2026 Kitakami Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

#0yentravelnovember The Tenshochi Park in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, is located on the east bank of the Kitakami River, which flows from north to south through Kitakami City, and is lined with cherry blossom trees stretching for about 1km. The cherry blossom trees are beautiful in spring, of course, but when the cherry blossoms fall, the azaleas are beautiful, and when the azaleas fall, the hydrangeas are beautiful, and the autumn leaves are also recommended. Many people come here for jogging and strolling, and at the rest house with a large parking lot, you can enjoy freshly pounded rice cakes and handmade soba noodles. Nearby, there is a small museum and an ethnic village that has been relocated and renovated from old houses, which you can enjoy.

. After sightseeing in the Ichinoseki area of ​​Iwate Prefecture, we stayed at the hotel "Hotel City Plaza Kitakami"✨ It's a hotel with a large public bath that overlooks the Kitakami River and the city😊 I'm very satisfied because it was a good value for money☺️ The spacious lobby also had a chapel made entirely of glass! By the way, in spring, you can see the famous cherry blossoms of Kitakami Tenshochi from the hotel🌸 ✼••┈┈••✼ #Iwate #IwateTourism #IwateHotel #IwateAccommodation #KitakamiCityHotel #CityPlazaKitakami #HotelCityPlazaKitakami #CoupleTrip #ValueFor moneyHotel #Accommodation

I visited the Yakult factory in Kitakami, Iwate, and it was so much fun! Right from the entrance, there was a wide display of Yakult from around the world, and it was fascinating just to see how the packaging differs from country to country. There were lots of exclusive designs for overseas markets like Korea, Thailand, and the Netherlands, and it really showed me how much Yakult is loved all over the world. The museum was filled with not only Shirota strain Lactobacillus products, but also a wide selection of Yakult Group products like ramen, noodles, soy milk drinks, and vegetable juice. I was amazed at how wide the range of products they offer. The exhibits were beautiful and the photos were great! There was also a commemorative photo spot, and a great way to add the date of your visit. It was a very interesting factory tour that was fun for both families and adults alike.

Located just a short walk from Kitakami Station, where the Shinkansen "Hayabusa" stops, this hotel is easily accessible via a covered walkway, ensuring you stay dry even on rainy days. Having just opened this year, the interior is exceptionally clean. From the windows, you can enjoy the sight of Shinkansen trains passing by, but surprisingly, the noise is minimal, allowing for a peaceful and relaxing stay. The bathwater is slightly on the hotter side, which was perfect for me, providing a truly rejuvenating experience. Breakfast is served buffet-style at 1,800 yen for guests (2,000 yen for non-guests or same-day visitors). The selection is just right—not overwhelming—and everything was delicious, leaving me completely satisfied. The room wear is a comfortable two-piece set with pockets, making it very convenient. Overall, it was an extremely pleasant stay.

Iwate Prefecture. Tucked away in the mountains, beyond the Geto Kogen Ski Resort, is the Geto Onsen open-air bath. It costs 700 yen to bathe in any of the seven baths. The main bath is Oyu, which is incredibly hot, straight from the source. It was 47 degrees on the day we visited, but apparently it was 49 degrees the day before. The front desk explained, "It's hot, and even people who couldn't walk can now walk. It's hot, but you can just pour the water over yourself, so please come and enjoy it." I managed to get in despite my broken left leg in a traffic accident. There is a mixed bath, but there are also women-only times. I went at the end of summer, and because it's in the mountains, the breeze was cool, so I really enjoyed the hot springs. #SecretHotSpring #MixedBath #GetoOnsen

🌟 "Hotel Montien Bangkok," an urban oasis steeped in tradition and elegance 🏙️✨ Located in the heart of Bangkok, "Hotel Montien" is a historic luxury hotel that beautifully blends the traditional charm of Thailand with modern comfort. The spacious, classic-style rooms offer a serene atmosphere, providing a relaxing retreat. The hotel also boasts excellent facilities, including a pool and spa, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Its convenient location makes it ideal for both business and leisure travelers, with numerous shopping and dining spots nearby. With warm Thai hospitality and traditional service, this hotel ensures a truly special stay. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a blend of history and comfort.

