<p>From the lookout, you can see the rugged, rocky coastline</p>

From the lookout, you can see the rugged, rocky coastline (Photo: Imogen Riethmuller)

The Tanesashi Coast Promenade

A walk along the Japanese coastline

Imogen Riethmuller Jul 23, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>From the lookout, you can see the rugged, rocky coastline</p>

<p>The Promenade begins at Ashigezaki Lookout. It was used during the Edo period to monitor foreign ships</p>

<p>The rocks cluster in miniature archipelagos</p>

<p>Look down at the swirling ocean around the rocks</p>

<p>The ocean seems to stretch on forever</p>

<p>The Promenade is well marked by tidy footpaths across the landscape</p>

<p>Beautiful flowers and thick grass add contrast to the predominantly rocky coastline</p>

<p>While not part of the official Tanesashi Coast Promenade, there are pathways leading down to the ocean for those who want a closer look</p>

<p>Take a seat and enjoy the stunning view</p>

<p>The small shop next to the lookout sells a variety of snacks. For those who have driven, this is a good place to leave the car and take a stroll</p>

<p>The pathway follows the coastline closely</p>

<p>These stairs lead down towards the ocean</p>

<p>A closer look</p>

<p>The sides of the pathway are scattered with flowers in the summer, autumn and spring</p>

<p>Red rocks against blue and grey landscape</p>

<p>Flowers growing through the rocks add a dash of bright colour to the landscape</p>

<p>The water runs inland at small, beach-like places amid the rocks</p>

<p>When you have crossed the rocks, you will reach the Tanesashi Shore – a golden, often deserted beach</p>

<p>Perfect shells are scattered all along the beach</p>

<p>Cliffs and coast on a summer day</p>

<p>After leaving the beach, the Promenade continues through gentler, grassy areas</p>

<p>Dramatic rock faces still pepper the landscape</p>

<p>Hachinohe's Fukakubo Fishing Port</p>

<p>The Promenade ends at the Tanesashi Lawn</p>

<p>Enjoy the view from the lawn overlooking the ocean</p>

The Tanesashi Coast Promenade in Hachinohe is a 5km pathway that winds along the coastline, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hachinohe, the largest city in the eastern Aomori Prefecture, is an industrial and commercial center for the region, and as a result can come across at times as crowded and artificial. The unspoiled Tanesashi Coast takes you away from that. The promenade takes you at some times across rugged cliffs, at others across smooth beaches, and ends with the beautiful, green Tanesashi lawn. The Tanesashi Coast is a nationally-designated Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan for good reason.

Imogen Riethmuller

Imogen Riethmuller @imogen.riethmuller