1. What are some popular local dishes in Hachinohe?
Some popular local dishes in Hachinohe include:1. Hachinohe kaisendon: A type of seafood rice bowl made with fresh local seafood such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, and scallops.
2. Senbei-jiru: A soup dish made with hot water and grilled senbei (rice cracker), often topped with green onions and miso paste.
3. Hachinohe gyutan: Grilled beef tongue, a specialty of Hachinohe that can be found at many restaurants in the city.
4. Isaribi sake-don: Similar to kaisendon, but made with fresh fish caught locally in Hachinohe Bay and marinated in sake.
5. Nanbu yakisoba: Fried noodles cooked on an iron griddle and topped with vegetables, seafood, and pork belly.
6. Shirako tempura: Deep-fried sperm sacs of cod or flounder, considered a delicacy in Japan.
7. Kodomo-uni donburi: A rice bowl topped with sea urchin roe from nearby Oirase River.
8. Sasakamaboko: Local fish cakes made from sasami (chicken tenderloin) mixed with salt and pepper and minced finfishes like flounder or cod.
9. Shichirinyaki (Samurai dish): A stir-fry dish consisting of seven ingredients – chicken, vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers), mushrooms (shiitake or maitake), bamboo shoots, pork belly strips mixed together with sliced marinaded octopus into a sweet-salty sauce flavored by Japanese koji miso and wine vinegar).
10. Hotate noodle soup: Ramen noodles served in a rich broth made from scallop shells harvested off the coast of Hachinohe.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options in Hachinohe?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan dining options in Hachinohe. Some popular choices include:– Cafe Goro: This cozy cafe offers a variety of meat-free dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, and soups made with locally grown vegetables.
– Uotami: This izakaya-style restaurant has a dedicated vegetarian menu that includes dishes such as tofu stir-fry and vegetable tempura.
– Aomoriya Shokudo: This traditional Japanese restaurant has many vegetarian options on their regular menu, including tofu dishes and vegetable tempura.
– Kuretake: This sushi restaurant offers a vegetable sushi set meal for vegans, as well as other meat-free options on their regular menu.
– Natural House Hachinohe Station Store: This health food store has a cafe attached that serves vegetarian and vegan meals using organic ingredients.
3. Can I find any international cuisine in Hachinohe?
Yes, there are some restaurants in Hachinohe that offer international cuisine. Here are some examples:
– Thai Food OSHOKUJIDOGAya: This casual restaurant serves authentic Thai food made with fresh ingredients.
– Yelo Kitchen & Bar: This modern eatery offers a mix of Asian fusion and western cuisine, including burgers, pasta dishes, and sushi rolls.
– Colosseo Italian Restaurant: If you’re craving Italian food, this is the place to go in Hachinohe. They serve pizza, pasta, and other classic Italian dishes.
– NYC Gourmet Diner & Bar: As the name suggests, this restaurant serves American-style diner food such as burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes.
-Mauntain 5 Tibetian Café & Restaurant :This cozy restaurant serves Tibetan-inspired dishes such as momo (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup) along with other fusion creations.
3. Where is the best place to try fresh seafood in Hachinohe?
One popular spot for trying fresh seafood in Hachinohe is the Hasshoku Center, a bustling market where fishermen sell their catch directly to customers. Other recommended places include the Michi-no-Eki Shiritsu Yogoshi Kaikan, a rest stop with multiple seafood stalls and eateries, and local seafood restaurants such as Ajidokoro Nambatei and Ajidokoro Takikura.
4. Can you recommend any traditional Japanese restaurants in Hachinohe?
1. Kappou Hatsunetsu – This restaurant offers a traditional kaiseki-style meal with freshly caught local seafood and seasonal ingredients.
2. Hanatori – Specializing in teppanyaki, Hanatori serves up high-quality beef and seafood dishes grilled right in front of you.
3. Aomoriya – This cozy restaurant features traditional Japanese dishes such as sashimi, sushi, and hot pot made with fresh regional ingredients.
4. Hachikurou – Located in the city center, Hachikurou offers a variety of classic Japanese dishes including tempura, soba noodles, and grilled fish.
5. Tsuboichi – Known for their delicious seafood bowls (donburi), Tsuboichi uses only the freshest catches from the nearby fishing port.
6. Takinokura – This restaurant serves up hearty and authentic home-cooked meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
7. Hachinohe Seimenjo – For a taste of traditional Japanese noodles, head to this popular soba noodle shop that has been operating for over 100 years.
8. Komagatake Soba-kan – Another top choice for soba noodles, this elegant restaurant also offers a wide selection of sake to pair with your meal.
9. Nagomi No Mori – Enjoy a lavish multi-course traditional Japanese meal at this upscale restaurant located by Hachinohe Castle.
10. Wabisabiya – This cozy restaurant specializes in yakitori (grilled skewered chicken) and other izakaya style dishes along with a wide selection of sake and shochu.
