Tsugaru Strait facts for kids
Tsugaru Strait (津軽海峡, Tsugaru Kaikyō) is a narrow stretch of water in northern Japan. It lies between two large Japanese islands: Honshu and Hokkaido. This important channel connects the Sea of Japan with the Pacific Ocean. The strait gets its name from the western part of Aomori Prefecture, which is on the Honshu side.
Geography of the Strait
A warm ocean current flows through the Tsugaru Strait. This current, called the Tsushima-kairyū, moves from the south to the north. Ocean currents are like rivers in the sea. They carry warmer water, which can affect the climate of nearby land.
The Seikan Tunnel
The Seikan Tunnel is an amazing underwater tunnel. It runs right beneath the Tsugaru Strait at its narrowest point. This tunnel connects the Tsugaru Peninsula on Honshu (in Aomori) with the Matsumae Peninsula on Hokkaido. The tunnel starts at Tappi Misaki on the Honshu side and ends at Shirakami Misaki on the Hokkaido side.
Before the Seikan Tunnel opened, people and goods usually crossed the strait by ferry. A ferry ride across the strait used to take about four hours. The tunnel made travel much faster and easier between the two islands.
Images for kids
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Strait between Hokkaido (upper) and Honshu (lower)
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See also
In Spanish: Estrecho de Tsugaru para niños
