Amazing AOMORI

Huge marketplace packed with Hachinohe food and leisure goods

Kabushima, located at the northernmost tip of the Tanesashi Coast, is a breeding ground for the petrel and is designated as a national natural monument. It is also a popular spot that has been certified for excellence by TripAdvisor. Originally a completely isolated island, it was reclaimed by the former Japanese army in 1942, and became the landlocked island we see today.

This is the only place in Japan where you can observe the breeding of the petrel up close. They start laying eggs around April, and the chicks come home around June. There are 30,000 to 40,000 of them, and the island is covered with them. The Kabura-jima Shrine at the top of the island is said to have the power to increase stock prices and popularity, as the word "turnip" and "stock" are read the same way.

In mid-May, the island is filled with rape blossoms. The contrast between the yellow of the rape blossoms, the red of the Kabura-jima Shrine's torii gate, the white plumage and the blue sky makes for a beautiful sight.

The Hachinohe City Kabura-jima Rest Area, where you can observe Kabura-jima and the petrel through a large window, the Kabura-jima Promenade Park, where you can have a barbecue, and the Mariento Fisheries Science Museum, where you can learn about the charms of the sea, are all within walking distance. Please come and visit.

The Tanesashi coast offers many natural attractions such as the natural grass that grows to the water’s edge, the nakisuna (singing sand) that produce sounds when walking, and a vast grassy plain with many flowers and plants.
In May 2013, the coast was designated as part of Sanriku Fukko National Park, which was established to contribute to the reconstruction of Sanriku region after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The coast is near the city center, making it easily accessible for local and visitors for trekking, swimming in the ocean, and surfing.
A walking trail is stretches along the coastal line and is a popular walking spot. For cyclists, electric bicycles with GPS and audio navigation are available for rent from spring to summer time.

Kabushima Island/Kabushima Shrine

Kabushima Island is a famous nesting location for black-tailed gulls. As black-tailed gulls are known to be monogamous, the Kabushima Shrine has become a place to pray for relationships and matchmaking.

Tanesashi Coast Information Center

The Tanesashi Coast Information Center provides information about the Tanesashi coast area within the Sanriku Fukko National Park. Along with information about the wildlife and culture of the area, the center offers various hands-on programs as well as information about the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail project and other seasonal information.

Address  14-167 Tanakubo, Samemachi, Hachinohe-shi, Aomori 031-0841

Contact  0178-51-8500

Hours of Operation  9:00~17:00(April – November),9:00~16:00(December – March)

Dates Closed  December 29th – January 3rd

Admission Fee  Free

URL  (Japanese)http://tanesashi.info/

Miroku Yokocho is located in the city center of Hachinohe. It is a little part of town with around 26 food stalls. Each shop serves a local menu such as fresh seafood from the Hachinohe port and Senbei-jiru (a traditional hot pot in which locally made crackers are cooked along with vegetables and meats) as well as typical Japanese bar (izakaya) food and ramen. The food stalls have an open atmosphere and are a popular spot for tourists. 

How to Enjoy Miroku Yokocho

On both sides of a narrow retro street, small stalls accommodating around eight people each are lined up tightly next to one another. One of the exciting things about Miroku Yokocho is meeting and chatting with strangers at the stalls. While enjoying one stall thoroughly is fun, stall-hopping is a great way to take advantage of the diverse styles of cooking in Miroku Yokocho.

At the Hachinohe Portal Museum “hacchi”, over 200 of “Yawata-uma”, a traditional craft made by the prefectural traditional craftsman, Nojiro Okubo will welcome you at the entrance. The facility has exhibition booths in the form of yatai (stall) for local foods, festival, history and culture, and also morning markets and yokocho (alleyway off the main street, usually there are shops and dining, etc.). Visitors can find Hachinohe’s attraction through the year.
Furthermore, there are café, shops selling original items, exhibition and shop of local arts and crafts. It is the place to feel the heart of northern region, Hachinohe, through the communication with locals.

Miyagi, meaning Hachinohe Castle in Sannohe County. Hachinohe Castle was the political center of the Hachinohe domain during the Edo period, but very little remains of the castle. Only a few remains can be seen, such as the front gate of the Kakugoten and the remains of the moat, which is now a park.

In Miyagi Park, there is an observation deck, lawn area, and playground equipment, so families can enjoy the park at their leisure.

From the end of April to the beginning of May, about 50 cherry trees bloom at once, making the park a popular place for cherry blossom viewing.