In February, I took a day trip to Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. It was a whirlwind tour covering the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum, Hanamaki hot springs, and local gourmet food all in one day, but I had an incredibly fulfilling time.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to Hanamaki’s charming tourist spots and the best way to visit them. This is a tourist course that can be enjoyed year-round, so if you’re planning a trip to Hanamaki, please use this as your reference!
Table of Contents
Access and Transportation for Hanamaki Tourism
To efficiently visit multiple tourist spots in one day, I used a rental car. There’s a Times Car Share station right next to Hanamaki Airport, making it extremely convenient to rent a car immediately after getting off the plane.
For winter travel in Hanamaki, studded tires come as standard equipment, so you can feel safe driving!
Hanamaki Gourmet | Lunch at HAIKARA-YA
Location: GoogleMap📌
Cost: Around 1,000 yen
Hours: 11:00〜17:00
I chose Haikara-ya for lunch in Hanamaki. Despite its reasonable prices, both the taste and atmosphere are excellent at this recommended cafe restaurant.
The daily lunch special I ordered (980 yen) was an exquisite dish with melting cheese and refreshing chicken perfectly matched together. The rich cheese spread in my mouth, and the sauce had just the right seasoning - I finished it completely. With rice and tea (or coffee) included, this price is absolutely satisfying.
You wouldn’t imagine it from the exterior, but the interior has a wonderful design like a stylish cafe on a hill. It’s not crowded, allowing you to enjoy your meal leisurely - a hidden gem spot.
If you’re wondering where to have lunch during your Hanamaki sightseeing, definitely visit Haikara-ya.
Hanamaki Literary Spots | Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum & Fairy Tale Village “Kenji’s School”
Location: GoogleMap📌
Cost: 350 yen (combined ticket for both facilities)
Hours: 8:30〜16:30
Hanamaki is famous as the hometown where fairy tale author Miyazawa Kenji was born and raised. This is a precious spot where you can learn about Kenji’s worldview and life, the creator of many masterpieces including “The Restaurant of Many Orders” and “Night on the Galactic Railroad.”
The memorial museum and fairy tale village are adjacent to each other across the road, and both together cost only 350 yen - surprisingly affordable! Nearby are also the Hanamaki Nitobe Memorial Museum and Hanamaki City Museum.
Highlights of the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
At the memorial museum, you can learn in detail about Miyazawa Kenji’s creative activities and the background of his works through abundant materials. The chronologically organized exhibits are designed to be easily understood even by those unfamiliar with Kenji’s works.
There are also experience corners for children and video screening spaces for stories, making it recommended for family sightseeing in Hanamaki.
The Appeal of Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village “Kenji’s School”
At the Fairy Tale Village, you can experience the worldview of animals and insects that Miyazawa Kenji depicted. Kenji’s unique view of nature and love for living creatures are expressed through easy-to-understand and enjoyable exhibits.
There are also fantastical spaces perfect for social media, with mysterious worlds featuring blue trees and red doors arranged in pure white rooms. This is a special place where you can truly experience the worldview of Kenji’s fairy tales.
Hanamaki Hot Springs | Healing the Day’s Fatigue at Yamanokamisonsen Nagomi-no-yu
Location: GoogleMap📌
Cost: 900 yen
Hours: 10:00〜20:00 (bathing until 21:00)
To conclude my Hanamaki sightseeing, I healed my fatigue at Yamanokamisonsen Nagomi-no-yu. It’s a new and clean hot spring facility where you can view beautiful mountain slopes from the outdoor bath.
It was a very luxurious time to slowly heal the fatigue from a day of Hanamaki sightseeing in the hot springs. Being able to bathe while feeling nature in the outdoor bath is a unique charm of Hanamaki hot springs.
Note that this facility is part of Yamanokamisonsen Yukasan. Day-trip bathing at the main Yukasan building is also possible, but reception ends around 15:00, so please be careful. I didn’t make it in time…
Summary | The Charm of Hanamaki Tourism and Expectations for Next Time
Iwate Prefecture’s Hanamaki City was a heartwarming tourist destination with beautiful traditional scenery spreading throughout. Not only does it have literary charm as Miyazawa Kenji’s hometown, but it’s also a wonderful place where you can enjoy delicious gourmet food and quality hot springs.
Besides the spots I visited this time, Hanamaki has many other attractive tourist destinations such as:
- Food hopping in the Hanamaki hot spring resort town
- Hanamaki Nitobe Memorial Museum
- Hanamaki City Museum
- Other hot spring facilities
Hanamaki has so many attractions that one day isn’t enough to see them all. Next time, I want to stay longer and thoroughly savor Hanamaki’s charms.
If you’re planning Hanamaki tourism, please use this model course as reference and enjoy your special time in Miyazawa Kenji’s hometown!