Recreational Activities / Experiences

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.

Kitayamazaki Sappa Boat Adventures

This is a thrilling tour of Kitayamazaki's cliffs and sea caves aboard a sappa boat, a small rock boat still in use by fishermen. The 60-minute boat ride allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the cliffs, which can only be seen from the sea.

Nusakake Falls and Kitanosawa Otaki Falls

Nusakake Falls is located at the eastern entrance of Mt. Nanchang, and it is said that in the past, when mountaineers entered the mountain, they offered money to the mountain god to pray for safety. The waterfall is 7m high and 4.5m wide, and appears to have two tiers. There is a promenade along the river to the basin of the waterfall. Upstream is Kitanosawa Falls, which is 13m high and 3m wide.

Whale and Sea Science Museum

The Whale and Sea Science Museum aims to introduce the mysterious ocean from various angles and deepen visitors' interest in the ocean. Exhibits are organized by theme from the top of the building to the bottom, and you can explore it as if you were taking a walk into the ocean. The museum introduces the romantic world of whales through exhibits such as the world's largest skeletal specimen of a gigantic sperm whale, a creature of the sea.

Kashiwagidaira Lake Resort Facilities

The riverbed along the Sarugaishi River is used to provide dining, leisure, and sports facilities. Putting golf, gateball field, baseball field, mountain bike course, cottage, barbecue garden, etc.

Shiwa sightseeing vineyard

The Sahiuchi district of Shiwa Town, which is surrounded by green hills, is one of the leading grape producing regions in Iwate Prefecture. Why not enjoy some time in the vineyard under the shining sun and a pleasant cool breeze? Once you experience freshly picked grapes, it is sure to become an unforgettable memory. *Grape picking in 2023 will be from late August to Monday, September 25th.