Ichibancho

JR Hachinohe Station is situated within suburban Ichibancho area. Like Shin-Aomori, the Shinkansen route only runs to JR Hachinohe and not JR Hon-Hachinohe. JR Hachinohe station is the Shinkansen route between Shin-Aomori and Morioka.

I prefer JR Hachinohe station as compared to the other stations as the architect of the station takes into account how travelers would feel waiting out in the cold. Enter through the gates for the Shinkansen and you will find a huge circular waiting room for travelers to keep warm. Travelers can also sit outside the waiting room and keep warm as the Station has installed overhead heaters.

I find it much more peaceful here within the Ichibancho area as compared to Hon-Hachinohe. Ichibancho has a suburban diversity of private houses, associated services and light industries. 

There are fewer hotels here within the Ichibancho area. Comfort Inn Hachinohe is one of the few hotels found in this area. I enjoy being away from the hassles and bustles of city life.

Though there is a bus terminal and Visitor’s Information Center in front of JR Hachinohe station, the bus terminal and local train station links Ichibancho to the surrounding areas such as Kawaragi – where Hasshoku Center is situated.

Interesting how weather changes within hours. When we first arrive at Hachinohe, it was not snowing or cold. However, in just 24hours, Ichibancho seem to be covered in snow.