一方、白砂と対比するエメラルドグリーンの湖面のコントラストは極楽のような不思議な風景でもある。これまで最も美しいと思っていたバリ島と比べても引けを取らぬ美しさだ。インスタで話題になればたちまち拡散されるに違いない。
The desolate image of Osore-zan is largely due to Lake Usori. The highly acidic lake, which is uninhabitable by all creatures, seems to represent the afterlife. On the other hand, the contrast between the white beach sand and the emerald green lake is a magical landscape like “paradise.” It is as beautiful as Bali, which I have always considered the most beautiful beach in the world. If it becomes a topic on Instagram, it is sure to spread immediately.
源泉かけ流しの温泉に浸かった後は2008年創業で本州最北端のワイナリーに向かった。北半球のワインベルト地帯のほぼ真ん中に位置するむつ市は夏でもエアコンが要らない冷涼な気候と相まって、ワイン用の葡萄、特にピノノワールの栽培に最適な環境だとされることから、このショップは県内で最も知られるワイナリーの一つとなった。ショップから離れた葡萄畑は間近に見る事はでいないが、現在、ショップの裏にも畑を広げていくそうだ。今後の展開には多いに期待するところだ。
After soaking in the hot spring in Osore-zan, I headed to the northernmost winery in the main island of Japan, which was established in 2008. Mutsu city is laceted at the center of the wine belt of the northern hemisphere and its cool climate, so cool that AC is not needed even in summer, is perfect for growing grapes, Pinot Noir in particular, and the winery is now one of the most well-known wineries in the prefecture. The vineyard is located away from the store, and although it is not possible to see the vineyard up close, they are currently working on expanding the vineyard behind the store. I wish them great success!!
【下北ワインの葡萄畑 Vineyard】
下北ワイン（サンマモルワイナリー）｜スポット・体験｜【公式】青森県観光情報サイト Amazing AOMORI (aomori-tourism.com)
この日は一部しか調査できなかったが、国内でも人気の奥入瀬渓流に匹敵する美しさの薬研渓流、寒立馬と言われる日本古来の野生馬が生息する尻屋崎、奇岩で有名な仏ケ浦や縫道石山、そしてアジア圏でも有名なマグロの一本釣りなどインバンドツーとしてのポテンシャルは非常に高い。しかし、下北半島は未だ手付かず状態だ。今後、下北が世界にも注目されるよう私たちも強力に後押ししたい。
Although I was only able to survey the small area on this day, it has great potential as an in-band tourist destination, including Yagen Stream, which is as beautiful as the popular Oirase Stream in Japan; Shiriyazaki Peninsula, where the Japanese indigenous wild horse known as "Kan-dachi-me" lives; "Hotoke-gaura (Buddha's Cove)" and "Mt. Nuido-ishiyama," famous for the unique rock mountain; and tuna fishing, which is famous even in the Asian region. However, the Shimokita Peninsula remains untouched. We would like to strongly push the Shimokita region to attract world attention in the coming years.
【薬研渓流 Yagen Stream】
【仏ケ浦 Hotoke-gaura ～ Buddha's Cove】
【縫道石山 Mt.Nuido Ishiyama ～ Rock Mountain】
【尻屋崎～Shiriyazaki Pen.】
【大間のマグロ Tuna Fishing】
