2025 Ichinoseki Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

📍Michinoku Hydrangea Garden Have you heard of this place? 💭 Today, let me introduce you to the 'Michinoku Hydrangea Garden' located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, a perfect destination for early summer 🌼 Michinoku Hydrangea Garden is the largest hydrangea garden in Japan, proudly representing the Tohoku region ☀️ Spanning an area equivalent to four Tokyo Domes, the garden boasts approximately 400 varieties and 40,000 hydrangea plants in full bloom ☺️ This year, the garden will be open from Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to Monday, July 21, 2025 📝 One of the highlights is the 'Hydrangea Pond' 🌼 The pond is adorned with colorful hydrangeas floating on its surface, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene 🫧 The 'Hydrangea Pond' is only available for viewing from Friday, July 4, 2025, to Monday, July 21, 2025 (including the holiday), so make sure to plan accordingly 💭 I visited on the opening day last year 👀📷 Additionally, you can rent hydrangea-patterned umbrellas, making it even more fun to take photos with the pond 📷 The garden is vast and includes mountain trails, so I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes 👟 Last year, it was so hot that I almost got heatstroke—definitely a memorable experience! ☀️ Be sure to check it out 🎐🎐🎐 📍Michinoku Hydrangea Garden ・Address 111 Harasawa, Maikawa, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture ・Access Approximately 30 minutes by car from Ichinoseki IC on the Tohoku Expressway ・Opening Hours 【Hydrangea Garden Period】 June 25, 2025 (Wed) – July 21, 2025 (Mon) 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM) 【Hydrangea Pond】 July 4, 2025 (Fri) – July 21, 2025 (Mon, Holiday) ※ Dates may change depending on flower blooming conditions ・Admission Fee ▽ Fees vary by period 【June 25 – July 3, 2025】 Adults: 1,000 yen (high school students and above) Elementary and middle school students: 500 yen Preschool children: Free 【July 4 – July 21, 2025】 Adults: 1,500 yen (high school students and above) Elementary and middle school students: 500 yen Preschool children: Free

Do you know this place? I'm r e i n a, and I search for photogenic places while traveling📷 This time, I'd like to introduce you to Sahara Glass Park in Ichinoseki, Iwate! I live in Akita and have been to Iwate many times, but this is actually the first time I've been there🥹🌟 I've always wanted to go, so I'm happy🌷 It's a glass theme park near Genbikei, and the Glass Path is a space that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Showa era, and it was really wonderful! They also sell glass crafts, so if you see something you like, you can buy it 💡 Please go and check it out 🌼……………………………………………………………………………… 🔖Sahara Glass Park 📍 Address: 263-1 Takinoue, Genbi-cho, Ichinoseki-shi, Iwate 🕒 Opening hours: Open all year round from 9:00 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from December to March) 🎫 Free admission 🚗 Access: About 10 minutes by car from Ichinoseki IC on the Tohoku Expressway (parking available) We look forward to your posts and comments 💬#IwateTrip #SaharaGlassPark #IwateTourism #DomesticTravelRecord

#2024TravelReview When you come to Iwate Prefecture in the northeast, how can you not experience the #Geibikei River boat trip at one of Japan's 100 scenic spots! Especially in autumn, the red and yellow maple leaves on the rock walls of the stream form a beautiful landscape painting. Driving to Geibikei is the most convenient means of transportation. You can also visit the surrounding attractions #Chusonji #Motsuji #Genbi Gorge, or take the tram and then transfer to the bus. The Geibi River cruise is a human-powered paddle boat. The boatman stands at the bow and uses a very long paddle to paddle forward. There are wild ducks swimming beside the boat in the creek, diving and water skiing from time to time. You can also feed the ducks, which is quite therapeutic. The boatman will also improvise a ballad called "Geibi Oiwake", and the loud singing will echo through the valley, which is quite interesting! It makes people unconsciously pick up their phones to record the video, it's awesome. The Geibikei cruise experience ticket price is ¥1800, and you can pay with PayPal which is good. After buying the ticket, you can go and board according to the time. It takes about 1 hour, which is a very good experience. #日本東北自由旅行 #東北枫赏 #日本百景 #Geibikei

