Shichinohe Town is a charming town in Kamikita District, Aomori Prefecture, blessed with beautiful nature, a long history, traditional culture, and a strong agricultural heritage. Located on the eastern side of the Hakkōda Mountains, the town has long served as an important crossroads for transportation and cultural exchange in the Kamikita region.
Today, Shichinohe is also becoming increasingly accessible to travelers from outside Aomori. The opening of the Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen has made it much easier to reach the town from Tokyo and other parts of Japan. The station also provides a convenient gateway for exploring the surrounding area, including Lake Towada and the Oirase Gorge.
With historic castle ruins, ancient Jomon archaeological sites, traditional festivals, horse-breeding culture, beautiful natural scenery, and local specialties, Shichinohe offers travelers an opportunity to experience a quieter and more traditional side of northern Japan.
Shichinohe lies on the eastern side of the Hakkōda Mountains, an area characterized by forests, agricultural land, and a cool northern climate. The surrounding landscape changes beautifully with the seasons, from fresh greenery in spring and summer to colorful foliage in autumn and snowy scenery in winter.
A major change in the town’s accessibility came on December 4, 2010, when the Tohoku Shinkansen was extended between Hachinohe and Shin-Aomori. Shichinohe-Towada Station was established in the town, providing direct high-speed rail access from the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The station is also useful for travelers exploring the wider region. Lake Towada, the Oirase Gorge, and other destinations in northern Tohoku can be incorporated into a sightseeing itinerary based around Shichinohe.
Furthermore, the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen on March 26, 2016, strengthened connections between northern Tohoku and Hokkaido. For travelers arriving from Hakodate and other parts of southern Hokkaido, Shichinohe is now part of a convenient travel network linking the two regions.
Agriculture is one of the foundations of Shichinohe’s local economy. The town is particularly known for growing Japanese yam (nagaimo) and garlic. The fertile soil and cool climate provide favorable conditions for producing these high-quality crops.
Dairy farming is also an important part of the local economy. In addition, Shichinohe has a long-standing connection with racehorse breeding, making horses an important part of the town’s identity.
At Michi-no-Eki Shichinohe, the town’s roadside station and an important gateway for visitors, statues of the famous racehorses Hikaru Meiji and Komatsu Hikari commemorate horses that won the Tokyo Yushun, commonly known as the Japanese Derby.
The statues reflect Shichinohe’s pride in its horse-breeding tradition. For visitors, the roadside station is also a convenient place to discover local agricultural products, foods, and specialties from the surrounding region.
Shichinohe has a rich historical heritage extending from the prehistoric Jomon period to the medieval era and into modern times. Historic sites and traditional buildings can be found throughout the town.
Shichinohe Castle Ruins are designated as a National Historic Site of Japan. The former castle grounds have been developed as Kashiwaba Park, which is particularly attractive in spring when cherry blossoms add color to the historic landscape.
The castle ruins provide an opportunity to learn about the history of medieval northern Japan while enjoying an open green space. The combination of historical remains and seasonal scenery makes the site one of Shichinohe’s notable attractions.
Several religious sites in Shichinohe have traditions dating back many centuries. Tenno Shrine is said to have been founded in 1394, while Mimachi Kannon-do and Odako Fudo-do are traditionally dated to 1396.
These sites preserve the atmosphere of Japan’s medieval period and offer visitors a glimpse into the religious traditions that shaped local communities long before modern transportation and tourism developed.
Futatsumori Shell Midden is an important archaeological site dating from the Early to Middle Jomon period, when people in northern Japan lived by a combination of hunting, gathering, fishing, and settlement-based activities.
The site is nationally designated and is one of the significant archaeological sites in Japan for understanding Jomon life. For travelers interested in prehistoric Japan, it offers an opportunity to look beyond the country’s more familiar samurai and castle history and discover a much older cultural landscape.
Shichinohe also preserves buildings from more recent periods of Japanese history. The Former Shichinohe Post Office, completed in 1928, is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property and provides a glimpse into the development of modern local communities.
Another notable site is the Former Morita Farm, where visitors can see a traditional magariya-style farmhouse. Magariya, literally meaning a “bent house,” is a distinctive traditional building style historically associated with the Nanbu region, in which the main residence and stable are connected at an angle.
