Hachinohe is a core city facing the Pacific Ocean and located in the easternmost part of Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost tip of Honshu.

Hasshoku Center is located a little ways out in the outskirts of the city and was established in 1980. It all began when merchants who sold fish near the port gathered here to create this massive marketplace.

Access:
Approx. 10 minutes by car from the Hachinohe or Hachinohe Kita Interchange. From JR Hachinohe Station (East Exit, Bus Stop #4), it takes about 10 minutes by the "Hasshoku 100-Yen Bus."

Important
When using IC cards like Suica, you MUST tap your card twice: once when boarding and once when getting off. Tapping only once may cause payment errors.

The sales floor area is about 4,200 square meters and houses about 60 individual stores. It is a food retail market where each shop operates with its own unique character. Truly like a "theme park for seafood," it attracts about 3 million visitors annually. Unlike typical outdoor morning markets, the wide aisles and all-weather indoor setting make it a comfortable place to explore year-round, regardless of the weather or Aomori’s cold winters.

Hasshoku Center features a diverse range of shops categorized by type—from fresh fish and dried goods to sweets, side dishes, and daily necessities. While there isn’t a rigid grid layout, the north side is primarily known for its vibrant fresh fish stalls. The facility also boasts dedicated areas for events and dining, as well as a play area for children on the second floor, all fully equipped with tables and chairs. One of the best features is the spacious aisles and the abundance of free seating areas scattered between the shops, making it incredibly easy to sit down and enjoy a quick snack.

The center features two 170-meter main streets and a 100-meter parallel street. In addition to the market stalls, there is an eating area called "Aji Yokocho" and an annex facility known as "Kuriya Stadium," offering a wide variety of dining options from sushi to ramen. Let’s head to the main street first and dive into some delicious Aomori seafood!

First, we headed to Kaga Shoten, located right in the heart of the market. This fresh fish shop sells catches delivered straight from Hachinohe Port and other famous fishing spots across Japan. Their claim to fame is the popular Nokke-don—a customizable seafood bowl where you get to be the chef and choose your own toppings!

The process is simple: first, purchase a bowl of rice (starting from 150 yen), then browse the selection of fresh seafood plates, which typically cost around 300 yen each. With so many glistening options, it’s genuinely hard to choose! We asked the shopkeeper for her recommendations and curated a bowl featuring a perfect combination of seasonal Aomori seafood.

The freshness is undeniable; you can see it in the plump, glossy texture of the fish. Just looking at the bowl makes your mouth water in anticipation! After the shopkeeper skillfully arranged our chosen toppings, we finally dug in.

The scallops, tuna, and sweet shrimp were incredibly fresh with a firm, satisfying texture. Adding a bit of wasabi and soy sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood even more. Once you take that first bite, you won't be able to stop!

But the culinary delights don’t stop there. Over in the North Plaza, Yakudake serves up local specialties that truly represent Hachinohe, including charcoal-grilled mackerel sets and the famous Senbei-jiru (a savory soup made with local wheat crackers). We highly recommend the Sabamayo-don (mackerel and mayonnaise rice bowl). The combination of smoky grilled mackerel and creamy mayo is a simple yet addictive match that pairs perfectly with the soup!

Sabamayo-don is a simple dish of grilled mackerel mixed with mayonnaise, however the combination mixed with rice is amazing. It’s simple, but a delicious dish that also matches senbei-jiru.

While the market is famous for its fresh stalls, there is also a vibrant restaurant district featuring conveyor belt sushi, tempura bowls, and authentic ramen shops for those who prefer a sit-down meal.

Beyond full meals, the market is perfect for "Choi-tabe" (snacking); you’ll find everything from grilled seafood skewers to local snacks at various stalls. With plenty of free seating areas between shops and a kids' room on the second floor, you can take your time and enjoy the lively atmosphere comfortably.

Next, we headed to the market’s undisputed highlight: Shichirin Mura. This is a dedicated space where you can bring in any fresh Aomori seafood, meat, dried goods, or local delicacies you’ve just purchased in the center and grill them yourself over a traditional charcoal brazier. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that truly lets you savor the market's bounty on the spot.

To use the facility, the fee is 500 yen per adult for a 2-hour session (additional fees apply if you exceed the time limit at the same rate). As it’s an incredibly popular spot with frequent waitlists, it's a smart move to check the status as soon as you arrive. If you're overwhelmed by the massive selection of shops, many vendors offer pre-arranged "BBQ sets," which take the guesswork out of your shopping spree.

