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August 8, 2025 Marti Eicholz Our day in Hachinohe, Japan is filled with mixed clouds, sun with scattered thunderstorms and a High of 82F. Oh, I forgot to mention, we just had a downpour. Hachinohe is a bustling port, boasting one of Japan’s largest fishing ports, managing a vast volume of seafood, playing a vital role in the city’s economy and identity. Hachinohe is an area of great historical and cultural significance. Archeological artifacts suggest human settlement dating back 20,000 years (Jomon Era), flourishing under a samurai clan, the Nanbu clan for over seven centuries. Nejo Castle, built in 1334, restored as a historical site is a testament to the Nanbu clan’s influence as reflected in the city’s folk arts and traditions. Hike the Tanesashi Coast, a stunning stretch of coastline in Hachinohe Japan, protected as part of the Sanriku Fukko National Park. Its craggy shore is softened by sandy beaches, natural green lawns and wildflower meadows, represented by more than 650 native plant species. It is a riot of color when they bloom. Keep your eyes peeled for the deep orange of the sukashiyuri lily, a local favorite. With spellbinding seascapes and gently sloping cliff paths, it’s a hiker’s dream and its’ a darling for painters and writers who flock here for inspiration. Explore the bustling Hachinohe Market with more than three hundred stalls. Pick up sizzling street food, fresh fruit and vegetables, colorful flowers, and exquisite traditional crafts or simply stroll around, check out the wares and soak up the atmosphere. It is oddles of fun. Culture vultures are captivated by Hachinohe’s selection of interesting museums: history, culture, traditional crafts, fine art and cars. The Hachinohe Portal Museum has informative exhibits, making an excellent introduction to the area. Look out for the wooden lion dance clock. Other museums include the comprehensive Hachinohe City Museum, the Nango Museum of History and Folklore with a collection of items from the Showa era, the Vanfu Art Museum specializing in full-scale reproductions of famous Japanese pieces; and the Tsukahara Museum full of classic cars. The Hachinohe area is famous for its traditional folk crafts like Yawata-uma horse figurines, Nanbu sakiori weaving and hishizashi embroidery. The Kaneiri Museum Shop is another excellent place to source a souvenir, a traditional folk-art craft, where a share of the profits is channeled back into the local community. Discover the area’s smaller towns and villages such as Sannohe, a must-visit destination for its stand-out historical and archeological sites, including the Sannohe Castle ruins, where the great Nanbu family once resided. Gonohe is renowned for its sake breweries and local meat and livestock, while Nanbu town is nestled amid lush rice paddies and is home to a number of progressive, community-building projects. Head for Hashikami Town, soak up golden panoramas, take in the mountains, sea and verdant fields, and try Ichigo-ni, a local delicacy – soup made with sea urchins. Yes, sampling local delicacies is an experience you never forget, but other super fresh fish are to be sampled like mackerel and squid. Other delicacies include Senbei crackers – a thin rice cracker that’s been made in the area for centuries with some sake. Tour one of the centuries-old sake breweries or head to any number of Hachinohe’s yokocho (drinking alleyways). The Hachinohe Area consists of the city of Hachinohe and seven towns and villages. All was once part of the Nanbu clan. Their shared cultural history, shaped the area into a warmhearted community. Pristine nature, amazing food, thrilling history, amazing and unique experiences await. As I review our visit to Hachinohe, there is plenty to do in Hachinohe, but incorporating a smattering of smaller towns and villages, splitting time between city sights and more rural charms make for a richer experience. P.S. Our arrival in Japan was the closing of the North America segment and starting the Japan/Philippine (95 day) segment. It is interesting to watch people come and go, feel the emotion of leaving and returning, and sense the joy and sadness. I wish to share a message from Rose, an Aussie who lived on the Odyssey for three months. ***I feel blessed to call The Odyssey my home and the people around me, family. |
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