TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Koiwai Farm, located in Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest dairy and tourist farms. Founded in 1891 (Meiji 24), it has developed based on vast pastures and dairy farming techniques. The farm, which covers approximately several thousand hectares, is beautiful with its grazing landscapes and seasonal scenery, and promotes "food, nature, and lifestyle" through the production and direct sales of milk and dairy products, restaurants, experience programs, and tour facilities. Ice cream, cheese, and sausages made with fresh milk are particularly popular, and the farm also attracts many visitors from both within and outside the prefecture as a tourist destination.
Highlights
- Grazing scenery and cows: The idyllic scenery of cows roaming the wide pastures is a great photo spot. You can enjoy different views depending on the season and time of day.
- Lone cherry tree (spring scenery): The combination of a single cherry tree standing on a farm hill with Mt. Iwate towering in the background is a spectacular spring scene (the blooming period varies from year to year).
- Dairy products direct sales and tasting: You can purchase and sample the farm's milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, etc. The popular soft serve ice cream often has long queues.
- Shops and Restaurants: There are restaurants offering dishes made with local ingredients and limited menus, as well as souvenir shops.
- Visit and experience programs: Farm tours, dairy farming experiences, butter and cheese making workshops, etc. (Advance reservations may be required).
- Flowers and scenery of the four seasons: Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery, the highlands in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter, each with its own unique charm.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Main base: The nearest major station is JR Morioka Station (Morioka City), making it a convenient base for sightseeing.
- Train + Bus: From Morioka Station, you can access the area by local bus or sightseeing bus, either directly or by changing buses (the number of buses varies depending on the season). The estimated travel time is approximately 30 to 50 minutes.
- The nearest local station is JR Shizukuishi Station, which is about a 15-25 minute taxi ride from the station (depending on the means of transportation and road conditions).
- By car: Approximately 20-40 minutes (approximately 20km) from central Morioka via public roads. Parking is available (it may fill up during peak hours, so we recommend arriving early).
- Tours: There are many seasonal sightseeing buses and day tours available, with convenient transportation included.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit/shopping: 1-1.5 hours (shop purchases and casual browsing)
- Leisurely sightseeing + lunch: 2-3 hours (restaurant use, dairy product tasting, photography)
- Experience programs and leisurely strolls: Half a day to a full day (including workshop participation and strolls around the area)
Nearby spots
- Oshuku Onsen: A hot spring resort accessible by car. Convenient for dining and lodging.
- Amihari Onsen and Mount Iwate area: A popular base for mountain climbing and nature walks.
- Sightseeing in Morioka city: Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park), gourmet tour including Morioka Reimen and Jajamen.
- Ski and highland resorts: In winter, you can enjoy nearby ski resorts and highland resorts (Appi Kogen is about an hour away by car).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The park is crowded during the cherry blossom season in spring, Golden Week, summer vacation, the autumn foliage season, and the New Year holidays. There may be waiting times at parking lots and restaurants, so be sure to allow plenty of time.
- Weather and clothing: The highland climate means large daily temperature differences. Even in summer, it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so please bring a jacket. In winter, snow accumulates and the roads freeze, so you will need winter tires and chains for your car.
- Consideration for animals: When near animals such as cows, please follow the fences and warning signs, and feeding or touching may be prohibited or restricted. Please be especially careful if you are traveling with children.
- Facility opening hours and holidays: Opening hours for shops, restaurants, and experience programs vary depending on the season and day of the week. Please check the official website or call in advance. Reservations may be required for some experiences.
- Drones/Photography: Flying drones and other devices may be restricted. When taking photographs, please be careful not to disturb others and follow the farm rules.
- Garbage etiquette: To protect the environment and animals, please take your trash with you or dispose of it in designated areas, and do not enter sidewalks or restricted areas.
*Facility details (opening hours, events, experience options, bus service, etc.) may change depending on the season and year. We recommend checking the latest information on Koiwai Farm's official website or contact information before visiting.