Chibiki Shrine is another important historic site. According to local tradition, the shrine was founded in 807 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, a famous military leader associated with the imperial campaigns in northern Japan. It has long been revered as a guardian shrine of the local community.
Shichinohe offers attractions not only for history enthusiasts but also for art lovers and outdoor travelers.
The Takayama Uichi Memorial Museum is a popular destination for visitors interested in Japanese art. The museum introduces the work and artistic achievements of Takayama Uichi and provides an opportunity to explore the cultural side of Shichinohe.
Higashi-Hakkōda Family Travel Village is a nature-oriented destination where visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation in the Hakkōda foothills. It is particularly suitable for families and travelers who want to spend time surrounded by forests and fresh air.
Higashi-Hakkōda Rose Country offers visitors another way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Seasonal flowers and the surrounding landscape create an attractive setting for a leisurely visit.
During winter, the Shichinohe Municipal Ski Area provides opportunities to enjoy snow sports. The snowy climate of northern Aomori transforms the landscape into a winter playground, offering a different experience from the town’s spring and summer attractions.
At Suwa Farm, visitors can learn about the process of breeding and raising racehorses. The farm provides a valuable opportunity to experience one of the industries that has helped shape Shichinohe’s local identity.
For international visitors, a visit to a horse-breeding area can provide a fascinating perspective on rural Japan and the relationship between agriculture, land, and traditional local industries.
Shichinohe hosts a variety of festivals and community events throughout the year. These occasions are an important part of local culture and provide visitors with an opportunity to see the town at its most lively.
The Shichinohe Autumn Festival is one of the town’s major seasonal celebrations. Traditional festivities bring the local community together and create a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
The colorful Miyoko Festival is another event enjoyed by the local community. Festivals such as these are valuable opportunities for travelers to experience regional traditions that are closely connected to everyday life in the town.
One of Shichinohe’s more unusual events is “Makeru Day.” The Japanese word makeru normally means “to lose,” but in this context it refers to discounting the prices of goods.
Centered around the town’s shopping streets, the event attracts shoppers looking for special bargains. The playful use of language and the lively atmosphere make Makeru Day an interesting example of a community event rooted in local shopping culture.
Shichinohe is also home to valuable natural assets. One of the most impressive is the Oginanoki Ginkgo Tree, estimated to be approximately 700 years old.
The ancient ginkgo has been designated as a Natural Monument of Aomori Prefecture. Its enormous size and long history provide a tangible reminder of the many generations that have lived alongside the natural environment of Shichinohe.
The town is also home to wildlife of conservation concern, including the eastern long-fingered bat, a species considered threatened. The presence of such wildlife reflects the importance of preserving the forests and other natural habitats surrounding the town.
Food is another important part of the Shichinohe experience. The town’s local cuisine reflects the agricultural character of the region and the food traditions of northern Japan.
Nabeko Dango is a traditional local dish enjoyed as a familiar home-style food. Its simple and comforting character makes it a good example of the everyday cuisine that has been passed down within local households.
Japanese yam (nagaimo) and garlic are among Shichinohe’s best-known agricultural products. These crops are valued for their quality and are widely used in Japanese cooking.
For travelers interested in food tourism, tasting locally grown agricultural products offers a direct way to experience the climate and farming traditions of the region.
Shichinohe is also associated with Komaisen, a local sake produced by a regional brewery. Japanese sake is closely connected to the quality of local water, rice, climate, and brewing traditions, and local sake can therefore provide another taste of the character of northern Japan.
Shichinohe Town brings together nature, history, traditional culture, agriculture, horse breeding, local festivals, and regional cuisine. From medieval castle ruins and ancient Jomon archaeological sites to historic shrines, traditional buildings, museums, ski slopes, and scenic countryside, the town offers a wide range of experiences within a relatively compact area.
The arrival of the Shinkansen has made Shichinohe much easier to reach, while its location also makes it a useful base or stopover when exploring the wider northern Tohoku region.
For travelers visiting Aomori, Shichinohe is an excellent place to discover a quieter side of the prefecture away from the major tourist centers. A visit can easily be combined with sightseeing around the Hakkōda Mountains, Lake Towada, and the Oirase Gorge.
Whether you are interested in Japanese history, prehistoric culture, traditional festivals, local food, horses, art, or the changing beauty of the northern seasons, Shichinohe offers a rich and varied introduction to the culture and landscapes of Aomori.