[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.

　The sake brewery of the "Former Iwategawa Nataya-cho Factory", where sake was brewed until 2006, was renovated and opened as "Morioka Machiya Monogatari-kan".

　Of the four buildings, "Hamato's Sake Brewery" offers visitors a look at the history of the brewery and a video recording of the Showa period. In the "Gashiya" (the space under the eaves between the warehouses), visitors can view exhibits of valuable materials from the old Iwate River, and in the "Main House" there is a general information desk and community space where sightseeing information, art exhibitions, various lectures, and other events are held.

　The Taisho-gura, a sake brewery built in the Taisho era, has a "Toki-no Shotengai" on the first floor that sells Morioka's specialties and crafts, gelato, and a coffee shop, while the "Toki-no Exhibition Room" on the second floor is a gallery that regularly holds special exhibitions of art works from Morioka's collection.

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 shaped like a shield lying face down. The 27-km driveway spans both Iwate and Akita prefectures and crosses the Hachimantai Mountains. The Hachimantai Aspite Line, which will be closed to winter traffic in mid-April, is a "snow corridor" with several meters of snow still remaining on both sides of the road. The snow corridor will be open to traffic from mid-April to November. The line is open to traffic 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 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024>

Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions.

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.''