[Tanesashi Coast Travel Guide] Enjoy a Wide Variety of Plants and Scenic Views

The northernmost area of Tanesashi Coast is the Kabushima area.
Now connected to the mainland by land reclamation, Kabushima has been designated a National Natural Monument as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls.
The black-tailed gull is a member of the gull family, and its name comes from its distinctive call, which sounds like a cat's meow.
During the breeding season, the Kabushima area becomes the only place in Japan where visitors can observe black-tailed gulls breeding up close, making it a popular destination.
Kabushima Shrine, located on Kabushima, enshrines Benzaiten and is said to bring blessings for safe fishing and prosperous business.
During the breeding and nesting season, around 30,000 to 40,000 black-tailed gulls are said to gather here, creating a truly overwhelming scene.

Stretching north from Tanesashi-Kaigan Station on the JR Hachinohe Line is the Tanesashi Natural Lawn Area.
Highlights include Yodo no Matsubara, a broad pine grove with trees around 100 years old, and Shiraiwa, a 20-meter-tall rock rising from the sea, along with other remarkable natural scenery.
Here, you can truly feel the passage of time through the growth of the trees and the erosion of the rocks.
While the area is full of scenery that feels distinctly Japanese, its biggest attraction is the natural lawn spreading across the landscape.
The view is so beautiful it almost feels as though you've wandered into a different country.

The Okuki area spreads southeast of Tanesashi-Kaigan Station on the JR Hachinohe Line, not far from Okuki Station.
Its main highlight is Takaiwa Observatory.
Known as the highest observation point along Tanesashi Coast, it juts out toward the sea, offering powerful views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
Itsukushima Shrine on Bentenjima is another highlight.
Its torii gate was swept away by the tsunami of the Great East Japan Earthquake and later drifted ashore on the west coast of the United States, drawing attention.
After it was returned and rebuilt, it came to be known as the "Miracle Torii."

The Osuga Coast area lies along the coastline between Kabushima and Yodo no Matsubara.
It is especially well suited for leisurely walks.
Beautiful scenery awaits here, including the Ashigezaki Observatory rising amid flowers and plants, as well as coastal plants blooming near the rocky shore.
One of the biggest highlights is the singing sand beach along Osuga Coast.
When stepped on, the sand makes a sound, which is said to be proof of its purity and low level of impurities.
Keep in mind that walking along the beach, which stretches for over 2 km, requires some stamina.

Kabushima, located at the northern end of Tanesashi Coast, is designated a Natural Monument as one of Japan's leading breeding grounds for black-tailed gulls.
At the top of the stone steps on Kabushima stands Kabushima Shrine, founded in 1269.
During the Edo period, it was deeply revered by successive lords of the Hachinohe Domain, beginning with the first domain lord.
The enshrined deity, Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, is the same deity as Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and is believed to bestow strong financial luck.
Since ancient times, flocks of black-tailed gulls, which were thought to signal the location of fishing grounds, have been cherished by local people as messengers of Benzaiten.

Tanesashi Natural Lawn is located Approx. 5 minutes on foot from Tanesashi-Kaigan Station on the JR Hachinohe Line.
The gently rolling natural grassland is one of the signature sightseeing spots of Tanesashi Coast, and most visitors come here for this very scenery.
The unique contrast between the rugged rocky shoreline and the bright green lawn spreading beside the sea creates a view that can only be seen at Tanesashi Coast.
Seasonal flowers that add color to the green grass are another attraction, and sitting on the lawn while gazing out at the sea is especially recommended.

Located in front of the Tanesashi Natural Lawn, the Tanesashi Coast Information Center is a facility dedicated to Tanesashi Coast.
It provides information while introducing and explaining the nature and culture of Sanriku Fukko National Park, with a focus on Tanesashi Coast.
Its thoughtfully designed exhibits are one of its main attractions and should give you a deeper understanding of Tanesashi Coast.

Osuga Coast in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, is a vast shoreline with a white sandy beach stretching for Approx. 2.3 km.
It is known for its "singing sand," which makes a squeaking sound when you walk on it, and is said to be proof of the sand's cleanliness and low level of impurities.

Located on a cape in front of Samekado Lighthouse, this observatory is a scenic viewpoint with an open, panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.
Because it is built as if jutting out from the cliff, nothing blocks the view, and you can take in the Pacific coastline stretching far into the distance.

This market is filled with Hachinohe specialties, especially fresh seafood landed at Hachinohe Port, one of Japan's leading ports.
It began when local fresh fish retailers operating near the port gathered here to open a market, and it marked its 40th anniversary in 2020.
In a sales area of over 4,200 square meters, around 60 shops line the market, with lively calls from vendors echoing throughout.

Tatehana Wharf Morning Market is a huge morning market that appears only on Sunday mornings at Tatehana Fishing Port in Hachinohe.
By day, it is just an ordinary local port, but at dawn on market mornings, more than 300 stalls line up along an 800-meter stretch.
The market sells all kinds of goods, from fresh fish and dried seafood to handmade side dishes and crafts.

This restaurant stands along the Sanriku Hama Kaido road in front of Tanesashi Coast, known for its distinctive marine terraces.
It offers a wide range of dishes made with abundant seafood caught in the Sanriku seas.
One of the most popular items is the original Iso Ramen, filled with 6 to 7 kinds of seafood available at the time, such as shrimp, scallops, and sea urchin.
The salt-based broth is infused with the flavors of the ingredients, making it well worth trying.

Located right by JR Tanesashi-Kaigan Station.
This restaurant overlooks the national park area of Tanesashi Coast and serves dishes made with abundant seafood.
Menu highlights include the Iso Teishoku set meal, where you can enjoy sashimi, ichigoni (a clear soup with abalone and sea urchin), fresh sea urchin, and mizugai-style abalone, as well as a grilled fish set meal with gin-dara, flounder, and hokke, plus delicious rice bowls such as the fresh sea urchin and salmon roe bowl.

Founded in 1957, this bar operates in Hasecho Rensa-gai, a dining district that has been around since the latter half of the Showa 20s (1945–1954).
Since opening, it has been a popular spot not only for locals in Hachinohe but also for travelers looking to enjoy a deep local night scene.
One of the highlights here is its original cocktails, named after places in Hachinohe and local performing arts, including the "Michinoku Coastal Trail" cocktail inspired by the sunrise and the sea, and the "Jinja Ale" series inspired by the floats of the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai, the region's biggest festival.