#Outing #100 Ways to Travel #Yanmei River, known as the most beautiful river in Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan, is famous for the strange rocks on both sides of the stream. The Iwai River, which comes from Mount Kurikoma, erodes and cuts many huge rocks in the stream, creating such a wonder. It is similar to the Liwu River canyon landform in Taroko, and is also a magnificent beauty. Yanmei River stretches for more than two kilometers. Cherry trees and maple trees are planted on the strange rocks. It is very beautiful when the flowers bloom, making it a great place for an outing. There are parking lots and shops nearby, and it takes less than five minutes to walk to the valley, which is quite relaxing. No wonder a lot of family tourists come here for outings on holidays. Next to the pavilion on the bank of Yanmei River, there is a rope hanging across to the business on the other side. This is the famous "Guo Gong Tuanzi". Just put the cash in the bamboo basket on the rock wall and knock on the wooden board representing the order. The tea house on the other side will use the rope to slide the dumplings and tea to deliver the meal. While sliding, they will also play "Sweet Honey" and the national flag song. It is super lively and fun! The most convenient way to get there is by car, or you can take the Iwate Prefecture Transportation Bus from JR Ichinoseki Station and get off at Genbikei Station. It is about a 1-minute walk away. #JapanTohokuFreeTravel #TohokuMapleViewing #Genbi Gorge #Outing #Iwate #Ichigoshi #GuogongDumpling #100TravelWays

#100 Ways to Travel After the Geibikei cruise, we checked into Bellino Hotel Ichinoseki in downtown Ichinoseki. This hotel is also a wedding hall. As soon as you enter the lobby, you’ll be greeted by the atmosphere of a wedding banquet, which is quite warm and beautiful. There are only guest rooms on floors 4-5, and floors 2-3 are wedding venues. In terms of price and room size, Belluno offers good value for money. A 20-square-meter superior double room costs less than NT$2,000 per night including breakfast. Although the room facilities are not new, they are well maintained, clean and tidy, the bed is very comfortable to sleep on, and there is a view from the window. Breakfast is semi-buffet style. The hotel will first prepare a whole set of special small dishes with ingredients from Iwate Prefecture, one portion per person, and then you can take the rice, soup, bread and drinks by yourself. The dining environment is quite elegant and the service is also good. It is a good choice for staying overnight when traveling to Hiraizumi, Ichinoseki, Chuson-in Temple, Genbikei, and Geibikei. #JapanTohokuFreeTravel #Ichigoku #BathtubHotel #100TravelWays

A must-see in Iwate! Introducing a spectacular view available for a limited time✍🏻 (All photos are from July 2024) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ This is Michinoku Hydrangea Garden in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture I've been looking at the spectacular view I've always wanted to see since the first day the Hydrangea Pond opened🩵 💠 Michinoku Hydrangea Garden "Hydrangea Pond" 💠 July 6th - 25th, 2024 The Hydrangea Garden itself is usually open from late June to late July, and the Hydrangea Pond can be seen from July💠✨ The Michinoku Hydrangea Garden, one of the largest in Japan, is located in a cedar forest the size of four Tokyo Domes. It boasts one of the largest numbers of original species in Japan, and has about 40,000 hydrangeas of 400 varieties in full bloom. The garden is an unpaved mountain path⛰️ We recommend that you wear waterproof shoes that are easy to walk in💪🏻 🏷️ Save this and use it as a reference for your outing! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ✍🏻 ᴛʀɪᴘ ᴛɪᴘs ˊ˗ I arrived around 3:30pm but there was still a line for the parking lot🚙 Last entry is at 4pm⏳ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ✍🏻 ɪɴғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ (as of October 2024) Michinoku Hydrangea Garden 📍Address: 111 Maikawa Harasawa, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture 🚐Parking: Available 🕰️Business hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ #Domestic travel #Iwate sightseeing #Iwate trip #trip domestic travel

[Access] About 20 minutes by taxi from Ichinoseki Station (Shinkansen, etc.) [Points] ~Enjoy Cuckoo Dango~ Genbikei is famous for its Cuckoo Dango. The Cuckoo shop owner on the opposite bank pulls a basket with a rope and serves dango and tea, and it looks like the dango is flying in the air. It's amazing to see the tea and dango served without them falling out of the basket. It's a recommended tourist spot. *Information as of May 2023. #Tourist Spot

