Looking for a breathtaking coastal escape in northern Japan that perfectly balances wild nature with plant-based travel? Look no further than the Tanesashi Coast (種差海岸) in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. Serving as the stunning northern terminus of the famous Michinoku Coastal Trail, this scenic 12-kilometer stretch of the Sanriku Fukkō National Park (三陸復興國立公園) features everything from historic shrines and panoramic cliffside observatories to rare natural lawns that meet the Pacific Ocean. As a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty, along the Tanesashi Coastline, you can admire more than 650 different types of plants blooming from spring to autumn! While coastal Tohoku is famous for its seafood, navigating this region as a plant-based traveler doesn’t mean you have to pack light. In this ultimate Tanesashi Coast travel guide, we will break down the perfect day-hiking itinerary, essential transit logistics, and the best vegetarian and vegan dining options near the trail so you can explore worry-free.
Things to Do Along the Tanesashi Coast
Tanesashi Coast can be divided into four areas. From north to south, they are:
- Kabushima Area (蕪島エリア)
- Ashigezaki Observatory and Ōsuka Beach Area (葦毛崎展望台・大須賀海岸エリア)
- Tanesashi Natural Lawn Area (種差天然芝生地エリア)
- Ōkuki Area (大久喜エリア)
Tanesashi Coast Useful Visitor Information
- About Tanesashi Coast
- Walking the Tanesashi Coast Section: Step-by-Step Route
- The Best Time to Visit Tanesashi Coast
- Cycling at Tanesashi Coast
- Tanesashi Morning Yoga Session
- How to Get to Tanesashi Coast
- Vegetarian & Vegan Survival Guide Near Tanesashi Coast
Tip: If you would like to get a tour guide for your time at Tanesashi Coast, make a booking with Hachinohe International Association (八戸国際交流協会) at least 7 days in advance.
Explore Tanesashi Coast With a Guided Tour
If you prefer to be guided on your visit to Tanesashi Coast, consider joining one of the following tours.
About Tanesashi Coast
The name “Tanesashi” will leave many Japanese people wondering how the coast got its name. Apparently, the name came from the Ainu language. Tanesashi (タンネエサシ) in the Ainu language means a ‘long cape’. Just like its name, the coastline stretches around 12km.
Located close to the Tatehana Wharf Morning Market (館鼻岸壁朝市), it is a perfect place for a relaxing stroll after breakfast at the market. As you step off the lawn onto the sand of Ōsuka Beach, for each step you take, the sand will “sing” back to you in response (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
The lawn that extends to the 5.2 km Coastal Exploration Trail (海岸探勝歩道) was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Promenades. In fact, the Tanesashi Coast is the crown jewel of the Hachinohe Section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail (みちのく潮風トレイル), Japan’s epic 1,025km trekking path established as a symbol of recovery following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The official northern starting point of the entire trail is Kabushima Shrine, making this specific 12km hike one of the most culturally significant and scenic day walks in northern Japan.
As you stroll along the coast, it might be hard to believe that the area was severely damaged by the tsunami caused by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. The Japanese really deserve some applause and recognition for their efficiency in their reconstruction.
Walking the Tanesashi Coast Section: Step-by-Step Route
This gentle 12-kilometer section is mostly flat and easy for hikers of all experience levels, taking roughly 3.5 to 4 hours to complete.
Practical Logistics for Michinoku Coastal Trail Day-Hikers
- Trail Markings: The route is exceptionally well-signposted in both English and Japanese with the official green-and-white Michinoku Coastal Trail logo.
- The “Safety Valve” Bus: If your feet get tired halfway through, you don’t have to walk back. The Umineko Sightseeing Bus runs parallel to the hiking trail and stops at all major points (including the train stations) for a cheap flat rate.
- Getting Back to Hachinohe: The trail directly connects to the local JR Hachinohe Line. You can easily hop on a train at Tanesashi-Kaigan Station or Same Station to get back to the city center.
Kabushima (蕪島)
If you know a bit of Japanese, you might wonder why Kabushima is not a stand-alone island.
Your suspicion is correct. Kabushima was connected to Japan’s main island only after the Japanese army completed reclamation work in 1942. The island covered by rape blossoms (Nanohana, 菜の花) is a temporary home for many Black-tailed Gulls in spring and summer.
Kabushima is the only breeding ground for Black-tailed Gulls in Japan. Each year, at least 30,000 to 40,000 gulls stop by Kabushima. This is how the sightseeing bus Umineko-gō got its name. It was named after the bird!
