Kazamaura, village in Shimokita district, Aomori prefecture, Japan
Kazamaura is a small village on the northern coast of the Shimokita Peninsula with simple houses, fishing boats, and forested landscape surrounding it. The terrain is shaped by nature, featuring dense woodlands, coastal areas, and rivers like the Ikokuma River, while residents depend on fishing, forestry, and vegetable farming for their livelihoods.
Kazamaura was formed in 1889 when three small communities merged along the Shimokita Peninsula. The population has declined significantly over the decades, yet fishing and forestry have remained the economic foundation since the village's earliest days.
Kazamaura maintains a strong connection to the ocean that shapes daily life. The community celebrates monkfish during winter months, from December to March, when locals and visitors gather to share fresh seafood and learn about fishing traditions passed down through generations.
The village has no train station, so car or bus travel is the main option for getting around. Route 279 connects the area to other towns but can be affected by weather and storms, so checking conditions before visiting is recommended.
Monkfish here are caught using longlines and gill nets that keep the fish alive, preserving their flavor and texture better than bottom-net methods used elsewhere. This technique is why Kazamaura has earned recognition as a monkfish capital and draws visitors throughout winter months.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
