[2025 Hanamaki Attraction] Travel Guide for Miyazawa Kenji Memorial (Updated Apr)

The Tohoku region of Japan is known for its unique natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and simple folk customs. Hanamaki City, located in the mid-western part of Iwate Prefecture, is a shining jewel in this land. Whether it's a fairytale art world, a tranquil hot spring resort, or magnificent natural scenery, Hanamaki City can satisfy every traveler's expectations. Next, we will introduce this charming city in detail to help you plan a perfect trip! --- 1. Overview of Hanamaki City Geographical Location Hanamaki City is located in the mid-western part of Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Honshu Island, Japan, bordering the Kitakami Mountains to the north and the Kitakami River Valley to the south. Its advantageous geographical location makes it an important gateway city for exploring the Tohoku region of Japan. Highlights - City of Culture: With the fairytale world of the famous writer Kenji Miyazawa at its core, Hanamaki City has become one of the most artistic cities in the Tohoku region of Japan. - Hot Spring Village: As the largest hot spring resort in Iwate Prefecture, Hanamaki City is rich in diverse hot spring resources and is a perfect place to relax and unwind. - Natural Beauty: From the magnificent Kamabuchi Falls to the tranquil Mount Hayachine, the natural landscape of Hanamaki City is unforgettable. --- 2. Recommended Attractions in Hanamaki City 1. Culture and Art (1) Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum - Highlights: This is the core display of the literary world of the famous Japanese writer Kenji Miyazawa. The museum displays his personal belongings, precious manuscripts, and the creative background of classic works such as "Strong in the Rain" and "Night on the Galactic Railroad." - Recommended reason: If you are a literature lover or a family traveling with children, this is a great choice to experience the charm of fairytales. (2) Kenji Miyazawa Fairytale Village - Highlights: Based on the fairy tales of Kenji Miyazawa, the Fairytale Village uses "sound, light, and electricity" technology to restore classic scenes such as "The Fairy's Marsh" and "Cello and Violin," making people feel as if they are in a magical fairytale world. - Recommended reason: Suitable for families and fairytale fans, bring your children here to experience the collision of childlike interest and imagination. (3) Lumbini Museum - Highlights: This is one of Japan's leading birthplaces of "Art Brut." The museum houses a collection of unique works of art, showcasing the artists' original creativity and unique perspectives. - Recommended reason: If you are interested in modern art, this is a must-see destination. 2. Hot Springs and Leisure (1) Hanamaki Onsenkyo - Highlights: Hanamaki Onsenkyo is the largest hot spring resort in Iwate Prefecture, with 14 hot springs of various water qualities, from sulfur springs to carbonated springs, each offering a unique healing experience. - Recommended reason: Suitable for travelers who want to relax and unwind, soak in the hot springs, and feel the gifts of nature and tranquility. (2) Hanamaki Onsen Rose Garden - Highlights: This is the largest rose garden in the Tohoku region of Japan, with 450 varieties and 6,000 rose bushes. Especially during the early summer and autumn rose festivals, visitors can wear yukatas, stroll through the flower corridors, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere. - Recommended reason: Flower lovers must not miss this, especially couples and families. 3. Natural Scenery (1) Kamabuchi Falls - Highlights: Formed by the downstream flow of the Dai River, although the waterfall is not large, it is magnificent. The clear water flows down from a high place, splashing white water, and there is a rose garden nearby, making the scenery very dreamy. - Recommended reason: Suitable for tourists who like natural landscapes and photography. (2) Mount Hayachine - Highlights: This is a good place for nature lovers to hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The mountain is not high, making climbing easy, but it offers spectacular views, and there are many alpine plants on the mountain. - Recommended reason: Suitable for travelers who like outdoor activities and natural scenery. 4. Historical Sites (1) Iwate Prefectural Museum - Highlights: The museum collects and displays historical relics, artworks, and other items from the Iwate Prefecture area, covering various exhibits from ancient times to modern times. - Recommended reason: If you are interested in the history and culture of the Tohoku region of Japan, this is an ideal place to learn more about local changes. (2) Hanamaki Castle Ruins - Highlights: This is the site of a military fortress from the Edo period. The natural scenery around the ruins is simple and tranquil, full of historical charm. - Recommended reason: History buffs and those who like to visit ancient sites should not miss this. --- Getting to Hanamaki City: - From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Morioka Station, then transfer to the JR Line to Hanamaki Station, the whole journey takes about 4 hours. - From Osaka: Fly to Tokyo or Osaka first, then travel to Hanamaki City by train or bus. - City Transportation: - It is recommended to rent a bicycle or walk around the city, which is both environmentally friendly and convenient. 2. Accommodation - Recommended types: - Hot spring hotels: Experience traditional Japanese hot spring accommodation and feel the healing charm of Hanamaki Onsen. - Guesthouses: Choose local guesthouses to experience the authentic Tohoku style. --- 4. Hanamaki City Travel Tips 1. Best Tourist Season: - Summer: Suitable for hiking Mount Hayachine and viewing the magnificent scenery of Kamabuchi Falls. - Autumn: The autumn rose festival at Hanamaki Onsen Rose Garden is not to be missed. At the same time, the autumn leaves in the mountains are picturesque and suitable for photography. 2. Language and Currency: - Japanese is the local language, but major attractions and tourist centers have English signs. - The Japanese currency is the yen. ATMs are located throughout the city for easy exchange and withdrawal. 3. Etiquette and Taboos: - Please observe etiquette when entering hot springs. Shower and clean yourself before entering the bath. - When visiting historical sites, please keep quiet and respect local culture and customs. --- 5. Conclusion Hanamaki City is a comprehensive tourist city integrating nature, culture, and history. Whether it's a fairytale art world, a tranquil hot spring resort, or magnificent natural scenery, it's an unforgettable experience. I hope this guide can help you better plan your itinerary and experience the unique charm of this hidden gem!

