Recommended spots and local foods to feel history and traditions of Hachinohe

Hachinohe City facing the Pacific Ocean in Aomori Prefecture. Hachinohe is also called ’88 (Yaya) Ikoku (foreign country)’ because it’s a port town with an exotic atmosphere a little (Yaya in Japanese). Visiting here, you can find it has lots of attractions such as fresh seafood and local dishes, about 480 historical spots that convey Japanese history to the present and stunning views created by nature.This time, we’re going to introduce recommended spots and local dishes to enjoy history of Hachinohe with your five senses.

“Hachinohe Emburi” where visitors can watch a powerful traditional dance

“Hachinohe Emburi” is one of Michinoku Godai Snow Festival representing Tohoku region. Started in the Kamakura era to wish for the arrival of spring and successful harvest in the Kamakura era, this traditional folk festival is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. The highlight is a dance ‘Emburi’ that expresses sowing and rice planting. Dancers called Tayu wears a wild hat shaped like the head of a horse and dance while moving their head. You will be fascinated by snow falling silently and the city overflowing with enthusiasm from 1,000 dancers.

Savor local dishes at “Nanbumingeiryori Kura” with a retro atmosphere

If you want to enjoy seasonal flavors of sea, mountains and rivers in the southern region of Aomori, including Hachinohe, “Nanbumingeiryori Kura” is recommended. At this restaurant, which is a renovated 350-year-old warehouse, you can sit around Irori (hearth) and enjoy meals. Why not satisfy your appetite with dishes unique to the southern region such as the scented sea urchin and abalone soup ‘Ichigo-ni,’ the popular specialty of Hachinohe ‘Senbei soup’ and fresh seafood? In addition, there are more than 10 types of sake from Aomori, so you can also compare all the sake drinks. Please enjoy various exquisite dishes and sake while listening to folk songs!

A snack that has been loved for over 600 years, “Nanbu Senbei”

“Nanbu Senbei” is a simple but tasty rice cracker. On the reverse side, Akamatsu clan’s crest ‘Sankaimatsu’ and Kusunoki clan’s crest ‘Kikusui’ are drawn. Akamatsu made rice crackers when the Emperor had trouble eating at Hachinohe, and Kusunoki was loyal to the Emperor. Now, it became an indispensable snack of every household in the Hachinohe region, and there are various ways to eat, such as sandwiching red rice, deep frying like tempura and making pizza. Recently, some Nanbu Senbei are arranged in a modern style and seasoned with green tea, coffee and so on. By the way, You can get Nanbu Senbei at various locations, including supermarkets, department stores and roadside stations. Let’s find your favorite taste while strolling Hachinohe!