Tanesashi Coast Travel Guide: Discover Beautiful Coastal Scenery and Diverse Plant Life

The Kabushima area is the northernmost of the four areas along Tanesashi Coast.
Once an island, Kabushima is now connected to the mainland through land reclamation. It has been designated a National Natural Monument for its importance as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls.
Black-tailed gulls are a species of gull known for their distinctive calls, which resemble a cat’s meow. In fact, their Japanese name, umineko, literally means “sea cat.”
Kabushima is known as the only place in Japan where visitors can observe black-tailed gulls breeding at such close range, making it a popular destination during the breeding season.
Kabushima Shrine, located on Kabushima, is dedicated to Benzaiten, a deity believed to bring blessings for safety at sea and success in business.
During the breeding and chick-rearing season, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 black-tailed gulls gather in the area, creating an extraordinary sight as the island becomes covered with birds.

The Tanesashi Natural Lawn Area stretches north from Tanesashi-Kaigan Station on the JR Hachinohe Line.
Highlights include Yodo no Matsubara, an expansive grove of pine trees around 100 years old, and Shiraiwa, a 20-meter-tall rock rising from the sea.
The towering trees and weathered rocks offer a fascinating glimpse into the passage of time.
While the area boasts beautiful landscapes with a distinctly Japanese character, its greatest attraction is the vast expanse of natural grasslands.
The sweeping green landscape is unlike anything else along Tanesashi Coast, creating a breathtaking scene that feels almost like stepping into another country.

The Okuki Area lies southeast of Tanesashi-Kaigan Station on the JR Hachinohe Line, not far from Okuki Station.
One of its main attractions is Takaiwa Observatory, the highest observation point along Tanesashi Coast. Perched on a headland jutting out into the sea, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean.
Another highlight is Itsukushima Shrine on Bentenjima Island.
The shrine's torii gate was swept away by the tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and eventually washed ashore on the west coast of the United States, attracting widespread attention.
The gate was later returned to Japan and re-erected at the shrine, earning it the nickname "Miracle Torii Gate."

The Osuka Coast Area stretches along the coastline between Kabushima and Yodo no Matsubara, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll.
The area offers beautiful natural scenery, from Ashigezaki Observatory standing amid seasonal flowers and greenery to coastal plants blooming beside the rocky shore.
One of its main attractions is the singing sand beach along Osuka Coast. The sand produces a distinctive sound when you walk on it, a phenomenon associated with sand that contains very few impurities.
The sandy beach stretches for more than two kilometers, so be prepared for a fairly long walk if you plan to explore it on foot.

Located at the northernmost end of Tanesashi Coast, Kabushima is designated a Natural Monument for its importance as one of Japan's major breeding grounds for black-tailed gulls.
At the top of a flight of stone steps on Kabushima stands Kabushima Shrine, founded in 1269.
During the Edo period, the shrine was deeply revered by successive lords of the Hachinohe Domain, beginning with its first lord.
The shrine is dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, a goddess traditionally associated with Benzaiten, one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods, and believed to bring good fortune and financial prosperity.
For centuries, local people have cherished the flocks of black-tailed gulls as sacred messengers of Benzaiten, as the birds were believed to help fishermen locate fishing grounds.

Tanesashi Natural Lawn is approximately a five-minute walk from Tanesashi-Kaigan Station on the JR Hachinohe Line.
The gently rolling natural grasslands are one of Tanesashi Coast's most iconic attractions, drawing visitors eager to experience this beautiful landscape.
The striking contrast between the rugged rocky shoreline and the vibrant green grass stretching along the coast creates a spectacular scene unique to Tanesashi Coast.
Seasonal wildflowers add splashes of color to the lush grasslands throughout the year. One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is to sit on the grass and take in the sweeping views of the sea.

Located directly across from Tanesashi Natural Lawn, the Tanesashi Coast Information Center introduces visitors to the natural environment and cultural heritage of Sanriku Fukko National Park, with a particular focus on Tanesashi Coast.
The center offers a wealth of useful information and features a variety of engaging, thoughtfully designed exhibits that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Tanesashi Coast.

Located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, Osuka Coast is a vast stretch of coastline featuring approximately 2.3 kilometers of white sandy beach.
One of its most distinctive features is its "singing sand," which produces a squeaking sound when walked on. This phenomenon is said to be a sign of the sand's low impurity content.

Located on a headland near Samekado Lighthouse, this observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Perched on the edge of a steep cliff, the observation deck provides unobstructed views of the coastline stretching far into the distance.

This bustling market offers a wide variety of Hachinohe specialties, particularly fresh seafood landed at Hachinohe Port, one of Japan's major fishing ports.
The market was established by fresh fish retailers who had previously operated near the port. In 2020, it celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Today, approximately 60 shops fill a shopping area spanning more than 4,200 square meters, with the lively calls of vendors echoing throughout the market.

The Tatehana Wharf Morning Market is a massive open-air market held every Sunday morning, typically from March through December, at Tatehana Fishing Port in Hachinohe.
On ordinary days, the port is a quiet, unassuming place. But at dawn on market days, it transforms into a bustling marketplace, with more than 300 stalls stretching along an 800-meter section of the waterfront.
Visitors can browse an incredible variety of goods, from fresh fish and dried seafood to homemade prepared dishes and handcrafted items.

Located along the Sanriku Hama Kaido road near Tanesashi Coast, known for its distinctive coastal terraces, this restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes featuring fresh seafood from the waters off Sanriku.
One of its most popular dishes is the Original Iso Ramen, featuring six or seven types of seasonal seafood, including shrimp, scallops, and sea urchin.
The savory, salt-based broth is infused with the rich flavors of the seafood, making this delicious ramen well worth trying.

Located just steps from JR Tanesashi-Kaigan Station, this restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood dishes with beautiful views of Tanesashi Coast, part of Sanriku Fukko National Park.
Menu highlights include the Iso Teishoku, a seafood set meal featuring sashimi, ichigoni (a clear soup made with sea urchin and abalone), fresh sea urchin, and mizugai-style abalone.
Other popular choices include the Grilled Fish Set Meal, featuring black cod, flounder, and Atka mackerel, as well as delicious rice bowls such as the Fresh Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe Bowl.

Founded in 1957, this bar is located in Hasecho Rensa-gai, a historic dining and nightlife district dating back to the early 1950s.
Since opening, it has been a popular gathering place for Hachinohe locals and travelers looking to experience the city's authentic nightlife.
The bar is particularly known for its original cocktails inspired by Hachinohe's local landmarks and traditional performing arts. Highlights include the "Michinoku Coastal Trail," a cocktail evoking the sunrise over the sea, and the "Jinja Ale" series, inspired by the elaborate festival floats of the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai, the region's largest festival.