Whilst seagulls are very common in the area we previously stayed in, if that isn’t the case for you, come to Kabushima for a flock of Black-tailed Gulls. The Black-tailed Gulls usually visit this part of the Tanesashi Coast from March to August for breeding.
Tip: If you want to see the small gulls, come in June.
Important: Please try to stay away from the gulls’ nests as much as possible. It wouldn’t be a great experience for anyone to be attacked by protective parent gulls.
Kabushima Shrine (蕪嶋神社)
At the top of the hill, you should be able to see a shrine. It is a popular place for people to pray for their success in stock trading and personal charisma.
Apart from having the god of wealth, Benzaiten (弁財天), enshrined here, the other reason the shrine is famous is its name.
A company’s shares and one’s popularity are both pronounced as “Kabu” in Japanese. Now you can understand why the Japanese like to come to the shrine for those specific prayers (^_-)-☆.
On the ground in front of the worship hall is an image of a six-pointed star. It is said that you can purify yourself by standing atop it.
The most popular souvenir from the shrine is the Kabuagari Hyōtan charm (かぶあがりひょうたんお守り). If you can’t be bothered to pay for the charm, how about a photo with the Kabuagari Monument in a green turnip shape at the front of the worship hall?
Tip: Remember to bring an umbrella. During the season, there will be so many Black-tailed Gulls that their dung can drop at any given time. If you didn’t bring one, you could check if umbrellas are still available next to the torii gate, as they can be rented for free. Another advantage of using an umbrella is that you might get a Black-tailed Gull standing on your umbrella (´▽｀*).
Important: Please refrain from feeding the gulls.
How to Get to Kabushima Shrine
- Kabushima Shrine is just a 15-minute walk from JR Same Station (鮫駅).
- If you are taking the sightseeing bus Umineko-gō, get off at Kabushima Kaihin Park (蕪島海浜公園).
Ashigezaki Observatory (葦毛崎展望台)
Ashigezaki Observatory, a 30-minute walk from Kabushima, is probably the best place to get a panoramic view of the Tanesashi Coast.
The observatory was once a military facility of the Japanese Marine Force. But nowadays, it is more known as a scenic spot where the Emperor and Empress of Heisei stopped by when they visited Hachinohe.
If you come in the right season, you will be surrounded by a field of flowers!
The observatory is also the starting point of the 5.2 km Coastal Exploration Trail (海岸探勝歩道), which ends at the Tanesashi Coast’s natural lawn area.
Tip: During the hot summer, don’t forget to grab one of Aomori’s highly popular ice creams from Cafe Terrace Hulunbuir (カフェテラス ホロンバイル), close to the observatory.
How to Get to Ashigezaki Observatory
- From JR Same Station (鮫駅), it is a 40-minute walk.
- If you are taking the sightseeing bus Umineko-gō, get off at Ashigezaki Tenbōdai-mae (葦毛崎展望台前).
Samekado Lighthouse (鮫角灯台)
From the Ashigezaki Observatory, you should be able to see the white Samekado Lighthouse. It is another spot along the coastline offering a magnificent view of the area. And if your timing is right, you might also be able to capture a photo with the local train running below the lighthouse!
Except during winter, the lighthouse is open to the public. This would be a perfect opportunity for you to head up there for an even better view of the Tanesashi Coast (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Nakasuga Coast (中須賀海岸)
The rocky cliff area south of Ashigezaki Observatory is known as Nakasuga.
There is a well-maintained promenade built along the reef cove. From mid-June to mid-July, various flowers will be blooming. This is why the area is also nicknamed “Hana no Nagisa (花の渚)”, meaning “floral shore”.
Ōsuka Beach (大須賀海岸)
Ōsuka Beach is also known as Nakisuna no Hama (鳴砂の浜), meaning ‘beach of singing sand’. The sandy coastal area beyond the Nakasuka Coast has sand with lower impurity levels. As long as the beach isn’t covered in snow, why not take off your shoes and enjoy the unique sound that the sand produces when you walk on it!
As Ōsuka Beach stretches more than 2 km, you can hop back onto the One Coin Bus Umineko-gō and head to the next attraction of your interest on the Tanesashi Coast.
Important: Swimming at Ōsuka Beach is prohibited due to its rip current. If you would like to swim somewhere nearby, Shirahama Beach (白浜海水浴場) is accessible and offers all the essential facilities, such as shower rooms and locker rooms, which are open from mid-July to mid-August.
Yodo no Matsubara (淀の松原)
If you decide to trek your way to the lawn area of Tanesashi Coast, you should end up passing through a road filled with pine trees. Although it is a small forest, the trees are still well over 100 years old!