My unforgettable journey to Genbikei Gorge left me in awe of nature's magnificence. Opting to drive through the lush countryside, I eagerly anticipated the breathtaking sights that awaited me. Upon arrival, I was immediately captivated by the dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and the lush foliage that adorned the gorge. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the enchanting boat tour that took me through the heart of this natural wonder. As we glided effortlessly along the river, our knowledgeable guide shared the rich history and legends that make Genbikei Gorge so fascinating. Each bend revealed new, picturesque scenes that etched themselves into my memory. Reflecting on the experience, I'm reminded of the unrivaled beauty of Genbikei Gorge and the unforgettable adventure that combined the thrill of the open road with the serenity of drifting through nature's masterpiece. #myperfectstaycation #flowerlover #foodie #本地遊 #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #passionpassport #japan #sakura #cherryblossom

Friends who like Pikachu You must come to Ichikan Station to have a look This is Ichinoseki Station in Tohoku, Japan Here are the Bika super trains of different ages Like an exhibition There is also a big Pikachu doll for taking photos There are also commemorative stamps that can be stamped The entire station is filled with Pikachu train information, photos, and figurines. I really want to take a ride on this train #Good Places for Families #Japan #Pikachu #Train

It's really beautiful when the weather is good. This photo was taken when I went in May. It depends a lot on the weather, but since it's above the clouds, the weather is good only about 50% of the time. So consider yourself lucky if it's sunny when you go. The hot spring ingredients are very concentrated, so be careful not to get overheated. You have to climb a steep mountain road, so you might get tired if you're driving alone. Take breaks along the way. But it's a highly recommended place!!

. When I went on a trip to the Ichinoseki area of ​​Iwate Prefecture, I tried glassblowing at Sahara Glass Park😆 I finished a vase for a single flower that I was very satisfied with♡ If you make a reservation, you can make it in 30 minutes, so it's good to make it as a souvenir for yourself❣️ It will also become a memory~☺️ It's also recommended as a tourist spot on a rainy day☔️ Please try it♪ ✼••┈┈••✼ #Tohoku #Iwate #IwatePrefecture #IwateTourism #TohokuTrip #Ichinoseki #Genbikei #SaharaGlassPark #ShowaRetro #DateSpot #GirlsTrip #GlassStudio #GlassBlownExperience #BlownGlass #VaseForSingleFlower Glass#Museum#CoupleTrip

This direct sales shop sells alcohol produced by Sekinoichi Brewery in Iwate Prefecture, and offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, including sake and Iwate Kura Beer. 🍶 You can even sample the recommended sake! There was even a sake with gold leaf in it. ✨ Craft beer is also popular, and I bought a unique beer with oysters and sansho pepper that was recommended to me during my tour of the Iwate Kura Beer factory. 🍺 It's also recommended as a souvenir from Iwate. ❣️ 📍5-42 Tamura-cho, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, 021-0885 #Iwate #Sake #CraftBeer #Trip2022

I had lunch at "Kuramoto Restaurant Sekinoichi," a restaurant located in the warehouse of a sake brewery founded in Iwate Prefecture in 1918. The set included Ichinoseki's festive local cuisine "mochi" and "tekiri hatto." Hatto is like sukiyaki, and you tear it yourself and put it in. It was a fun experience to do it yourself! You can enjoy mochi in a variety of flavors, including red bean paste, zunda, sesame, and salty. You can enjoy both craft beer and local cuisine, so it's recommended for tourists! 5-42 Tamura-cho, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, 021-0885 #Iwate #gourmettrip #localcuisine #trip2022

Genbikei Gorge is a place where you can experience the stunning beauty of nature shaped by the flow of water. The famous "Flying Dango" from Kakko-ya, a shop known for its unique delivery system, is a must-try. The dango is transported in a bucket attached to a rope, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that you can only enjoy here. Savor the delicious dango while admiring the beautiful scenery 😋 📍Location: Genbi Town, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture 🚗 Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR "Genbikei Station" / About a 15-minute drive from Ichinoseki IC on the Tohoku Expressway 🕰️ Hours: (Kakko-ya): 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM 💞 Recommended Reason: You can enjoy the stunning scenery, and experiencing the Flying Dango is definitely worth trying at least once!

