Port Guide | Japan | Worth a Wander

Hachinohe

James Ireton | Editor

Published on 2025-10-22

Congratulations! You've made it ashore to Hachinohe, a surprisingly charismatic corner of northern Honshu that's refreshingly unconcerned whether you've heard of it before. While other ports might flaunt glitzy temples or robot cafes, Hachinohe seduces visitors with some of Japan's freshest seafood, locals who genuinely smile at fumbling attempts to say "Kon'nichiwa," and street markets so vibrant they practically shout hello into your face (politely, naturally-this is Japan, after all). Fun fact to casually drop at your next onboard trivia night: the city's historical star attraction, the Kabushima Shrine, has survived earthquakes, fires, and even a massive bombardment of seagull droppings-truly, the gods have a sense of humor. As you stroll off your floating apartment and into town, remember to swap your shoes for slippers where requested, refrain from loud chatter on public transport, and do yourself a favor-dive tastebuds-first into the morning chaos of the Hasshoku Center seafood market. Then, perhaps fortified by grilled squid-on-a-stick and armed with an enthusiastic if slightly mispronounced "Domo arigato," set forth onto quieter adventures in nearby historical sites like the quaint castle town of Shichinohe. Welcome to Hachinohe: charming, delicious, and blissfully gimmick-free.