Hachinohe, Japan – Located just a 30-minute drive from Misawa Air Base, Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture offers a vibrant mix of nature, culture, and cuisine. From bustling markets to tranquil coastal views, the city presents an inviting array of attractions for visitors. Here are four standout destinations in Hachinohe worth exploring.
Mutsuminato Morning Market: A Culinary and Cultural Snapshot
Mutsuminato Asaichi, the city’s lively morning fish market, is a premier destination for fresh seafood lovers. Operating six days a week from 3 a.m. to noon, the market boasts more than 50 stalls where local vendors—affectionately known as Isaba no Kaccha, or “fish mothers”—offer a wide range of freshly caught seafood.
The market, known for its authenticity and atmosphere, remains open 365 days a year, drawing early risers eager to sample traditional Japanese breakfast sets. For around 600 yen (approximately $4), visitors can enjoy a meal featuring sashimi, shellfish, white rice, and miso soup.
Mutsuminato Asaichi (Morning Market)
Address: Kubo, Minato-cho, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 3 a.m. – Noon (Closed Sundays and second Saturdays)
Phone: 0178-33-7242
Kabushima Shrine: A Sanctuary of Spiritual and Avian Significance
Overlooking the sea, Kabushima Jinja offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural spectacle. Originally built over 700 years ago and reconstructed following a 2015 fire, the shrine is particularly renowned for its seasonal population of more than 40,000 black-tailed gulls (umineko), which nest on the grounds from February to August.
Visitors are advised to carry an umbrella when climbing the steps to the shrine, as the birds are known to be active overhead. The site, long associated with safe fishing voyages and good fortune, continues to serve as a spiritual and ecological landmark.
Kabushima Shrine
Address: Same, Same-cho, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
Phone: 0178-46-4040
Tanesashi Kaigan: A Coastal Escape of Renewal and Reflection
Just a short walk from Kabushima Shrine lies Tanesashi Kaigan, a picturesque beach known for its lush green lawns that stretch directly to the sea. Unlike traditional sandy beaches, this area offers a tranquil coastal path framed by pine groves and sea breezes.
Tanesashi’s scenic calm belies its turbulent past. In 2011, the area was heavily damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Two days later, U.S. military personnel from Misawa and other installations arrived to assist recovery efforts as part of Operation Tomodachi. Today, signs of resilience and community unity remain integral to the landscape.
Tanesashi Kaigan Information Center
Address: 14-167 Tanakubo, Same-cho, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
Phone: 0178-51-8500
Hachinohe Park: Seasonal Blooms and Family Fun
Offering a botanical garden, zoo, and amusement park, Hachinohe Park is a family-friendly destination, especially vibrant during Japan’s rainy season. The park’s rose garden is in full bloom, featuring over 650 rose bushes in a variety of colors and species—including those named for figures such as Queen Elizabeth, Empress Michiko, and Princess Aiko.
Located about 40 minutes from Misawa AB, the park provides a refreshing escape with floral displays, recreational facilities, and shaded paths ideal for summer strolls.
Hachinohe Park
Address: 33-2 Tenma, Tokaichi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture 031-0012
Phone: 0178-96-2932
From its historic shrines and verdant beaches to bustling fish markets and blooming gardens, Hachinohe City showcases the diversity and depth of northeastern Japan. Its close proximity to Misawa Air Base makes it an ideal day-trip destination for those seeking culture, nature, and connection in one of Japan’s lesser-known coastal gems.
