Hanamaki City

Hanamaki City

Hanamaki City is located in the central-western part of Iwate Prefecture. To the west lie the Ou Mountains, and to the east stretches the fertile Kitakami Plain, which connects with the continuous ranges of the Kitakami Highlands. As the seasons change, Hanamaki City presents a series of diverse natural landscapes, making your journey full of delightful discoveries.

The western part of Hanamaki City is home to a rich variety of Hanamaki Onsen hot springs that gush forth along the valleys of the Ou Mountains — this diversity is part of its charm. With a total of 11 hot spring sources, you can fully indulge in the pleasure of onsen bathing. Mount Azuma, standing prominently at 1,917 meters within the Kitakami Highlands, is an imposing and majestic mountain range that extends over ten kilometers from its eastern peak, Ken Peak, to its central peak, Chuo Peak, including Jizou Mountain. Recognized by Kyūya Fukada as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, it holds endless allure for hikers with its flowers that bloom even in harsh alpine conditions. Along the Kuzumaru River, which originates in the Ou Mountains, you can enjoy scenic valley features such as unique rocks and waterfalls, as well as outdoor activities like fishing, autumn leaf viewing, and forest bathing. The Ice Pillar Falls, known as a poetic winter spectacle, is said to offer a mystical way to predict that year’s rice harvest based on the thickness of its ice formations.

Hanamaki City boasts a wealth of cultural heritage. In addition to world-renowned figures such as the author Kenji Miyazawa and painter Goro Bitō, the area also preserves many traditional arts and crafts. These include the local Shōhiike Kagura and Deer Dance performances, as well as the sake brewing techniques of the Nanbu Toji, one of Japan’s three great brewing lineages. Other cherished crafts include textile weaving using torn strips of old fabric, and hand-weaving — all of which have been passed down through generations.

Hanamaki

Must-visit reason: A renowned tourist city in Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Iwate Prefecture [Iwate Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Hanamaki City [Hanamaki]