Stumble into a Fairytale World 🏰 Kenji Miyazawa's Fairy Tales in Hanamaki, Japan 🌟Who is Kenji Miyazawa? He's a legendary Japanese fairy tale writer, a true giant in Japanese literature! His classics, like *Night on the Galactic Railroad* and *The Restaurant of Many Orders*, have not only influenced generations of Japanese readers but have also been translated into numerous languages, captivating audiences worldwide. His writing, brimming with poetry and fantasy, beautifully portrays the wonders of nature and the goodness of humanity. In Japan, he's as famous as Hans Christian Andersen is to us. 🏰Highlights of the Fairy Tale Village Stepping into the Fairy Tale Village is like falling into one of Miyazawa's fairy tales. 🎠The Fairy Path: This is my absolute favorite! Hidden among the lush trees and beside the clear pools are colorful prisms, sparkling like gems. As sunlight streams through, the refracted light dances in the forest, creating a dreamlike wonderland. It's even more breathtaking at night when the lights come on, as if fairies are about to throw a party~ 📚Kenji's Classroom: Composed of small wooden cabins, each with a different theme. Some showcase plants from the fairy tales, others feature animals, and there are also exhibits on stars, birds, stones, and more. Here, you can delve deeper into Miyazawa's creative inspiration, almost seeing him at work. Plus, the "Forest Shop Cabin" sells a wide variety of souvenirs and Hanamaki specialties—perfect for gifts! 🏫Kenji's School: This is the heart of the fairy tale world! There are five themed rooms. The "Dream Hall" is like the opening scene of a fairy tale, mysterious and romantic, with stunning lighting effects. The "Cosmos Room" offers a view of the vast universe, with twinkling stars fulfilling all your cosmic fantasies. The "Sky Room" features floating clouds and flying birds, making you feel like you can reach out and touch the sky. The "Earth Room" uses a giant 3D model to vividly depict insects, small animals, and plants from the fairy tales, immersing you in the vitality of the earth. The "Water Room" shimmers with light, with fish swimming about, recreating the magic of water in the fairy tales. 🚉The Galactic Railroad Station and Train: At the entrance of the Fairy Tale Village, you'll see the Galactic Railroad station and train from *Night on the Galactic Railroad*, instantly pulling you into the story. Taking photos in front of the station is a guaranteed way to get amazing shots, making you feel like you're about to board the train for a galactic adventure! 🚗Transportation: From JR Shin-Hanamaki Station, it's a 15–20 minute walk, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way. You can also take a bus for a more effortless journey. 🍜Food: Nearby is "Cat," a restaurant based on Miyazawa's work *The Restaurant of Many Orders*. Here, you can savor dishes inspired by the fairy tale, with the "Ihatov Utopia Set Meal" being a must-try. It's both delicious and beautifully presented!

📍Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture Japanese poet and fairy tale writer Miyazawa Kenji I've been to a number of places using discount tickets to learn about the philosophy and upbringing of Kenji, who also has many roles as a farmer, Buddhist, and teacher, so I'd like to introduce them to you. ⚫︎Kenji's School ⚫︎Miyazaki Kenji Memorial Museum ⚫︎Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village ⚫︎The Restaurant of Many Orders You can visit these places for free with your bus ticket. You can also enjoy free admission with your bus ticket, so be sure to check out these great deals and have fun🔖 ※Check the official website for ticket details! _ _ _ _ _ ⚫︎Discount bus ticket Only for those who get off at specific bus stops on the community bus "Tsuchizawa Line" "Facility discount coupons" distributed to those who get off at the bus stops "Kenji Memorial Hall Entrance", "Fuda Nagane", "Nitobe Memorial Hall Entrance", and "Tsuchizawa Nakamachi" _ _ _ _ _ ⚫︎Facility discount coupons Free admission to five facilities, including the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Hall and the Yorozu Tetsugoro Memorial Museum _ _ _ _ _ #Iwate #IwateTourism #HanamakiCity #DomesticTravel #0YenTravelFebruary2025

📍Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture [Morioka ranked 2nd in the 52 places to visit in 2023] I went on a 3-day, 2-night trip to Morioka and Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture. I will introduce the quiet streets of Tohoku and the historical spots where Kenji Miyazawa spent his time. ① Bank of Iwate ② Kaiun Bridge ③ Tea and Iron Bottle Engawa (closed August 2024) ④ Takuboku Kenji Youth Museum ⑤ Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum ⑥ Yamanekoken ⑦ Takamatsuan ⚫︎Notes ※I went in March, but there was still snow left. Please be careful about what you wear! _ _ _ _ _ Please use this as a reference for your next trip🔖 #Iwate Prefecture #Iwate Tourism #Morioka Tourism #Kenji Miyazawa #Domestic Travel #0 Yen Travel February 2025