Cape Tappi

About this Attraction

Cape Tappi, situated at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, is a captivating destination where dramatic coastal scenery meets cultural heritage. The name “Tappi” translates to “as dragon flies,” a poetic nod to the fierce winds that sweep across the cape, so powerful and swift they were likened to the flight of a mythical dragon. This windswept landscape creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere, making Cape Tappi a geographical and deeply symbolic landmark. At the heart of the cape stands a commanding lighthouse, surrounded by stone monuments dedicated to notable historical and literary figures connected to the Tsugaru region, including renowned author Osamu Dazai and influential intellectual Shoin Yoshida. These memorials underscore the region’s deep ties to Japan’s cultural and intellectual history.

Adding to the cape’s uniqueness is a curious and beloved feature: a section of Japan National Highway Route 339 that is, unusually, a staircase. Known affectionately as the “staircase highway,” it spans 388.2 meters (about 1,273 feet) and comprises 362 stone steps ascending from the coast to the lighthouse. This unusual stretch is inaccessible to vehicles and serves solely pedestrians, making it the only stairway highway in Japan. As it winds through open terrain exposed to the brisk winds of the Tsugaru Channel, the climb becomes a scenic route and an immersive experience of nature’s raw energy. The staircase highway has become a tourist attraction in its own right, drawing adventurers, photographers, and curious travellers intrigued by its rarity.

At the base of the cape lies the Cape Tappi Tourist Information Centre, known as Tappi-kan. Once an inn called Okuya that hosted notable visitors like Osamu Dazai and famed woodblock artist Shiko Munekata, the building has been repurposed into a cultural hub. Inside, guests can explore exhibits featuring personal belongings, photographs, and artworks connected to these artistic icons, alongside scenic displays that showcase the dramatic beauty of Cape Tappi through the seasons. With its fusion of natural spectacle, literary history, and architectural curiosity, Cape Tappi offers visitors a rich and memorable encounter with northern Japan’s wild beauty and enduring spirit. It is a testament to the place's power in shaping geography and the human imagination.