It's really beautiful❤️ There are also famous desserts delivered in baskets, must try

Geibikei Gorge, located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, is one of Iwate's most celebrated scenic spots. Towering 100-meter-high cliffs line both sides of the Satetsu River, which flows gently through the area. The "hand-rowed boat" guided by the boatman's oar and traditional songs offers an experience that makes you forget the passage of time. Escape the hustle and bustle, and indulge in a luxurious moment of tuning into the sounds of nature. ⸻ 🌟 Highlights & Experiences - A "boat ride experience" that takes about 90 minutes to traverse the 2-kilometer-long gorge round trip - The boatman's live performance of the traditional "Geibi Oiwake" song resonates deeply - Opportunities to disembark mid-journey for activities like tossing lucky stones and exploring the cliffs up close ⸻ 🚉 Access - About 30 minutes by car from JR Ichinoseki Station - Recommended as part of a driving tour along with Hiraizumi and Genbikei Gorge ⸻ 🍁 Best Seasons to Visit - April to June: A refreshing river journey surrounded by fresh greenery - Mid-October to early November: Stunning views of autumn foliage reflecting on the water and cliffs - Winter (December to February): Kotatsu boats are available (advance confirmation required) ⸻ 📝 Travel Tips - Bring a hat or sunglasses during sunny seasons - Boats are limited, so it's better to make reservations or check schedules in advance - Note that Geibikei Gorge is a different location from Genbikei Gorge to avoid confusion! ⸻

Unfortunately I am not visiting in the right seasons. This scene is after winter time and on going to Spring. Based on the information, if visit in Autumn and Winter would be a very good experience, I wish I do have chance to visit here again to see the different season of the natural views. Me and my family spent time on the river boat ride which is a great memories :) #iwatejapan

#Sendai Sakura Originally, I was on a golf course. Since Sendai is at a higher latitude than Tokyo, the temperature is lower. Although it is not a cherry blossom viewing spot, cherry blossoms are still blooming everywhere. I finally experienced the grandeur and beauty of the so-called "Japanese cherry blossom viewing".

We decided to go to Geibi Gorge for a visit~ Take the bus from Sendai to Ichinoseki, then transfer to the bus to Geibikei Came to this place worth visiting It is convenient to book a boat ticket. Listen to the cute boatman telling you about the scenery on both sides of the river A gentle breeze, the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river is breathtaking~ Let people forget the fatigue of work ~ Close your eyes and enjoy this moment of tranquility❤️ #JapanTohoku Geibikei Gorge#Japan

#springwander A valley towering along the Sunatetsu River, a tributary of the Kitakami River that flows north and south of Iwate Prefecture. It was formed by erosion, and the cliffs ranging from 50m to 100m in height continue for about 2 km. The fantastic scenery dotted with strange rocks, caves, waterfalls, etc. is counted as one of the 100 scenic spots in Japan and is also designated as a national historical natural monument. To see the powerful scenery from the water, use the "boat descent", which takes about 90 minutes to go back and forth on the river. The appearance of the boatman skilfully maneuvering the boat with a single boatman and the boatman's song "Keibi Oiwake" are also one of the specialties of the Kohakei.

#springwander A scenic spot designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument. The Iwai River, which emits a water source from Mt. Kurikoma, erodes giant rocks, and strange rocks and rocks are connected for about 2 km. The dynamic landscape created by the expressive rock face and the beautiful stream of emerald green is a splendour that fascinates visitors. One of the great attractions of Yanbi Creek is that you can enjoy the powerful scenery that has changed depending on the location, such as the powerful scenery where the rough current hits the rocks and splashes vigourously, and the relaxed and calm abyss can be seen downstream. Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter, showing various expressions depending on the four seasons.

#springwander A famous mountain at an altitude of 1,626 metres that spans the three prefectures of Miyagi Prefecture, Akita Prefecture, and Iwate Prefecture. The surrounding landscape is designated as a national park, and untouched nature such as primeval beech forests and wetlands remains. There are a total of 9 hiking trails, and courses for advanced students are available from courses for beginners and families that can reach the top of the mountain in about 2 hours. There are also many hot springs in the mountains, such as "Shinyu Onsen" surrounded by beech forests and "Sukawa Kogen Onsen", which boasts a view at an altitude of 1,126 metres.

