Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi (Tatehana Pier Morning Market) is one of the largest morning markets in Japan, held early every Sunday in Hachinohe, Aomori.
Nearly 300 stalls line up along the pier, and it’s a place where you can enjoy a full breakfast while walking through the lively market—so it’s best to arrive with an empty stomach.
Fresh seafood caught locally, seasonal vegetables, grilled dishes, yakisoba, soup dumplings, bread, coffee, sweets, and handmade items are all packed tightly into the market space. You’ll even find Korean food stalls among the mix.
Rather than being a tourist attraction, it feels like the everyday life of the town simply appears as it is. The atmosphere is lively and warm, with a hint of nostalgia—an early morning in a port town that feels quietly alive.
How to Get to Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi
Address:3 Shinminato, Hachinohe, Aomori View on Google Maps
To the Nearest Station: Mutsu-Minato Station
The nearest station to Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi is Mutsu-Minato Station on the JR Hachinohe Line.
-
From Hachinohe Station
Take the JR Hachinohe Line toward Same / Kuji.
The ride takes about 15 minutes. -
From Aomori City
The smoothest way is to take the Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori Station to Hachinohe Station,
then transfer to the JR Hachinohe Line to Mutsu-Minato (about 15 minutes). -
Local trains only
It is possible but requires several transfers and takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes.
From Mutsu-Minato Station to the Market
From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the market.
Most people getting off here are heading to the market, so just follow the crowd—it’s very easy to find.
Train Frequency (Important)
Trains run infrequently, especially in the morning.
Check the return schedule in advance.
-
Toward Hachinohe Station:
-
6:00–8:00 → about 2 trains/hour
-
9:00–11:00 → 1 train/hour
-
12:00 → 2 trains/hour
-
13:00–21:00 → 1 train/hour (except around 18:00 → 3 trains/hour)
-
If You Prefer to Visit Earlier
There is no need to arrive at dawn.
The market is fully open and enjoyable during the regular morning hours when trains are available.
If you do wish to arrive earlier than the train schedule allows, you would need a rental car or to reserve a taxi in advance the day before.
What Is Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi?
Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi is held every Sunday morning from mid-March to December.
Some stalls begin setting up as early as 4:00 AM, and the market continues until around 9:00 AM.
The charm of this market lies in how unpolished and genuine it feels.
It isn’t arranged for tourists—the everyday life of the port town simply appears here.
Sea breeze mixes with the scent of grilled seafood, and you’ll find fishermen, farmers, bakers, coffee brewers, young creators, and travelers all sharing the same space.
It feels a little like “the day in a port town begins here.”
Occasionally, there are local idol performances as well.
Please note that most stalls are cash only, so be sure to bring cash with you.
In 2026, the market plans to operate year-round, including January to March for the first time.
What the Market Is Like
Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi stretches along a wide pier by the sea, with hundreds of stalls lined up side by side. Even in the early morning, the market is full of people.
It doesn’t feel like a place arranged for tourists—rather, it feels like the everyday life of the locals is simply taking shape here. As you walk between the stalls, the voices, smells, and the sea breeze naturally blend into your senses, and you may feel as though you’re absorbing the morning energy of the port town itself.
Prices are generally reasonable, with many foods available for just a few hundred yen, making it easy to try a variety of things little by little.
If you buy some bread or small side dishes and enjoy them while strolling, you begin to feel as though you’ve become part of the flow of the market.
The gentle rhythm of thinking, “What should I try next?” as you walk—this is where the charm of this morning market lies.
Now, let’s walk into the market.
Hours and Admission
Open: Every Sunday (mid-March to late December)
In 2026, the market is planned to be held year-round, including January to March for the first time.
Time: From around sunrise to about 9:00 AM
Admission: Free
Information in this article is current as of September 28, 2025.