Tatehana Wharf Morning Market

Wake up early to catch freshly caught fish and local food and goods in Aomori's second-largest city.

Typically closed between January to March.

Tatehana Wharf Morning Market is Japan’s largest morning market, with over 300 stalls selling every manner of street food all in Aomori Prefecture’s second-largest city, Hachinohe. Even if you are not a morning person, you won’t regret waking up at 6 a.m. to experience Hachinohe’s finest cuisine firsthand.

Yakitori at Tatahana Warf market, aomori

Photo by: shifteast Even if you aren’t a seafood lover, try the yakitori chicken skewers.

Every week, over 10,000 people descend upon the bustling dockside to grab fresh fruit and vegetables, grilled fish, ramen, yakitori and fried chicken. You might think the idea of eating fried chicken at 6 a.m. wouldn’t be particularly popular; and yet, the fried chicken stand has over half a dozen deep fat fryers on the go to fulfill the demands of the hungry morning shoppers.

Tatehana wharf market, hachinohe, aomori

Photo by: joanngdc Do you dare to try this wasp-infused liquor? One of the many local items!

If you’re not tempted by the aromas of the food, immerse yourself in one of the many stalls selling antique, local crafts and much-needed ground coffee. Food aside, the atmosphere of the market itself is perhaps the main reason to visit.

With the cool sea breeze drifting through the busy market, bands playing musical instruments, and the sound of sizzling food, it’s not a location you’ll forget in a hurry. The market is unfortunately closed between January to March and usually takes place every Sunday. If you’re visiting Hachinohe, this bustling morning market is simply unmissable.