Super interesting. Flying dumplings, Guogong flying dumplings Kuogong-dango can be combined with Yanbi Gorge (the most beautiful gorge in Japan) for a day trip, which is a good match. It is very convenient to drive by yourself, and there are parking lots around. When you see the store's banners, head toward Tiangong Bridge. When you pass the Tiangong Bridge and look to the right toward the pavilion, you can see the crowds. There are people there all the time, and we also met many tourists from all over the place. Just put the yen in the basket, and when the bell rings, the basket will be pulled back, and after a while the basket will fly down from the sky and you can get your dumplings. Before leaving, you can also visit the nearby Meike Rest House (souvenir shop). #Guogong Flying Dumpling #Yan Meixi #MarchGoodPlaces2025

This time I went to Iwate Hanamaki Morioka for a self-guided tour. I didn't expect to encounter heavy snow before departure. I drove for two days to visit Genbikei, Geibikei, Tazawako, and Akita's Bujiashiki. The snow made this trip more beautiful. There are not many tourists in Tohoku in winter, and there is less noise and more tranquility. The whole trip was very leisurely and I enjoyed the slow life in Tohoku, which is very different from the summer. I felt very friendly wherever I went. Iwate is really suitable for slow travel. I will definitely arrange to visit again if I have the chance. 💞Recommended reason: slow travel, leisure, beautiful scenery 💰Per capita consumption: Medium Day 2: Yanbi Gorge, Geibike Gorge Day 3: Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate Samurai Yashiki Street, Michinoku Akita Pudding Shop Day 3: Morioka Castle Ruins, Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, Iwate Bank Red Brick Building 【Must-eat food】 1. Shengluoge + BBQ cold noodles (warm noodles) 2. Sakura no Sato + Oyakodon, skewers 3. Hakuryu + Morioka Jjajangmyeon. Ramen (I’ve tried it before) 【Accommodation recommendation】 Morioka Hotel Name: Richmond Hotel Hotel address〒020-0034 9-17 Morioka Station, Morioka-mae-dori, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

Sahara Glass Park is a place where you can experience the charm of glass crafts. Approximately 10,000 glass crafts collected from all over the world are on display, and you can enjoy a heartwarming time surrounded by colorful glass works. You can also experience glass blowing in the workshop and create your own original work. There is also a restaurant with 250 seats, where you can spend a wonderful time with your meal. 🕰️ Business hours: 9:00-17:30 (until 17:00 from December to March) 📍 Location: 263-1 Takinoue, Genbi-cho, Ichinoseki-shi, Iwate Prefecture #0 Yen Trip February 2025

Genbikei, located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, is a valley created over many years by the Iwai River, which originates from Mount Kurikoma. The beautiful scenery created by the emerald-green river and oddly shaped rocks is an attraction, and you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. The specialty "Flying Dumplings," also known as Cuckoo Dumplings, is a unique style in which you order using a rope and the dumplings and tea in a basket are carried across the river. A recommended spot where you can enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food at the same time! #0 Yen Travel February 2025

Great place. We drove there and met friends from the same hometown who were on a tour group. It was really rare. Genbikei Gorge is the Iwai River that flows from Mt. Kurikoma into Ichinoseki City. It was formed by erosion over a long period of time and is a national scenic spot and natural monument. In the emerald-colored water that stretches for about two kilometers, you can see the "static" and "dynamic" beauty of the valley, including strange rocks, huge rocks, potholes, abysses, waterfalls, etc. There are pale pink cherry blossoms in spring, refreshing greens in summer, fiery red leaves in autumn, and solemn snow scenes in winter. The Genbi Gorge has different beautiful scenery in each season, and the Lord of Sendai Domain, Date Masamune, once praised it as "Matsushima and Genbi are the two great scenic spots in our territory." Genbikei Gorge is only about 20 minutes away from JR Ichinoseki Station by car. It attracts more than 1 million visitors every year and is the most popular tourist attraction in the Ichinoseki area.

Geibikei is truly a breathtaking place! The natural scenery here is stunning, with emerald green waters, spectacular cliffs, and dense forests all around, making you feel the power and charm of nature. Whether you choose to hike or take a boat tour, you can experience the unique beauty of this place. It is especially recommended to visit in the early morning or around noon when the sunlight penetrates the treetops and reflects on the water, creating a dreamy scene. The air here is fresh, making you feel relaxed and refreshed, making it an ideal place to unwind. If you love photography, this is definitely an ideal spot for capturing beautiful photos. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these unforgettable moments! In short, Geibikei is not only a tourist destination but also a place to reconnect with nature. Highly recommended for every nature lover! 🕰️Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM 💰Average Cost: 1800 yen per boat ticket (mandatory)