Sightseeing Spots

Hanamaki Onsen

A hot spring developed in 1923 by drawing water from Dai Onsen. It has an elegant and calm atmosphere, with rows of cherry blossom trees, red pine forests, and a rose garden with a sundial flower bed designed by Kenji Miyazawa. It is known throughout the country as a hot spring resort in northern Tohoku. The hot springs are effective against rheumatism, neuralgia, etc.

Hour bell Nanbu Morioka Castle Tower Bell (Hanamaki Castle Hour Bell)

It is currently located in front of Hanamaki City Hall, but during the feudal period it was located on the Ninomaru site of Hanamaki Castle (the square mountain area of ​​Hanamaki Elementary School). In September 1646, Shigenao, the 28th head of Nanbu, moved the Morioka Castle bell tower to Hanamaki Castle. Additionally, the current bell tower was newly built in August 1978.

Wanko Soba (Morioka)

"Wanko" is a dialect that refers to a wooden bowl. In areas such as Morioka and Hanamaki, there was a custom of serving soba to entertain guests. The only way to serve freshly boiled food to a large number of customers at once is to serve it in small portions in bowls. This etiquette is said to be the origin of Wanko Soba. The reason why you are forced to refill your plate as soon as you finish eating is a courtesy of hospitality towards guests, which is called ``otebachi.'' ``Wanko Soba'' is a playful dish where the waitstaff throws soba noodles in one after another while shouting ``Hai, Dokkoi. The greeting "Gochisousama" is not understood there. The food is served until the bowl is covered.

Tsubakijima

Aomatsushima and Tsubakijima are the beautiful islands at the tip of the Hirota Peninsula and the southernmost tip of Iwate Prefecture. It is famous as a breeding ground for black-tailed black-tailed black-tailed black-tailed black-tailed black-tailed black-tailed black-tailed cats, and groups of black-tailed black-tailed black-tailed black-tailed cats gather here from April to July. Tsubakijima used to have a colony of camellias on one side, but due to the breeding of black-tailed black-tailed gulls, it has now withered and is now a bare island. Aomatsushima is designated as a prefectural scenic spot and natural monument, and Tsubakishima is designated as a national natural monument.

Yakushigawa mountain stream

Many yamame trout and char live in the mountain stream, which stretches for about 10km from its confluence with the Oguni River. Approximately 10km up from the confluence, there are Taimagura Campsite, Bungalow Village, and Hayachine Mountain Villa, making it a base camp for fishing fans. Furthermore, 10km further on is the Odakoshi Pass, which is 1,200m above sea level and serves as the starting point for Mt. Hayachine (1,917m above sea level).

Hanamaki City Natural Recreation Village Square

This facility was built by the Employment Promotion Corporation and the city for the purpose of allowing working people to use their leisure time to enjoy nature with family and friends while improving their health and resting. There are tennis courts, gateball, athletic fields, and you can also do mini-camping.

Yamazakura Momo no Yu

[Spring quality] Sodium-chloride spring (hypotonic alkaline high temperature spring)

Kukai Kogen Walking Center

A facility that provides information about the nature of Kukai Kogen, including walking routes and flora and fauna, to visitors to Kukai Kogen. If you get tired after going around Mt. Kabuto Myojin, take a break here. You can also use the shower. You can also enjoy making your own original coasters by picking up fallen leaves. You can also have a yakiniku party at the outdoor kitchen, even if you don't bring your own, so please inquire.

Sakiyama Observatory

The Ria Scenic Line runs from Kirikiri towards Akahama. This observation deck is about 10 minutes by car from Kirikiri Station. You can see the magnificent Pacific Ocean, including Namiita Coast and Funakoshi Bay. Nojima can be seen directly below the observation deck. The contrast between the green pine trees, the white rock surface, and the blue sea is stunning, making it an impressive sight.

Moriyama General Park

In addition to indoor facilities such as a heated pool, gym, aerobics, squash and racquetball courts, and sauna, It is a facility where you can enjoy all kinds of sports, including a track and field stadium, baseball field, and tennis court.

Horai Island

This gourd-shaped island floating in Otsuchi Bay is selected as one of the New Eight Views of Otsuchi and represents the image of Otsuchi Town. Benzaiten is enshrined at the shrine on the island, which is deeply worshiped by fishermen and local people to pray for a bountiful catch and safe voyages. A memorial tower for fur seals is built at the base of the red lighthouse. The island is affectionately known as ``Gourd Island'' by the townspeople, and is a fishing mecca where anglers visit in all seasons.

Yabuya Hanamaki main store

A ``famous wanko soba'' restaurant founded in 1923. For Hanamaki's Wanko Soba, the waitstaff serves you one bowl at a time and stacks the bowls in front of you. If you reach 100 cups, you will be certified as a ``Yokozuna.'' It is said that Kenji Miyazawa also liked to order ``tempura soba and cider'' at the restaurant he patronized. When Kenji Miyazawa was a teacher, he called the school ``BUSH'' (meaning ``bush'' in English) and often brought his younger brother Seiroku and other students there.