Aomori (青森県) is the northernmost prefecture in the Tohoku Region (東北地方), located in the northeastern side of Japan. Located in Aomori Prefecture is Hachinohe (八戸市), a quiet city unbeknownst to some visitors, and home to some of Japan’s best natural scenery and seafood.
Hachinohe City is fairly accessible from Tokyo as well, as it has a direct Shinkansen route on the Tohoku Shinkansen (東北新幹線) between Tōkyō Station (東京駅) and Hachinohe Station (八戸駅). With direct Shinkansen access, travelling there is a breeze and visitors can look forward to exploring the city’s charms.
Hachinohe is recognised as the gateway for two natural landmarks, one of which is the expansive Michinoku Coastal Trail.
Embark on a hiking adventure on the Michinoku Coastal Trail
The Michinoku Coastal Trail (みちのく潮風トレイル) is a hiking trail spanning more than 1,000 kilometres in length. Opened in 2019, the trail stretches from Hachinohe City (八戸市) in Aomori Prefecture to Sōma City (相馬市) in Fukushima Prefecture, and is home to some of Japan’s most beautiful cliffs and rias coastlines.
The trail runs along the Pacific coastline of Japan, and much of the areas here were severely damaged by the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011. Since then, a reconstruction project has been underway to restore the areas, and the trail finally opened in 2019 for people to hike and explore the coastline.
Enjoy an authentic fisherman’s meal
Hiking an extensive trail is a physically demanding challenge, so why not fuel up before embarking on the hike? Before going on the trail, you can enjoy an authentic fisherman’s meal with fish freshly caught from a nearby fishing port and watch it being prepared before your very eyes. Hachinohe is known for its fresh seafood because of its location next to the ocean, so visitors can relish the freshest bounties.
Want a hands-on experience on top of delicious seafood? Then why not take part in a sushi roll-making experience as well? This is a common activity in Japanese households, and visitors can make their own sushi rolls to experience daily household life. Be warned: although it is fairly simple, making a perfect sushi roll takes patience and a lot of practice!
Go on a pub crawl at Hachinohe’s food alleys
If you are wondering what the nightlife is like in Hachinohe, then you would be surprised: it’s food crawling! Hachinohe is home to Miroku Yokocho (ミロク横丁), a food alley featuring many quaint stalls selling a wide variety of food made from fresh seafood and ingredients. Food crawling at Miroku Yokocho is an authentic experience for visitors to Hachinohe, and is a must if they want to know the local lifestyle of the city.
Food crawling is not just about the food; it is also about socialising! While crawling from one stall to another at Miroku Yokocho, visitors can socialise with the locals and have a good time communicating and learning more about the local culture and lifestyle. The key to a memorable food crawl is to simply have a great time, and Miroku Yokocho is the best place just for that!
See you in Hachinohe!
The city of Hachinohe has a few surprises in store for visitors who are curious to know what it has to offer. With splendorous hiking travel, access to fresh seafood, and a lively food alley, the city is a hidden gem that will leave a lasting impression on all visitors!
If you want to visit Hachinohe, then you’re in luck: JAPAN RAIL CLUB has a tour plan just for you! Together with an English-speaking guide, you will get an authentic fisherman’s lunch with a sushi roll-making experience, a hiking experience on the Michinoku Coastal Trail, and a food crawl at Miroku Yokocho at night. Click here and follow the steps to find out more, and we hope to see you at Hachinohe soon!
Header image credit: ©photoAC
