14 popular tourist attractions in Hachinohe! Experience the charm of Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture

Hachinohe City, located in Aomori Prefecture, faces the Pacific Ocean. The city boasts numerous tourist attractions that Japan takes pride in, such as the breathtaking scenery of the calm sea and Kabushima, where visitors can observe the black-tailed gulls (Umineko), a natural monument of Hachinohe. With the opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen "Hachinohe Station," access to Hachinohe's tourist spots has improved significantly, making it even easier for visitors to travel to this vibrant destination.

From magnificent natural landscapes and historic buildings to warm encounters with the people of Hachinohe, this guide introduces some of the best tourist spots in the city.

1. Hasshoku Center

When it comes to sightseeing in Hachinohe, Aomori, the Hasshoku Center, which also serves as the city's kitchen, is a must-visit attraction. The facility offers an extensive free parking area for up to 1,500 vehicles, making it convenient for travelers arriving by car. Additionally, buses to Hasshoku Center run from Hachinohe Station and the city center for less than 200 yen, making access easy.

As a marketplace, Hasshoku Center features a wide selection of freshly caught seafood, dried goods, and local delicacies. It is a bustling spot filled with both locals and tourists, offering a great variety of souvenirs. Many specialties of Hachinohe are available, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring the area.

Within Hasshoku Center, there are two dining areas: "Kuriya Stadium" and "Aji Yokocho". Kuriya Stadium is home to restaurants offering all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu and sushi made with the freshest seafood. Aji Yokocho, on the other hand, features casual eateries such as soba restaurants and diners, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

One of the highlights is "Shichirin Mura," where visitors can grill the fresh ingredients they purchase over a charcoal fire. This interactive experience allows you to enjoy high-quality seafood grilled to perfection over infrared charcoal, making for an unforgettable dining experience. You can select your own ingredients, cook them yourself, and enjoy a lively atmosphere with family and friends.

For families with children, a free play area called "Wanpaku Hiroba" is available, featuring various playground equipment to keep kids entertained.

Each summer, the center hosts the annual "Hasshoku Summer Free Live" event, featuring live performances. Other popular events include cooking classes at the "Hasshoku Cooking Dojo," a live tuna-cutting show, and comedy performances. With year-round events, Hasshoku Center remains an exciting tourist destination no matter how many times you visit.

2. Hachinohe Port Sightseeing Boat

The Hachinohe Port Sightseeing Boat allows visitors to enjoy the scenic views of Kabushima, one of Hachinohe's most famous landmarks. Options include the "Shark" sightseeing boat, which offers a one-hour cruise, and the "Hayabusa II" sightseeing boat, which provides a 40-minute tour. Both cruises offer a unique perspective of Kabushima and the industrial port areas from the sea.

While aboard, passengers can feed the black-tailed gulls (Umineko), which are known for their distinctive "meow-like" calls and are designated as a natural monument of Japan.

Since the operation period and departure times vary by season, it is recommended to check in advance by phone or online before planning your trip.

3. Hachinohe City Fisheries Science Museum Marient

Located about a 15-minute walk from Same Station, the Hachinohe Fisheries Science Museum "Marient" is a marine-themed science museum. Due to its proximity to Kabushima, a famous breeding ground for black-tailed gulls (Umineko), the museum features dedicated exhibits on these seabirds. The facility consists of three floors of exhibition spaces (1st to 3rd floors), an observation restaurant on the 4th floor, and an observation deck on the 5th floor, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The exhibition area includes interactive displays for visitors of all ages. A large window facing the sea offers a breathtaking view of Umineko in flight during their breeding season from spring to summer—this area is known as the "Umineko Theater." Additionally, the "Umineko Island" section provides detailed information about their habitat and behaviors, making it a perfect place to learn about these fascinating seabirds.

The "Touch Tank" is a favorite among children, allowing them to interact with marine creatures up close. Visitors can also enjoy a diving show in a large aquarium, where divers feed the fish underwater. The museum features unique scientific exhibits, including the "Deep-Sea Water Pressure Experiment," which simulates the pressure at a depth of 1,000 meters, and the "Electric Eel Experiment," where visitors can observe how electric eels generate electricity. These educational attractions make it an ideal destination for summer learning experiences.

Guests can also participate in feeding the freshwater fish in the aquarium, creating a memorable experience for children. Marient is a rare combination of fun and education, where visitors can learn about the ocean while enjoying interactive experiences. A must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Hachinohe, Marient is a place you won't want to miss!

4. Tanesashi Coast

The Tanesashi Coast is a stunning destination offering a variety of scenic spots. Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, the area transforms with the seasons—lush green grasslands in summer and beautiful snowy landscapes in winter.

A notable sightseeing spot is the Ashigezaki Observatory, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the Tanesashi coastline. During the blooming season, visitors can see vibrant beach roses (Hamanasu flowers) adorning the landscape, creating a picturesque scene perfect for relaxation and photography. Time flies as you take in the spectacular coastal views, making the Tanesashi Coast one of Hachinohe's most famous and highly recommended sightseeing spots.

