This is a recommended itinerary for Morioka, Hanamaki City, and Shizukuishi Town (Iwate) for 2 days and a 1 night. We have carefully selected spots recommended especially for those who want to spend a meaningful and relaxing time. Why not visit to escape the rush of daily life and feel time slow down?
Day 1
Our recommendation is to start from Morioka Station. Enjoy Morioka’s famous cold noodles, relax at a retro coffee shop, have plenty of contact with nature at a farm, and finally, relieve your daily fatigue at an inn. This eventful first day will refresh your mind and body.
11:00 AM Morioka Station
Arrive at the Morioka Station at 11:00 a.m. to begin your Iwate Prefecture trip. From here, you can extend your trip to Morioka City and the surrounding tourist attractions. The area around the station is equipped with a tourist information center which is perfect for making any last-minute plans while also obtaining local information.
11:30 AM Seirokaku
Seoroukaku is a barbecue restaurant serving the popular “冷麺”. This restaurant is spacious with table seating and tatami rooms, making it an easy spot to eat for people with children. This famous cold noodle includes firm noodles, rich soup, and a perfect balance of ingredients that will captivate anyone who eats it. Another great point about this place is the convenient accessibility of the restaurant. (Just a short walk from Morioka Station)
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“冷麺” pronounced “reimen” is a famous dish in Iwate. They often have boiled egg, cucumber, watermelon as toppings. Sometimes, customers can choose to make this spicy by adding in block kimchi (radish).
12:00 AM Cafe Fukakusa
Cafe Fukakusa is a coffee shop in Konyacho, Morioka City. This place gives off an atmosphere reminiscent of something out of a picture book. The retro Showa-style interior, handmade sweets, and specialty coffee all work together to create a quiet and relaxing moment. On days when the weather is nice, it is a perfect place to take a breather while feeling the fresh breeze.
1:30 PM Koiwai Farm
Koiwai Farm is a large farm located in the town of Shizukuishi, best known for the various experiences it offers while interacting with nature. This farm offers a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed by both children and adults: tour of the cattle barn and some crafting activities. Animal petting sessions are also available and direct contact with farm animals such as sheep, cows, and horses are one of the main attractions of the farm. We believe that this is a great place for families to spend a day surrounded by nature.
3:00 PM Iwate Uguisuyado-Onsen Flowing from the source Inn “Kawacho”
Iwate Uguisuyado-Onsen “Flowing from the source Inn Kawacho” is a secluded hot spring resort surrounded by the rich natural environment in Iwate. Here, the onsen boasts high-quality hot spring water, free flowing directly from the source, which helps visitors feel deeply relaxed. This bathhouse is filled with the scent of hinoki cypress, and just being here melts away any fatigue we may have unconsciously built up. The chef personally selects all the locally sourced ingredients for his dishes and serves them with locally brewed sake, creating a truly enhanced dining experience. This is the perfect inn for those seeking a quiet and peaceful time.
Day 2
The second morning will start at “Yamanekataken” in Hanamaki City. We will touch on the life of Kenji Miyazawa, enjoy a popular local diner, and finally return to Morioka Station. During these 2 days, you will be able to fully experience the cultural and natural attractions of Iwate.
10:30 AM Wildcat House “Yamanekoken”
Located near the Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum, this restaurant is named after the famous “Restaurant of Many Orders” one of his most famous works. The menu features dishes using vegetables and meat produced in Iwate Prefecture. For example: the “Wildcat Suiton Set” that utilizes Hanamaki’s local cuisine and the “Shirogane Pork Cutlet Curry” using Shirogane Pork produced in Hanamaki are some of the popular dishes. A souvenir store is also attached to the restaurant, making it a must-visit spot when visiting Hanamaki City.
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–Kenji Miyazawa (1896–1933) was a Japanese poet and author known for blending spirituality, nature, and compassion in works like Night on the Galactic Railroad. His writings, inspired by Buddhism and rural life, explore themes of kindness and interconnectedness, leaving a lasting impact on Japanese literature.
*In the picture above, it is important to note that the cat shouldn’t be touched. Pictures can be taken however since it is very fragile, it should be taken with care. (Thank you!)
11:45 AM Kenji Miyazawa Museum
The Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum is an essential stop for literature lovers and Kenji fans in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture. The museum was built in the place where Kenji Miyazawa was born and raised, and was established as a place where visitors can learn more about his life and works. Surrounded by the nature that Kenji loved, visitors may feel a sense of healing. The museum also regularly holds special exhibitions and events, allowing visitors to experience Kenji’s literature and gain a deeper understanding of his world within the pavilion.
1:30 PM Kenji Miyazawa Fairytale Village
“Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village” Kenji’s School is a hands-on facility for children and adults located near the Kenji Miyazawa Museum. Here, visitors can actually experience the world of Kenji’s legacy of fairy tales and immerse themselves in the messages conveyed through his works. This facility has many exhibits that imitate characters and landscapes from Kenji’s fairy tales, inviting visitors into a magical world. People will be able to spend an enriching time experiencing the world of Kenji Miyazawa’s deep contemplation and creativity.
2:45 PM Marukan Building Grand Dining Lounge
Located in the heart of Morioka City, the Marukan Building Grand Dining Lounge has long been a favorite of locals. The diner’s charm lies in its retro atmosphere and extensive menu offered at an affordable price. The specialty is the 10-tier soft-serve ice cream. This ice cream is served with a chopstick, which is said to be the most common way to eat it. When you visit Morioka, be sure to visit Marukan Building Grand Dining Lounge to enjoy the local flavor and warm atmosphere. (There are honestly too many dishes to recommend!)
4:30 PM Morioka Station
After a delicious meal at the Marukan Building Dining Hall, we will return to Morioka Station, the final stop on our 2-day/1-night trip. Morioka Station is known as the transportation hub of Iwate Prefecture where many trains, including the Shinkansen come and go. There are plenty of souvenir stores around the station, where you can enjoy Iwate’s specialties until the very last moment. We recommend taking home some local crafts or delicious sweets as a memento of this trip.
