The Tatehana Wharf Morning Market is an extra-large morning market, purportedly the largest in Japan, in Hachinohe City, a "morning market kingdom" where nine markets are held. The quiet wharf, where fishing boats are usually anchored, becomes more lively every Sunday before dawn. It is a stunning sight to see the market filled with around 300 stalls and tens of thousands of customers. The scene is like a festival or an event hall! In addition to the fresh seafood and grilled fish that is typical of Hachinohe, one of Japan's leading port cities, there are all kinds of cheap vegetables, freshly prepared side dishes, daily necessities, and miscellaneous goods. It's also appealing as a place to enjoy casual conversations with the personable locals, including vendors and regular customers. 

"Ikadon"

 This "indie" mascot character began voluntarily walking around the morning market to promote Hachinohe and health maintenance. Clad in Japanese clothing, it has a squid face with the characters for ""Hachinohe"" as a motif. Its surreal appearance full of handmade touches makes adults laugh and children cry! Although Ikadon is not yet an official mascot character of the morning market, the number of tourists visiting the Tatehana Wharf Morning Market to see Ikadon is rapidly increasing.

*This information is current as of February 29, 2020.

A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Cuisines