Ichinohe was born as the eldest son of a samurai retainer in Tsugaru Domain (present day western Aomori Prefecture).

Serving with distinction during the Satsuma Rebellion between February–September 1877, Ichinohe was wounded in battle and later awarded the rank of full lieutenant in May of that year.

During the Russo-Japanese War, he served on the staff of the IJA 3rd Army, and was with Marshal Ōyama Iwao at the crucial Battle of Mukden.

In December 1915, he was appointed to one of the top three positions within the Imperial Japanese Army, that of Inspector-General of Military Training, holding that post until his retirement from active duty in June 1920.

Ichinohe was subsequently Principal of the Gakushūin Peers' School from May 1920, and became a Shinto priest (kannushi) at Meiji Shrine from August 1924.