Koiwai Farm

Very popular among local children, this huge dairy products ranch at the foot of Mt. Iwate offers a variety of experiences, including playing, dining, enjoying nature, petting the animals, doing archery and watching the constellations in the night sky. (About 15 minutes by car)

Morioka Handiworks Square

A gathering spot for many of the area’s craftsmen, the Handiworks Square allows you to try your hand at making roasted rice crackers (o-senbei) and see from up close the creation of some of Morioka’s best traditional handicrafts. Besides the various workshops, you can also visit a fully restored farmhouse of the Nanbu Magariya architectural style. (About 5 minutes by car)

Ryusendo

A miracle of natural beauty, this limestone cave is worth seeing anytime but it’s particularly popular in the summer when it offers a cool haven from the season’s heat. One of Japan’s three largest caves of this kind, and with the water transparent down to 41.5 meters, the Ryusendo is also one of the most amazing limestone caverns in the world. (About 120 minutes by car)

Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi, a World Heritage Site, is considered very important among Buddhists, especially for those of the Pure Land sect. This grouping of temples, gardens and historic ruins is certainly one of Japan’s most interesting tourist destinations. (About 60 minutes by car)

Jodogahama Beach

With its white rocks contrasting the ocean’s blue, Jodogahama Beach is perhaps the most characteristic (and without doubt the most beautiful!) beach of the Rikuchu Coast. Things worth seeing in the area include the Rikuchu National Park that was the stage for NHK’s popular television series “Amachan” and the “Miracle Pine” of Rikuzentakata.

Hachimantai

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the autumn view of Hachimantai’s dense and endless woodland is a work of art created by nature.

Morioka City

There’s always plenty to do in bustling Morioka. Among the various events, we recommend the Chagu Chagu Horse Festival in the spring parading for 15 km, the Sansa Odori dance in the summer and the Autumn Festival with its impressive floats.

Lake Tazawa / Kakunodate

The samurai residence street in Kakunodate is nowadays very popular attractions among foreign visitors. Also worth seeing are the weeping cherry trees and the Someiyoshino cherry trees at the Hinokinai-gawa River’s embankment, Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, and the Dakigaeri Valley. (About 90 minutes by car)

Sightseeing