We picked up a platter from the fresh fish shop Tochigi. This generous set included two of each: oysters, shrimp, scallops, hamaguri (Asian hard clams), and sazae (turban shell) for approximately 1,200 yen (prices may fluctuate based on the season). It’s an unbeatable deal for such high-quality, fresh ingredients!

At Shichirin Mura, after you pay for the fee, you are ready to start. During your two hours, you can go in and out as many times as you want and get more food.

Just placing the fresh seafood on the grill makes you happy. The extract from the shells whet the appetite and the fragrant aroma signals you that it’s ready to eat. Itadakimasu!

Eating freshly grilled seafood is something special. They have various types of condiments, but having the fresh shells plain is also delicious. Fresh Aomori seafood tastes great without any condiments.

It’s always fun eating fresh seafood with a group of people. Please stop by with your friends and families for a fun time.

At Shichirin Mura you can order side dishes like rice and soup, and also drinks. You don’t have to prepare anything so you can just stop by and enjoy the experience.

Since you are grilling your own food, you might find something different when looking around for seafood. The best part is you can bring anything you purchase in the center and eat it on the spot. This service is probably only available here in Japan.

Not only can you find fresh seafood at affordable prices, but you can also encounter rare local catches. There are so many options it’s hard to choose!

However, Hasshoku Center is more than just fresh fish. You’ll find an extensive selection of dried goods, unique delicacies, seasonal fruits, and local sake. Be sure to check out the Hachinohe specialties, such as toasted nori (seaweed) and niboshi (dried sardines), which make perfect gifts.

Hachinohe boasts the largest squid haul in Japan, and the market is a treasure trove of squid-related delicacies. At various dried goods stalls, you can even watch "Saki-ika" (shredded dried squid) being made right before your eyes.

The savory aroma drifting through the aisles is irresistible! These snacks are packed with umami and pair perfectly with Japanese sake, making them a top choice for souvenirs.

For sake enthusiasts, Aomori no Ippin Service Eight (formerly Sake no Service Eight) is an essential stop. The name translates to "Aomori’s Finest," and the shop certainly lives up to it, boasting one of the most extensive collections in the region. You’ll find labels from almost every brewery belonging to the Aomori Brewers Association. The shop also features a paid sampling section, allowing you to discover your new favorite brew before committing to a bottle.

If the sheer variety leaves you undecided, don't hesitate to ask the staff for a recommendation. You might notice the distinct, warm lilt of the local Aomori dialect; while it can be a bit challenging to decipher even for Japanese speakers, these interactions are what make market shopping so memorable. Engaging with the passionate, friendly vendors is a true highlight of the Hasshoku experience.

While Hasshoku Center has become a major draw for tourists, it was originally established as a marketplace for the people of Hachinohe. According to the management, the core concept of "taking care of locals" remains unchanged. This focus ensures a high-quality, diverse selection of goods and a vibrant atmosphere that sets it apart from typical supermarkets or modern shopping centers.

To promote local food culture and education, the market hosts the "Hasshoku Cooking Dojo," where professional chefs teach participants how to bring out the best in seasonal ingredients. While joining a cooking class in a foreign land might feel a bit daunting, it's a fantastic way to gain deep insight into Aomori's rich culinary traditions. (Note: Advance reservation is required.)

The market is always buzzing with weekly events, but the biggest highlight is the "Hasshoku Summer Free Live" held in August. This massive outdoor music festival held in the market's parking lot attracts music fans from all over Japan and is completely free to enter!

Hasshoku Center has evolved into a unique destination where you can shop for rare seafood and enjoy it on the spot. Its continuous evolution through events and cultural programs makes it more than just a market. To truly experience everything—browsing, the Shichirin Mura BBQ, and souvenir shopping—we recommend allowing about two hours for your visit. If you want to savor the authentic taste of Aomori, this is a spot you absolutely cannot miss.

Don't Miss the Night in Hachinohe!
Since the 100-yen bus runs about once an hour, it's a good idea to check the schedule in advance. If you've enjoyed the local sake at Aomori no Ippin, why not stay overnight? Hachinohe's central district is famous for its vibrant nightlife and alleyway food stalls.

Notes for Visitors:
*This information is updated based on a visit in March 2026.
*Some photos are from previous visits; current store layouts and menus may vary.
*Prices and services are subject to change. Please check official sources for the latest details.