Before you get to Yodo no Matsubara, near the Fukakubo Fishing Port (深久保漁港), there is a giant rock called Shiraiwa (白岩) by the shore that looks as if someone spilled white paint all over it.
The culprit? The Black-tailed Gulls. Given that they often fly around in the area, it shouldn’t be a shock that the rock is covered by Black-tailed Gull’s dung (´▽｀*).
Tanesashi Kaigan Information Center (種差海岸インフォメーションセンター)
After Tanesashi Coast became part of the Sanriku Fukkō National Park (三陸復興 国 立公園), an information center opened in 2014. It was set up to introduce visitors and tourists to the region’s natural resources and to provide geological and seasonal information about the surrounding areas.
The center has multiple maps and pamphlets in different languages for both long and short walking trails. If you need a break from sightseeing, head to their resting area that overlooks the Tanesashi Coast!
Tip: There is a water fountain (ウミネコ飛翔 水飲み場) in front of the Tanesashi Kaigan Information Center. The Black-tailed Gull clock next to it will tell the time every hour from 7 am to 7 pm, and the gulls inside the clock will take off along with the music.
The opening hours of the Tanesashi Kaigan Information Center are:
- April to November: 9 am to 5 pm
- December to March: 9 am to 4 pm
- The center closes between December 29 to January 3.
The Best Time to Visit Tanesashi Coast
- April to July: Black-tailed Gull (ウミネコ) sight seeking at Kabushima (蕪島)
- May to October: When the lawn is at its greenest
- Mid-June to mid-July: For flowers blooming at Nakasuka Coast (中須賀海岸) and Ashigezaki Observatory (葦毛崎展望台)
Tip: From north to south along the Tanesashi Coast, the average time spent is around 2-3 hours.
Cycling at Tanesashi Coast
If you prefer to cycle your way along the coastline, you can rent an electric-assisted bicycle from Tanesashi Tourism Association (種差観光協会) close to the white Samekado Lighthouse (鮫角灯台).
The cost is 1,500 yen per bicycle for 3 hours (3,000 yen for a one-day rental). You can rent and/or return the bicycle between 9 am and 5 pm.
If you would like to reserve a bicycle, call the Association at +81-178-38-2024 and give them at least 2 days’ notice.
Important: If you are heading to Tanesashi Coast in winter, many public toilet facilities are closed. For a list of toilet facilities along the coast, please refer to the map on the Official Website.
Tanesashi Morning Yoga Session
If you love a stretching session next to the beach, come to Tanesashi Coast at 7 am on Saturdays and the 4th Sunday from the end of May to the end of September.
At Tanesashi, you get to enjoy the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean while doing yoga on the soft, natural lawn! Although the session is available only in Japanese, it shouldn’t be hard to follow the instructor’s movements.
- The one-hour session will only cost you 500 yen
- 100 yen to rent a yoga mat. Note that only 20 yoga mats are available for rent.
Reservation is not required. If you are taking a bus, get off at Tanesashi Kaigan Information Center (種差海岸インフォメーションセンター).
How to Get to Tanesashi Coast
- From JR Tanesashi Kaigan Station (種差海岸駅), it is a 5-minute walk.
- From JR Hachinohe Station to JR Tanesashi Kaigan Station, the train ride is around 30 minutes.
- You can also take the Tanesashi Coast Sightseeing Bus – One Coin Bus Umineko-gō (ワンコインバス・うみねこ号) from JR Same Station (鲛駅) and get off at one of the bus stops along the coastline.
- The bus fare is 100 yen for adults and 50 yen for children.
- Please note that the bus will only operate on weekends and public holidays from mid-November to late March.
- Please be aware that the number of bus and train services is limited. Tanesashi Coast Bus Timetable and scroll down for the service’s timetable. Check the official Tanesashi Coast Bus Timetable for updated schedules.” You can translate the webpage to English using Google Chrome’s translation function on the right of the address bar.
- You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
The JR Passes That Cover Hachinohe
Below is a list of JR passes covering Hachinohe and other regions. Please keep in mind that, depending on your itinerary, a JR pass may or may not be worthwhile for your trip. You can estimate transportation costs using Google Maps and compare the total price to a JR Pass.
Refer to our Do I Need a JR Pass article to learn how to determine if a JR Pass will save you money.