5. Kabushima

Kabushima is an iconic natural monument of Japan, serving as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls (Umineko) from spring to summer. As a must-visit spot in Hachinohe, it allows visitors to observe these rare birds up close, something that is difficult to experience elsewhere.

At the top of the staircase leading up to the island, you will find Kabushima Shrine. The shrine has a deep history—black-tailed gulls were believed to be the messengers of Benzaiten, guiding fishermen to bountiful fishing grounds. Visitors can feel the rich spiritual history of the shrine while offering prayers.

6. Hachinohe Yatai Village Miroku Yokocho

Located in the heart of Hachinohe City, Aomori, Hachinohe Yatai Village Miroku Yokocho is a popular gourmet spot for both tourists and locals. This retro-themed area, reminiscent of a festival, features 26 small food stalls, making it a lively food and drink district. Its open-air stall-style setup is particularly popular among the younger generation, and it attracts visitors of all ages.

Miroku Yokocho is also environmentally friendly, with a recycling system and barrier-free accessibility throughout. Recognized as Japan’s first environmentally conscious yatai village, it is highly rated as a unique tourist attraction. If you're visiting Hachinohe, this is a must-visit destination.

The 26 stalls are divided into two areas: "Onde City" and "Yaanse City." The district operates both day and night—during the day, it's a relaxing spot for salarymen and housewives, while at night, it transforms into a vibrant street where visitors can unwind after a long day. It's a welcoming, heartwarming gourmet spot where you can enjoy local hospitality and delicious food. Make sure to visit and enjoy a fulfilling time for both your heart and stomach.

7. Hachinohe Canyon

A stunning, Grand Canyon-like landscape can be found in Hachinohe! This intriguing site, officially called "Hachinohe Limestone Mine," has gained popularity under the nickname "Hachinohe Canyon." Its breathtaking views from the observation deck resemble the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, making it a hidden gem among Hachinohe's sightseeing spots.

Interestingly, this is a man-made canyon, as the site is still an active mining area. Decades of excavation have resulted in an immense, deep-cut landscape that is truly awe-inspiring. Looking down from the observation deck, you’ll experience a dizzying sense of depth, as the bottom seems to vanish into the abyss. It is the only mine in Japan that excavates below sea level, with its lowest point reaching -170 meters.

A monument featuring a massive dump truck tire is also on display, providing visitors with a sense of scale. From a distance, the giant dump trucks working in the canyon appear as small as grains of rice, but up close, the sheer size of their tires is overwhelming. This contrast between the tiny-looking trucks and the vast, expansive mining site creates a surreal experience. Make sure to visit this unique and visually striking attraction to witness its unparalleled beauty.

8. Hachinohe Enburi Festival

Hachinohe Enburi is a traditional festival held to pray for a bountiful harvest and welcome spring. The event takes place annually on February 17–20, making it a major tourist attraction, especially when it falls on a weekend.

The most distinctive feature of the festival is that the dancers wear "eboshi" headdresses designed to resemble a horse's head. While the daytime parade through Hachinohe’s streets is a beautiful spectacle, the highlight of the event is the "Oniwa Enburi," which is performed in the evening. As night falls, dancers dressed in traditional Aomori costumes move in perfect synchronization, creating a mystical and captivating atmosphere.

9. Mutsuminato Station Morning Market

As the original morning market of Hachinohe, Mutsu Minato Station Morning Market is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. Many tourists flock here for its famous seafood rice bowls. Established in 1953, this bustling market is packed with small retail shops, wholesalers, and supply stores, making it the oldest morning market in Hachinohe.

With around 200 to 300 stalls, the market offers fresh seafood, vegetables, and homemade side dishes, creating an exciting street market experience. Visitors can enjoy the warm hospitality of the vendors and local shoppers, embodied by the market’s mascot, "Isaba no Kaccha" (a friendly, spirited fishmonger lady).

The market’s biggest attraction is the "Sunday Fresh Market," held once a month. During this event, the Isaba no Kaccha vendors grill fresh seafood over charcoal in front of visitors, creating a live-cooking spectacle that draws long lines of eager customers. Many first-time visitors fall in love with the market's lively energy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite repeat destination for many.

10. Shirahama Beach

Located midway along the Tanesashi Coast Walking Trail, Shirahama Beach is a popular summer destination that attracts locals and tourists alike from mid-July to late August. In 2006, it was selected as one of Japan’s "100 Best Swimming Beaches" by the Ministry of the Environment, highlighting its pristine natural beauty and excellent environmental conditions. With 860 parking spaces and a location just a 3-minute walk from Mutsu-Shirahama Station, it’s easily accessible by car or train.

The three beachside shops sell snacks, floatation devices, and towels, so visitors don’t have to worry about forgetting essentials. There are also changing rooms and showers, making it a family-friendly destination. Children can even buy beach toys like buckets and shovels, making it easy to enjoy a day of fun without bringing extra gear.