5. Are there any street food markets or vendors worth checking out in Hachinohe?
Yes, here are some popular street food markets and vendors in Hachinohe:
1. Hachinohe Yatai Village: This popular market has a variety of yatai (food stalls) serving traditional local dishes such as kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and tsukune (chicken meatballs). It is located near JR Hachinohe Station.
2. Sunday Morning Market: Held every Sunday morning at the city’s central square, this market offers a wide range of fresh produce, seafood, and snacks from local farmers and fishermen.
3. Miroku Yokocho Market: Located next to Kabushima Shrine, this market has a retro atmosphere with stalls selling fresh seafood, grilled meats, vegetables, and other local specialties.
4. Kijichi Kamaboko-dori Street: This covered shopping street is known for its variety of kamaboko (fish cakes) shops where you can try different flavors and varieties of this popular local snack.
5. Akka-ku Fish Market: This wholesale fish market opens its doors to the public on select days of the month where you can purchase fresh seafood directly from the fishermen at discounted prices.
Overall, Hachinohe is known for its delicious fresh seafood so be sure to try some while visiting these markets!
6. How easy is it to find international cuisines, such as Italian or Chinese, in Hachinohe?
Hachinohe offers a variety of international cuisines, including Italian and Chinese cuisine. While these options may not be as readily available as Japanese cuisine, there are several restaurants that specialize in these types of dishes. In the downtown area, there are numerous Italian restaurants offering classic dishes like pasta and pizza. There are also a few Chinese restaurants that serve traditional dishes such as stir-fry and dumplings.
Additionally, Hachinohe has a large expat community due to the presence of US military bases, which has led to an increase in diverse dining options. Many of these restaurants offer international cuisine such as Indian, Mexican, and Korean food. Supermarkets and convenience stores also stock a selection of imported foods from around the world.
Overall, it is relatively easy to find international cuisines in Hachinohe with many options available for those looking to try something different from traditional Japanese food.
7. What are some unique food experiences or specialty foods to try in Hachinohe?
1. Botan Nabe: This is a local specialty dish consisting of wild boar meat, vegetables, and miso soup cooked in a large hot pot.
2. Senbei-jiru: A traditional soup made with fermented miso, seafood, and vegetables.
3. Hachinohe Gurume Yaki: This is a type of omelette filled with local ingredients such as squid, shrimp, and crab.
4. Ichigo-ni: A savory soup made with strawberries and vegetables.
5. Kaiyaki-miso: Grilled scallops topped with a rich miso sauce.
6. Kaisendon: A bowl of rice topped with an assortment of fresh sashimi from the port of Hachinohe.
7. Maitake mushrooms: These are locally-grown mushrooms that are considered a delicacy in Hachinohe.
8. Kiritampo: Grilled mashed rice skewers served with various toppings such as miso or soy sauce.
9. Sanriku-ishi Tempura: A special type of tempura made with seafood caught in the Sanriku coast.
10. Nanbu Sobagaki: This is a type of buckwheat dumpling served in hot broth and topped with grated daikon radish.
8. Is there a particular type of cuisine that Hachinohe is known for?
Hachinohe is known for its seafood cuisine, particularly its fresh and high-quality off-shore and seasonal delicacies such as tuna (maguro), scallops (hotate), and seaweed (wakame). The city’s location on the coast of the Pacific Ocean has allowed for a thriving fishing industry, making seafood a staple in Hachinohe’s local cuisine.
9. Are there any local breweries or sake distilleries to visit for tastings in Hachinohe?
Yes, there are a few local breweries and sake distilleries in Hachinohe that offer tastings. Some options include:
1. Hachinohe Shuzo Brewery: This brewery offers tours and tastings of their local sake, including their popular Otokoyama brand.
2. Asamai Sake Brewery: Located in the village of Asamai, this brewery offers sake tastings and also has a restaurant serving local dishes paired with their sake.
3. EOS Ciderette: This cidery produces a variety of ciders using locally grown apples and offers tastings at their taproom in Hachinohe.
4. Yoichiya Microbrewery: Situated in Hachinohe’s old town area, this microbrewery offers guided tours and tastings of their craft beers.
5. Nambu-Toji Sake Distillery: This small-scale sake distillery offers tours and tastings of their unique blends, made using traditional brewing techniques.
It is recommended to check each establishment’s website for tour and tasting availability as well as any reservation requirements.
10. What is a must-try dessert in Hachinohe?
A must-try dessert in Hachinohe is the local specialty dish called “Hachinohe Senbei Dango.” It is a sweet and chewy dumpling made from mochi rice flour, coated in roasted soybean flour, and filled with red bean paste. It is commonly found at traditional sweets shops and festivals in Hachinohe.
11. Where can we find the best breakfast spot in Hachinohe?
The best breakfast spot in Hachinohe may depend on personal preferences, but some popular choices among locals and visitors include:
– Cafe Lanta: known for their fluffy pancakes and strong coffee.
