Recreational Activities / Experiences

Gando Lake Family Travel Village

The Family Travel Village opened in June 1983 on the north side of Lake Rock Cave, said to be the most beautiful man-made lake in Japan, so that groups of people, mainly families, could casually enjoy themselves in the great outdoors. The Travel Village has a "campground," "festival square," "little children's square," "picnic square," "walking trail," and "tennis court," and in 2000, an auto campground with a sanitary house opened.

Yonai Water Purification Plant

The city's water purification plant, located in Kamihonai on the outskirts of Morioka City, is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and during this season, the grounds are specially opened to the public. About 30 Yaeveni weeping cherry trees are designated as city-designated preserved trees, and the sight of them in full bloom is truly spectacular, as if to show the dignity of the queen of cherry trees. The red brick building of the water purification plant also adds to the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Blooming season】Early May *Open to the public from April 19 (Fri.) to May 6 (Mon.), 2024 from 9:00 to 18:00. Please note that the museum is not open for tours outside of this period.

Miyako City Pleasure Boat “Miyako Umineko Maru”

*Miyako City's new pleasure boat "Miyako Umineko Maru" began operating on Sunday, July 17, 2020. This is a new sightseeing boat that takes you around Sanriku Geopark and geosites with a guide, including the beautiful scenery of Jodogahama, a nationally designated scenic spot. Until now, the service had only been operated from Jodogahama, but the newly constructed Dezaki Pier is also scheduled to serve as a departure and arrival point.

Ark Tategamori

Within the grounds of Ark Tategamori, there is a flower garden where tulips, lavender, roses, and other seasonal flowers bloom, and visitors can enjoy the scent of flowers and herbs as they take a leisurely stroll. More than 20 species of animals are kept on the vast grounds, and visitors can interact with them through hands-on activities such as feeding and egg-collecting. The restaurant, the first certified organic restaurant in the Tohoku region, offers a buffet-style meal.

Twelve Gods Nature Observation Education Forest

A virgin forest left in its natural state at the eastern foot of Mt. It is a natural broadleaf forest of 150 to 300 years old, mainly composed of beech and suzutake mushroom communities, and is said to be the most natural forest in the area, with a mixture of oak, sawagurumi, zelkova trees over 1 meter in diameter, and giant horse chestnut trees. The forest is home to many plants and animals. The "beech-suzu bamboo community" of Mt. Junigamiyama is the only one of its kind in Japan as an old-growth forest representative of the cool-temperate zone of the Pacific coast type. This fact makes it meaningful in contrast to the Shirakami Mountains, which are known for their virgin forests of beech and chishimazasa bamboo communities, which represent the cool-temperate zone along the coast of the Sea of Japan. The park was closed due to Typhoon No. 19 in 2011, but the first park area was opened to visitors in July 2024. The road from the Shigemo side leading to the first park site has been restored, but the remote road and forest road beyond the first park site have not been restored and are therefore off-limits.

Mt. Kurakake

Mt. Kurakake, located at the foot of Mt. Iwate and with an altitude of 897m, is a hiking course for families where you can easily enjoy climbing. This is the mountain that Kenji Miyazawa loved, and there is a monument to his poem ``Kurakake no Yuki'' next to the parking lot. Mt. Kurakake has been designated by the government as a scenic spot in Ihatov, and its appearance changes spectacularly with each season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Please take a look at the majestic view of Mt. Iwate from the summit.

Usui Falls

About 15 minutes from Shidodaira Onsen, the waterfall is 20m high and 7m wide, and hangs over strangely shaped rocks, giving it the appearance of a thin layer of clothing.

Goyosha (local toy)

In addition to introducing the history and origin of kokeshi dolls on panels, the museum also features local toys, traditional kokeshi dolls passed down from the feudal era, southern Kinakinabo dolls, Anpo kokeshi dolls, Morioka bokko dolls, and traditional kokeshi dolls made based on Morioka's land. The original kokeshi dolls that have been created are on display. The name ``Goyo'' from Goyosha, which was founded in 1933, comes from the phrase ``Ikka Goyo, the result of opening naturally.''

Ueyama Kohaku Kobo

You can make your own jewelry from Kuji amber. Depending on your budget, you choose an amber gemstone and polish it using three types of sandpaper in order. After finishing with toothpaste, metal fittings are attached to create a brooch or pendant. The workshop takes about three hours, and reservations should be made at least one week in advance. Tunnel tours are also available.

Ichinohe Handicraft Museum

On display are wooden and bamboo accessories, furniture, and sakiori made by craftsmen in Ichinohe Town. You can also purchase it. In addition, in the workshop, you can receive actual instruction and experience making products.

Nishidake Fish Farm Fishing Pond

A fishing pond where you can enjoy fishing for char and rainbow trout in the great outdoors. The fish you catch can be grilled over charcoal and eaten on the spot. There is also a children's park nearby, so it's a facility the whole family can enjoy.

Taneyamagahara Forest Park

A promenade based on Kenji Miyazawa's works has been built in a beautiful forest starting from Yurin Land Taneyama. There are open spaces of various sizes on this trekking course, which the whole family can easily enjoy by observing wildflowers and bird watching.