The beach offers great visibility, allowing parents to keep an eye on their children with ease. Visitors can also take in the breathtaking views of the vast Pacific Ocean, creating a relaxing and refreshing experience. The area is well-maintained and beautifully preserved, ensuring a clean and comfortable beach outing.

One of Shirahama Beach’s unique features is its "singing sand." When the weather conditions are right, the sand produces a squeaky "kyu-kyu" sound when stepped on. If you’re lucky, you might even see black-tailed gulls (Umineko) playing on the shore. With stunning scenery and a pristine environment, Shirahama Beach is a destination you’ll want to revisit again and again.

11. Korekawa Jomon Museum

Korekawa Jomon Museum is a valuable facility that showcases the rich Jomon culture of Hachinohe through artifacts excavated from Korekawa and Kazahari archaeological sites. The museum also houses a research space dedicated to studying and investigating the city's buried cultural properties. The exterior of the museum is designed with a Jomon pit dwelling theme, featuring an elegant black and red color scheme. Inside, a spacious atrium enhances the openness of the facility.

Visitors can admire the museum’s highlight artifact, the national treasure "Gassho Dogu" clay figurine excavated from Kazahari, along with beautifully crafted earthenware and figurines that provide a deep, immersive experience of Jomon-era history. Interactive exhibits include the "Jomon Mystery Database," where visitors can explore excavation data using touch panels, and the "Lifestyle Theater," which offers insights into Jomon daily life. This museum is a must-visit site for those interested in Japan's ancient past.

12. Guretto Tower Minato (Tatehana Park)

Guretto Tower Minato is an observation tower located within Tatehana Park, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot near the mouth of the Niida River. Opened in 2009 as part of the park’s development, the tower provides panoramic views of Hachinohe’s cityscape and the sea, making it a favorite destination for tourists.

The name "Guretto" was chosen through a public naming contest and comes from the Hachinohe Nanbu dialect, meaning "all" or "everything." True to its name, the tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The park also features a flower-viewing plaza, where visitors can enjoy stunning cherry blossoms in the spring. At night, the area transforms into a romantic night-view spot, offering breathtaking scenic illuminations. As a symbolic attraction of Hachinohe, Guretto Tower Minato is a must-visit sightseeing location.

13. Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine

Kushihiki Hachimangu Shrine is one of Hachinohe’s most significant cultural heritage sites, with the entire shrine complex designated as a cultural property. It houses several national treasures, including the Red-Threaded Armor (Akaito Odoshi Yoroi) and the main shrine hall, an important cultural property that has been preserved since the Kamakura period.

The shrine grounds are lined with towering cedar trees, some of which are several hundred years old. This sacred area, historically known as "Hachiman-yama," has been cherished by the locals for generations. The combination of traditional shrine architecture and the majestic cedar trees creates a peaceful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

Beyond history and tradition, visitors can enjoy a unique cultural experience by dressing up in samurai armor (available for both adults and children) or miko (shrine maiden) attire (for children only). Taking a commemorative photo in these historical costumes amid the shrine’s beautiful surroundings makes for a memorable experience.

The shrine also offers various types of omikuji (fortune slips), including Natural Stone Omikuji, Luck-Boosting Omikuji, Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat) Omikuji, and Thread Omikuji, where the color of the thread represents different fortunes, which is particularly popular among women. Visiting Kushihiki Hachimangu Shrine is a chance to appreciate Hachinohe’s deep historical and cultural heritage.

14. Cuckoo Forest Echoland

Located about 30 minutes by car from central Hachinohe, Cuckoo Forest Echo Land is a leisure and recreational facility along National Route 340. Unlike the bustling city center, this area offers a beautiful natural setting, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy stunning seasonal landscapes, from vibrant autumn foliage to lush greenery, making it a beloved spot among locals and tourists.

The park is equipped with a variety of sports facilities, including tennis courts, a baseball field, and a covered sumo ring. One of the most popular attractions is the indoor heated pool, complete with a jacuzzi and waterslide, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The open-air "Echo Stage" hosts the Nango Summer Festival every July, featuring performances by top artists from across Japan. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a peaceful moment at "Keishoan," a traditional tea house, where they can relax with tea while admiring the serene garden views. The surrounding area also features a roadside station and accommodations, allowing for an extended stay. Whether for sports, relaxation, or sightseeing, Cuckoo Forest Echo Land is a fantastic place to visit.

◎ A summary of popular tourist attractions in Hachinohe

Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture offers a diverse range of attractions, making sightseeing an exciting experience. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at bustling markets, explore the city's natural beauty, and immerse themselves in its rich historical and cultural heritage. With the Tohoku Shinkansen providing a direct connection from Tokyo in under three hours, Hachinohe is an easily accessible travel destination. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or foodie, Hachinohe has something for everyone. Come and experience the unique charm of Hachinohe for yourself!

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14 popular tourist attractions in Hachinohe! Experience the charm of Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture