Sightseeing Spots

Seiyoin

This is the temple where Kenji Miyazawa stayed as a boarding house during his time at Morioka Junior High School when he was ordered to leave the dormitory during the New Building Supervision and Elimination Movement. In addition, there is Mitsuishi Shrine in the back, where the legend of the origin of the name "Iwate" remains.

Ushigatayama

The mountainside is covered with beech forests, and the area around the wetlands and marshes is a treasure trove of alpine plants. If you follow the course from Natsuyu Onsen to Mt. Kyozuka, you will soon reach a turning point to Mt. Ushigata. After passing through a beech forest, passing through a wetland, and passing a steep climb on the way, you will arrive at a flower garden with flowers such as goldenrod. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the top of the mountain. Altitude: 1,340m. The journey takes approximately 2 and a half hours. After coming down from the mountain, we recommend taking a leisurely soak in the famous Natsuyu Onsen.

Shizukuishi Galaxy Station Shizukuishi Station

Shizukuishi Station's exterior design is based on Kenji Miyazawa's fairy tale "Night on the Galaxy Railway." In addition to its function as a station, it also has a cafe and a tourist information center that disseminates tourist information about the town.

Onikoshi Sozen Shrine

In 1597, a horse in Sawauchi village became unruly while playing in the field, ran all the way to Takizawa, and died. The villagers buried him with care and built a shrine. This is said to be the beginning of Sozen Shrine, and since then, people have taken time off from work to decorate their horses and worship at this shrine on May 5th, Boy's Festival. This is the birthplace of Chagu Chagu Umako, which has been held on June 15 of the new calendar since 1968, and on the second Saturday of June since 2001.

Kitakami Yokyoku Monument

The sweet and heartbreaking "Kitakami Yokyoku" was born in 1944. It continued to be sung quietly throughout the chaotic period during and after the war, and became an explosive hit in 1961. This monument is handwritten by the lyricist and composer, and it is said that it is rare to find a monument with musical notation engraved on it. It is built on the river bank near the rest house.

Swan flying area (new embankment/Sango Bridge)

Swans begin flying around the new embankment and Sango Bridge (Kitakami River) from around late October, and stay until around April of the following year. More than 1,000 swans spend the winter here each year, bringing a sense of peace to visitors. The number of visitors is the highest in the prefecture. To get to the new embankment, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen Kitakami Station and get off at the Iwate Prefectural Transportation Kitakami Noh High School/Hikashita Line Minami Junior High School bus stop.

waterside village

The approximately 1.4km promenade takes advantage of the rich natural forest and clear streams that spread along the Iwasaki River, and includes a suspension bridge, watermill, arbor, and a natural habitat for skunk cabbage. Families can enjoy forest bathing while taking a casual stroll.

Heartful Sportsland

Heartful Sports Land, surrounded by a rich natural environment full of greenery, was established as a place for intergenerational interaction where everyone from infants to the elderly can enjoy health promotion together. There is also a park golf course with 4 courses and 36 holes, which can be enjoyed by both family and friends. From mid-May to mid-June, the park golf course is colored with Shibazakura .

Anadoriiso

This is a landscape that represents the Goishi Coast. This strangely shaped rock has three large holes in its base caused by seawater erosion, and you will be amazed at the ingenuity of nature's formation. You can also take a small pleasure boat through this hole.

Hakusan Shrine

There is an outdoor Noh stage that is designated as a nationally designated important cultural property.

Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum

Located halfway up Mt. Koshio, one of the 32 mountains called Mt. Mbeki where Kenji intended to bury the Lotus Sutra, you can get a glimpse of Kenji's world of diverse activities. facility. The exhibition features screen footage, related materials, and the creative process that leads to the creation of the work.

Kitakami River

The total length is 250km from the water source in the north of the prefecture to Oiwa Bay, Kitakami Town, Miyagi Prefecture. The 5th largest river in the country. It is the mother river of Iwate. The Kitakami River and the beautiful Mt. Iwate are one of Morioka's most representative landscapes. Viewpoints include Kaiun Bridge, Asahi Bridge, and Yugao Se Bridge, and colorful flowers decorate the shore.