Discovering Other Attractions in Hachinohe
While the Tanesashi Coast offers an incredible escape into wild nature and ocean views, it is just one part of what makes this region so special. Most travellers reach the Tanesashi Coast by taking the JR Hachinohe Line from the city center. Since you will likely be basing yourself out of the downtown area or passing through the main station, take a look at our comprehensive Hachinohe City Guide. You will find useful tourist information, including the best cultural sites and central transit hubs to easily plan your accommodation, local train transfers, and city-center logistics.
Vegetarian & Vegan Survival Guide Near Tanesashi Coast
Finding purely vegan and vegetarian meals can be notoriously difficult in coastal Aomori, an area celebrated primarily for its fresh seafood. Most local specialties, like the famous regional Ichigoni (sea urchin and abalone soup) or coastal Iso Ramen, rely on heavy seafood dashi.
However, with a little planning, you can absolutely enjoy a day of hiking along the Tanesashi Coast without going hungry. Here are the best spots and practical strategies for plant-based dining in the area:
Yoboso / Nature Food Research Institute (洋望荘 / 自然食研究所)
- The Best Spot for Strict Vegans
- Location: A 10-minute walk from JR Tanesashi-Kaigan Station.
- What to expect: This unique eco-friendly lodge doubles as a natural macrobiotic research institute. They specialize in completely plant-based, macrobiotic traditional meals centered around brown rice (genmai-saishoku), seasonal mountain vegetables, and local ingredients without any meat, seafood, or animal additives. While primarily a lodge, it is a haven for long-distance hikers on the Michinoku Coastal Trail.
- Email in advance if you want to request a lunch or look into their vegan cooking workshops.
michill TANESASHI (ミチル たねさし)
- The Best Sit-Down Option with a View
- Location: Located right along the coast in a scenic terrace setting.
- What to expect: This beautiful local restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean and natural lawns. They explicitly accommodate vegan and vegetarian requests for lunch only. Because their standard menu highlights local seafood and meats, you must contact them in advance (by phone or through a reservation inquiry) to arrange a plant-based meal. Their chefs are highly accommodating and will craft a beautiful, multi-component vegetable lunch plate upon request.
Umi Café Tanesashi (海カフェたねさし)
- Best for Coffee, Snacks & Drinks
- Location: Inside the Tanesashi Coast Rest Station (right next to the Information Center).
- What to expect: This is a perfect place to rest your legs and look out at the sweeping natural lawn. While the light meals often contain fish flakes or meat bases, it’s a reliable spot for beverages, fresh juices, and occasionally simple vegan-friendly sides like locally grown potato snacks or visual sweets named after Tanesashi landmarks. Be sure to check the daily menu ingredients for dashi.
Cafe Terrace Hulunbuir (カフェテラス ホロンバイル)
- Best for Vegetarian Sweets
- Location: Right at the foot of the Ashigezaki Observatory.
- What to expect: Known as one of the homes of “Aomori’s Three Major Soft Serve Ice Creams,” this incredibly popular café offers over 12 flavors of ultra-rich ice cream (including their top-selling “Makiba” fresh cream flavor, matcha, banana, and melon). While perfectly suitable for vegetarians who consume dairy, strict vegans should note that their menu is dairy-heavy. Grab a cone and enjoy it at the nearby stone observatory overlooking the waves!
💡 Pro-Tips for Plant-Based Hikers on the Tanesashi Coast
- Pack Ahead from Downtown Hachinohe: If you are a strict vegan, your safest bet is to pick up lunch before catching the train to Tanesashi. Central Hachinohe has convenience stores (Konbini) or supermarkets that offer vegan/vegetarian-friendly food. Pack it in a container and enjoy an unforgettable picnic right on the Tanesashi Natural Lawn.
- Onigiri (Rice Balls): Look for Ume (Pickled Plum) rice balls.
- Snacks: Edamame, salt-flavored potato chips, or mixed nuts.
- Refer to It’s Vegan Japan for a list of vegan options available at convenience stores.
- Watch out for Senbei Jiru (煎餅汁): Hachinohe is famous for this comforting soup featuring chewy local wheat crackers (Nanbu Senbei). While the crackers themselves are vegetarian-friendly (made of wheat flour and salt), the soup broth at local coastal diners is almost universally made with chicken or fish dashi.
- The Tatehana Morning Market Strategy: If you stop by the giant Sunday morning market before heading to the coast, avoid the seafood grills. Instead, target stalls selling fresh seasonal fruits (like Aomori’s legendary apples or local berries), roasted chestnuts, plain mochi/dango skewers (ensure the glaze is sweet soy mitarashi and not topped with fish flakes), and freshly fried vegetable tempura. Always use one of the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article to confirm the ingredients before ordering.
