Shichinohe, town in Kamikita district, Aomori prefecture, Japan
Shichinohe is a small town in Kamikita district, Aomori Prefecture, situated at the eastern foot of Mount Hakkoda and surrounded by cultivated farmland and forests. Quiet streets and working fields define its character, with daily life moving at the pace of agriculture and natural cycles.
Shichinohe has roots going back over a thousand years, when it served as a center for horse breeding under the rule of the Nanbu clan during medieval times. Ruins of the old castle remain visible today, marking the town's significant role in regional history.
The town maintains a deep connection to horses through local traditions like ema wooden plaques where visitors write wishes, and koma odori horse dances that appear at seasonal celebrations. These customs have been woven into community life for centuries and continue to define how people gather and mark important occasions.
The town is accessible via Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Shinkansen, which reduces travel time from Tokyo to about three hours, or by buses and taxis from nearby Aomori Airport. Walking through quiet streets and fields offers the best experience, so comfortable shoes are essential, and visitors should prepare for significant temperature variations between day and night depending on the season.
The region is renowned for growing Nagaimo, a long yam with a firm texture and slightly sweet flavor, and exceptional garlic prized for their intense aroma and taste. These locally grown ingredients form the backbone of regional cuisine and are valued across Japan.
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