Explore Japan: Top 7 Things To Do In Hanamaki, Iwate

1. Mount Hayachine

One of the highest mountains in Iwate, Mount Hayachine consists of several peaks. The mountain is home to countless unique and gorgeous alpine flora blooming in spite of the harsh natural environment. Make careful preparation when attempting to climb this mountain, because though beautiful, weather conditions can quickly turn harsh. Expect spectacular views from on top of the mountain, with a field of alpine flowers, a dense forest below, and the ridge lines of Mt. Yakushidake to the south. At the summit, there’s a formation of oddly-shaped rocks which have become objects of religious faith, some even inspiring folk tales of goblins and other supernatural occurrences.

Mount Hayachine

Address: Hayachine-san, Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

2. Hayachine Kagura Dance

When you come to Hanamaki, you have to experience the unique Hayachine Kagura Dance at least one. Before Nogaku theatre was completely formed, the style and spirit of Hayachine Kagura Dance were handed down from teacher to student. Hayachine Kagura Dance is the collective term for Otsugunai Kagura and Take Kagura, and was recognized as an important national cultural asset in 1976. With over 500 years of history, that’s plenty of time to build up their own schools of dance and hone their craft to perfection. Otsugunai is based on seven beats and its fluent and delicate style suits female roles, while Take is based on five beats and its dynamic style suits male roles. As a means of portraying gods, both dances also feature elaborate masks and costumes, and anyone who gets to see a performance will undoubtedly be mesmerised by the intricate moves and rhythmic steps.

Hayachine Kagura Dance

Website: Hayachine Kagura Dance

3. Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum

Born in Hanamaki on August 27th, 1896, Miyazawa Kenji was a famous author whose life is scattered all around Hanamaki, with monuments dedicated to him, including his grave at Shinshoji Temple, Hanamaki, and plenty of real life buildings that inspired his stories. Continually developing his talent throughout his life, his stories and poetry only got better, and the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial pays tribute to that. Although leading a solitary life after retiring from teaching at the age of 30, he continued to educate farmers around him, but finally died at the age of 37. The memorial is just one of many ways Hanamaki has chosen to honor his memory, and being here, you can practically feel the great man’s presence continue to stir and move beneath the earth. The museum is an introduction to Kenji’s life and accomplishments, including some of his personal belongings, originals of his works, videos, slides and books.

Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum

Address: 1-36 Yasawa, Hanamaki-shi (Hanamaki City), Iwate 025-0011 Japan

Website: Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum (in Japanese)

4. Hanamaki Hot Springs

Tourists will be spoilt for choice with a grand total of 11 attractive hot springs along the Hanamaki mountain range. The onsens vary in size from being located in some of the largest and most comfortable hotels in Tohoku to small inns with a rustic atmosphere, with a history of being used as a health retreat. Some of them are located outdoors by a river or are a deep bath that people have to stand in, not sit. Depending on the season you visit, you could be seeing snow, or relaxing in the summer heat. Either way, the Hanamaki Hot Springs will welcome you warmly.

Hanamaki Hot Springs

Address: Various locations

5. Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tales Village

Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tales Village is inspired by the fairy tales of Hanamaki’s Miyazawa Kenji and consists of facilities designed for visitors to enjoy and learn about his works. The facility was built in 1996 to commemorate the centennial of Miyazawa’s birth. His signature fairy tales “Ginga Tetsudo no Yoru” (Night on the Galactic Railroad), “Kaze no Matasaburo” (Matasaburo of Wind) and “Chumon no Ooi Resutoran” (Restaurant with Lots of Orders) have been enjoyed by people of all ages.

The main building is called “Kenji’s School”, where visitors can experience the world of fairy tales through an interactive exhibition, featuring animals, plants, stars, birds, and rocks depicted in Miyazawa’s fairy tales. Enjoy the gardens which contain walnut, Japanese pear and magnolia trees, along with a wild plant garden and other attractions. The unique village truly makes for a once in a lifetime magical experience.

Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tales Village

Address: 26-19 Takamatsu, Hanamaki City, Iwate, Japan

6. Hanamaki English Coast

Unique to Hanamaki is this stretch of English Coast, a natural formation that was named by Kenji Miyazawa due to his love for the Dover Strait while nursing his love for England. Walk these sandy shores and see just what it is about this place that inspired Miyazawa to write the way he did, describing the coast with pure beauty, as he wandered the beach and took in the sea breeze. Gorgeous.

Hanamaki English Coast

Address: Kamikobunato, Hanamaki, 025-0062 Iwate Prefecture, Japan

7. Takamura Kotaro Museum 

Takamura Kotaro was a Japanese sculptor and poet, and this museum tells you the story of Kotaro’s life, while also displaying some of his artworks and personal belongings. It offers an in depth view of the life of an artist, and some of his works will be burned into your memory for life.

Takamura Kotaro Museum 

Address: 3-85-1 Ota, Hanamaki 025-0037, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Fables and fairy tales

Hanamaki will make you fall in love with its many onsens and its almost fairy tale like atmosphere, with its history of great poets and artists. Come to Hanamaki and you’ll be absolutely charmed by its culture, a true glimpse into the real side of Japan, with ancient traditions and intricate art. You won’t be disappointed.