– Eggs ‘n Things: a popular American-style breakfast restaurant with a variety of options such as omelets, french toast, and eggs Benedict.
– Cafe Croissant: a cozy cafe known for their freshly baked croissants and homemade granola.
– Mori no Kitchen: a charming cafe serving up freshly made breads, sandwiches, and pastries.
– Hachinohe Coffee Stand: a quaint coffee shop with delicious baked goods and a rotating menu of daily breakfast specials.
12. Are there any farm-to-table dining options near Hachinohe that offer locally sourced ingredients?
There are several farm-to-table dining options near Hachinohe that offer locally sourced ingredients, including:
1. Asubito Farm Kitchen: This restaurant serves dishes made with fresh produce from their own farm and other local farms.
2. Farm Stay Kozan no Yado: This farm stay offers a unique dining experience where guests can learn about and taste local ingredients grown on the farm.
3. Komakusa no Sato: A restaurant located on a small organic farm, serving homemade dishes using homegrown vegetables and herbs.
4. Michinoku Takikawa Jidokuya: This cozy restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from Aomori Prefecture.
5. Nakasato Vegetable Cafe: A quaint cafe specializing in vegetarian and vegan cuisine made with fresh vegetables from local farms.
6. Tendo Mura: This village-style restaurant features a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally grown seafood and produce.
7. Toyosato Minyakichi: A traditional Japanese restaurant serving seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients from Aomori Prefecture.
8. Tsugaru Yokocho Naminoue no Yakata: Located in an old shopping arcade, this lively eatery serves dishes made with seasonal ingredients from local farms and fishing ports.
9. Ubuya Lounge & Dining Restaurant: Situated on a hill overlooking the city, this stylish restaurant focuses on using locally-grown and seasonal produce in their creative dishes.
10. Yano Farm Kitchen: Serving healthy meals made with pesticide-free vegetables grown on their own farm, this cozy restaurant values sustainable agriculture and supports the local community by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms.
13. Can we participate in cooking classes to learn how to make traditional dishes from this region while visiting Hachinohe?
Yes, you can participate in cooking classes to learn how to make traditional dishes from this region while visiting Hachinohe. There are various cooking classes and workshops available that offer hands-on experience in making dishes such as su-no-mono (vinegared seafood), Inaniwa udon noodles, and grilled squid. These classes typically include a visit to a local market to pick out fresh ingredients and a demonstration by an experienced instructor. Some cooking classes also offer English instruction for non-Japanese speakers. You can inquire about these classes at your hotel or tourist information center in Hachinohe.
14. Is it possible to have a picnic on the beach or at a park with local food items purchased from nearby markets?
Yes, it is possible to have a picnic on the beach or at a park with local food items purchased from nearby markets. Many beaches and parks have designated picnic areas where visitors can set up their own food and drinks. Alternatively, you can bring a blanket or towel to spread out and enjoy your picnic on the sand or grass. Depending on the regulations of the specific beach or park, there may also be outdoor grilling facilities available for use. Just be sure to clean up after yourself to leave the area clean for other visitors.
15. What are the hours of operation for restaurants and cafes in Hachinohe?
The hours of operation for restaurants and cafes in Hachinohe vary, but typically they are open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Some may be open for breakfast as well. It is best to check the specific restaurant’s hours before visiting.
16. Do most restaurants accept credit cards, or should we carry cash when dining out?
Most restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand when dining out, just in case the restaurant doesn’t accept cards or if you need to leave a tip.
17. Are there any rooftop bars or restaurants with a view of the city?
Yes, there are several rooftop bars and restaurants in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami that offer stunning views of the city skyline. Some popular examples include 230 Fifth in New York with views of the Empire State Building, E.P. & L.P. in Los Angeles with views of the Hollywood Hills, The Signature Room at the 95th in Chicago with views of Lake Michigan, and Juvia in Miami with views of South Beach.
18.Are reservations required at popular dining spots in Hachinohe, or can we walk-in without much wait time?
It is always recommended to make reservations in advance at popular dining spots in Hachinohe. Some restaurants may allow walk-ins, but you could face a long wait time or the possibility of not being able to get a table at all. It is best to check with the specific restaurant beforehand to see if reservations are required.
19.What is the average price range for meals at casual and fine dining restaurants in this area?
The average price range for meals at casual dining restaurants in this area is $10-$20 per person. For fine dining restaurants, the average price range is $30-$50 per person. Prices may vary depending on the specific restaurant and menu items chosen.
20.Can you suggest a neighborhood with a high concentration of diverse dining options in Hachinohe?
Yes, one neighborhood in Hachinohe with a high concentration of diverse dining options is the Aomorikita area. This area is known for its lively atmosphere and features a mix of traditional Japanese restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and international cuisine options such as Italian, Chinese, and Korean. Additionally, there are also many street food stalls and food trucks offering a variety of dishes from different cultures.