Outdoor
Outdoor activity sites where we can touch the galaxy
Kenji Miyazawa often wrote about the Kitakami River, waterfalls and waterfront areas around Hanamaki in his literature. Probably the clean and gentle flow of the river nursed his soul and inspired him to imagine the universe. Let us show you the places where you can enjoy outdoor activities in Hanamaki.
Lake Tase Auto Campground
Located next to the fishing park, this campground has some sites with power supply.
Lake Tase Fishing Park
Beginners are welcome! You can rent a rod and enjoy feeling the nibbles of big carp and crucian carp. Ph. 0198-44-5007 (Apr. – Nov.)
Ikoi no Mori Campground
The 66-hectare park, “Ikoi no Mori”, is a part of Mt. Kannari in the Tase area. It has cooking areas, water supply, lodges, training tracks and nature trails. From the top of Mt. Kannari, you can observe Lake Tase below. The new green leaves in spring and autumn colors are especially beautiful. On the nature trail, you can enjoy the birdsong and occasionally see small animals.
Ph. 0198-44-5846 (Apr. – Nov.)
Towa B&G Marine Center (yacht harbor)
Instructors can teach you how to sail or canoe from the basics. As the lake doesn’t have a current, it’s a perfect place for beginners and families. Ph. 0198-44-5336 (Apr. – Nov.; closed on Mondays)
Hanamaki Recreational Park
This large park, with its multipurpose grounds, golf course, sports facilities and natural forest, can be enjoyed all season. Ph.0198-27-3586
Namari Onsen Ski Resort
Six different runs cater to all skiers and snowboarders from beginners to experts. Night skiing is also available. Ph.0198-25-2711
Ishidoriya Ice Arena
Located next to the Ishidoriya Roadside Station, this indoor skating rink is popular among families and youth groups as it is easy to access. Ph.0198-45-6661
Morioka South Golf Club
Open-style courses are rare in Tohoku and this golf club has a fine reputation. These intelligent, varied links give golfers a fair test of their ability. Spending time in the southern European-style clubhouse is popular. Ph.0198-45-5681
Totsukamori Forest Park
This park, 10 minutes drive east of Ishidoriya Station, has some outdoor facilities such as a playground, lodges and campground. It’s a good place to enjoy the beautiful nature from spring to autumn. Ph.0198-45-2111
Waterfalls in Hanamaki and their folk stories
Kenji Miyazawa wrote about waterfalls in his poems and fairytales. There are many in Hanamaki.
Kuzumaru Stream
One of the branches of the Kitakami River, Kuzumaru River has a 6km-long stretch of mountain stream in the Ou mountain range. The area is perfect for birdwatching, bathing, fishing and viewing autumn leaves, especially at the beautiful Ichi no Taki falls and Mt. Mitsukura. Kenji immortalised this beautiful waterfall in verse.
Taroshi Falls
Some mountain runoff that pours into the Kuzumaru River freezes and becomes a huge ice pillar in winter. The local people have a custom of divining the crop situation of the year from the size of the pillar, measuring it on February 11th.
Nanaori Falls
This 50m-high waterfall, on the side of Mt. Keitosan, often changes the direction of its current. A kind of Buddha, Fudo, is carved on the rock above the basin.
Fuenuki Falls
The Fuenuki Falls are located about 1km away from the Kawara no Bo trailhead for Mt. Hayachine. These waterfalls are said to be the location of Kenji’s fairy tale, “Wildcat and the Acorns”. The water used to spring forth from seven holes aligned in the rock, like a Japanese flute.
Ozora Falls
The water of these 83m-high, 6m-wide falls comes from beech forest about 3km above the falls. In Kenji’s “The Bears of Nametoko”, it is described as follows: “You might be puzzled to see something long, white and narrow trailing down the mountain in a flurry of mist.”
Kamabuchi Falls
Located about 10 minutes’ walk from Hanamaki Hot Springs, Kamabuchi falls, which is 8.5m high and 30m wide, became the location of Kenji’s short story, “The Dai River”.