Guida
Katehana Park is a local park located on high ground at the mouth of the Aira-da River in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. Spanning approximately 1.9 hectares, the park features a scenic lookout and the 'Gret Tower Minato,' an observation tower standing 24.2 meters tall. The park is designed to harmonize with nature, offering grassy lawns, play equipment for children, and rest areas. Additionally, the 'Hachinohe Minato Experience Learning Center' (affectionately known as 'Minatchi'), which opened in 2019, serves as a certified disaster prevention facility, teaching visitors about the local history and the lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The area is steeped in the rich history and culture of the Minato region. The adjacent Hachino-Minato Experience Learning Center plays a vital role in preserving local traditions while also serving as an educational hub to pass down the realities and lessons of the tsunami damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake to future generations. It functions as a significant site for deepening understanding of natural disasters and community resilience.
The park offers several attractions. First, the 24.2m 'Gret Tower Minato' provides a breathtaking high-angle view of the surrounding landscape. Second, during spring, the park becomes a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing. The park is also very family-friendly, featuring various play equipment such as combination sets, slides, ball swings, and climbing structures for children, as well as fitness equipment like rocking boards and twist circles for adults. For relaxation, visitors can enjoy the waterfront decks, observation decks, and gazebos (azumaya).
Operating hours vary by season: Summer (July–August) is 06:30 to 21:00; Spring/Autumn (April–June, September) is 09:00 to 21:00; and Winter (October–March) is 09:00 to 19:00. Spring (around April to May) is the most beautiful time to visit when the park is bathed in the colors of cherry blossoms. Additionally, the park is illuminated until 22:00 during certain periods, allowing visitors to enjoy the night scenery.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls through nature or light exercise using the park's equipment. At the Hachinohe Minato Experience Learning Center, you can engage in educational experiences regarding local history and disaster prevention. The park also offers a relaxing environment with benches, tables, and open-air seating areas where you can rest while enjoying the fresh air.
Right next to the park is the Gret Tower Minato, perfect for enjoying the local scenery. The area is characterized by the natural environment around the mouth of the Aira-da River. The park is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from JR Mutsu-Minato Station, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Minato district.
Since the park is located on high ground, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. When using the wooden rest areas, please note that pets and open flames are strictly prohibited. Please ensure you take all trash home with you. For parking, there are two options: 'Upper Park Parking' (22 spaces) and 'Lower Park Parking' (17 spaces, including 2 for large buses). If traveling by large bus, please use the 'Lower Park Parking' due to road width restrictions. Wheelchair users are encouraged to consult with the facility in advance regarding accessibility and steps.