The Tanesashi Kaigan Coast is an area of picturesque scenery located in the northern part of the Sanriku Fukko National Park. The Sanriku Fukko National Park was established in May of 2013 with the goal of contributing to the reconstruction of the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Stretching out ten kilometers from Kabushima Island of Same-machi, Hachinohe City, all the way to the southeastern Ookuki area of Hachinohe City, Tanesashi Kaigan Coast is a designated coastal area split into four distinct areas: Kabushima, Ashigezaki/Oosuka, Shibafuchi, and Ookuki.
The Kabushima Area is famous for being a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls, and in spring flocks of them gather here. Kabushima Jinja Shrine, situated at the summit of Kabushima Island, is used in the worship of Benzaiten, the Buddhist goddess of music, eloquence, water, and time. Benzaiten is said to bring safety to the fishing industry, prosperity to business, and success to public performances.
In the Ashigezaki/Oosuka Area, there is an observation platform from which beautiful ocean scenery and the blooming flowers of the reef zone, Nakasuka, can be seen. The sand in this area is famous for making a squeaking sound when stepped on, and has become known as the "Singing Sand Beach."
A swath of 100-year-old pine trees encompasses the Yodono-matsubara Promenade in the Shibafuchi Area, and lots of people can usually be seen relaxing on a vast lawn nearby.
The Ookuki Area is known for its establishments where you can learn about beach huts and the livelihood of fishermen, as well as an obversation platform that looks out over the nearby fishing harbor and village.
Trains run from the JR Same Station all the way to the JR Ookuki Station, so it's easy to get to each of the areas. Here, you'll be able to enjoy not just the destination, but the train journey as well.
Below are our recommended visiting times to use as a reference when planning your trip:
・April through July: the season when the most black-tailed gulls can be seen on Kabushima Island.
・The late May through October: the time of year when the greenery of the Shibafuchi Area is the most beautiful.
・Mid-June through mid-July: the best time to view the blooming flowers on Nakasuka from the Ashigezaki observation platform.