[Iwate Enjoyment Model Course] Nature Course

The building, which had been used as the Iwate Prefectural Library, was completely renovated and opened in 2011 in a corner of Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park). The first floor introduces Morioka's festivals (Chagu Chagu Umako, Morioka Sansa Odori, Morioka Autumn Festival floats) and seasonal tourist information, while the second floor displays the history of the Morioka clan and the treasures of the Nanbu family. There is also a cafe (rest area ``Fukikata''). Please stop by to experience the history and culture of the castle town of Morioka and enjoy walking around the town.

Morioka Machiya Monogatari Museum opened in July 2014 with the concept of ``encountering nostalgic bustle.''
As a lively and nostalgic place for relaxation that is easy for everyone to use, it also serves as a local information center and a place to disseminate information on local culture.
As a new regional core facility, we are working together with the citizens to operate it.
In addition, we will take advantage of the five functions of this facility: ``interact,'' ``see,'' ``experience,'' ``eat,'' and ``buy.''
We aim to preserve and disseminate not only the charm of our facilities, but also the many fascinating lifestyle cultures of the Katayacho area as resources.

One of the largest private integrated farms in Japan, popular as a spot connected to Kenji Miyazawa.
At the tourist area "Makiba-en" located in the center of the farm, you can enjoy various attractions and gourmet food, as well as guided tours of production sites that are closed to the public.

In February 2017, 21 buildings on the farm were designated as nationally designated important cultural properties.

"Aspite" is the name given to a volcano that is shaped like an inverted shield. A driveway with a total length of approximately 27km that straddles both Iwate and Akita prefectures and traverses Hachimantai. Mt. Iwate can be seen to the south from the road that weaves around the side of Mt. Chausu, and the blue lakes and withered fir trees in the forest create a landscape unique to Hachimantai. In mid-April, the winter traffic ban on the Hachimantai Aspite Line is lifted, and several meters of snow still remains on both sides of the road, creating a ``snow corridor.'' Passable period from mid-April to early November. However, the road may be closed when there is a danger of freezing.
[2024 season]

Scheduled to open from 10:00 on Monday, April 15, 2020>

Please note that the schedule may change depending on the weather.

A road that literally passes through the sea of ​​trees in Hachimantai and connects Matsukawa Onsen and Fujishichi Onsen. A perfect driving course that connects with the Aspite Line at the top. You can also see the magnificent view of Mt. Iwate, a waterfall with a cool breeze, and the breath of ancient times (the source of hot springs). You can especially enjoy the wonderful scenery during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves. Passable period from late April to early November. However, the road may be closed when there is a danger of freezing.
[2024 season]

Scheduled to open from 10:00 on Friday, April 26, 2020

Please note that the schedule may change depending on the weather.

Matsuo Hachimantai Visitor Center is a hub for disseminating information about the nature and ecosystem of Hachimantai and Mt. Iwate. Models of the Hachimantai/Iwateyama area, specimens of insects living in the Hachimantai area, an alpine plant corner, a computer corner, and high-definition videos are introduced. In addition, the adjacent product hall has a direct-from-the-farm facility that collects local vegetables and processed products, a restaurant that serves locally produced soba, guinea fowl, and river fish dishes, and an experience facility where you can try your hand at making soba. (Product Center TEL: 0195-78-3480)

In this region, the clear water that gushes from the roots of Katsura has been worshiped as sacred water since ancient times. Katsura Shimizu, located at the entrance to the approach to Tendaiji Temple, is a sacred spring that springs from the roots of a Katsura tree that is said to be 1,000 years old. It has been revered as a source of faith since ancient times, and the Katsura tree is the material for the principal image of the Kannon statue, and Tendaiji is also called the ``Katsura Kiyomizu Kannon.''