Kitakami Tenshochi is definitely a must-see spot for cherry blossom viewing in Tohoku

#cherryblossom25 If you're chasing sakura, you have to experience sakura snow—the moment when petals gently fall like snowflakes in the breeze. That’s why I always say, better to be late than early when it comes to sakura season! To catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom, I timed my trip just right to be in Aomori’s Hirosaki, starting my sakura chase from the north and making my way down to Hakodate. Each year, sakura bloom dates can shift by about a week. Luckily, I arrived in Kitakami Tenshōchi Park just as the sakura snow was happening. Half of the petals were still clinging to the trees, and half were carpeting the ground, blowing around like a soft pink cloud in the wind. It was one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen. 🌸🌬️ To get there: Take the JR Line to Kitakami Station, then walk just 5 minutes to the riverbank. From there, you’ll see rows of cherry trees across the water—crossing the bridge will take you right to them. Tip: Stay overnight in Kitakami. The riverside hotels offer a view of the cherry blossom park from your window, and early mornings or evenings are the perfect time to enjoy the blossoms without the crowds—ideal for peaceful photoshoots! 📸✨ #travel

#cherryblossom25 If you could only visit one cherry blossom spot in Tohoku,Kitakami Tenshochi would be the ultimate choice—where the magic of sakura season reaches its peak! The 2-kilometer sakura tunnel along the Kitakami River is a breathtaking spectacle, with around 10,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees forming an unbroken canopy of pink blossoms, earning its place among Japan’s "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots." By day, walking beneath this floral arch feels like stepping into a painting; by night (6:00 PM–9:00 PM), the illuminated yozakura transforms the river into a dreamscape, with reflections of glowing blossoms dancing on the water’s surface. The experience goes beyond just viewing: Glide along the river on a traditional yakata-bune boat for a unique perspective beneath the blossoms, or explore the food stalls serving regional delights like Wanko Soba and crispy Nanbu Senbei—don’t miss the sakura-themed sweets! If you’re lucky, you might catch lively Shishi-odori (deer dance) performances or folk music, adding a touch of Tohoku’s vibrant culture. Pro tips for photographers:Head to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the "sakura river," or stroll the riverside path to capture petals fluttering in the breeze. Access is a breeze from Tokyo—just 2.5 hours via Shinkansen to Kitakami Station, then a 10-minute shuttle bus to this floral paradise. Kitakami Tenshochi isn’t just a destination; it’s the ultimate celebration of spring in Tohoku!

#cherryblossom25 Everyone come check this out!!✨ Who says cherry blossom viewing has to be in Tokyo or Kyoto? Tohoku in northern Japan is the real hidden gem! In springtime, places like Morioka, Akita, Aomori, Hirosaki… are absolutely stunning 🌸✨ Not only are there fewer crowds and beautiful views, but it's also home to one of Japan’s top 3 cherry blossom spots: Hirosaki Park. Every photo here looks like it came straight out of a drama 🍃📷 Here are the amazing sakura spots I visited in Tohoku: 🌸 Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park): Full of history and fluttering petals—romantic and atmospheric. 🌸 Kitakami Tenshochi: Endless cherry trees along the riverbank, plus you can take a little boat ride! 　🚨 There's a hidden gem restaurant nearby with great vibes—I’m thinking of writing a full post just about it! (Let me know if you're interested!) 🌸 Kakunodate Samurai District: Edo-period vibes meet blooming sakura. It’s like stepping into a historical drama set. 🌸 Hinokinai River Embankment: A perfect riverside walking and picnic spot that stretches from Kakunodate. 🌸 Hirosaki Park: The ultimate dream! Petal rafts floating in the moat, romantic night blossoms glowing softly, and petals dancing like snow in the wind… It’s a must-see in your lifetime!! Also 📍Gappo Park, which becomes completely blanketed in cherry blossoms during peak season—walking through it feels like breathing in a pink fairytale 💞 Here, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a Japanese language textbook full of poetic cherry blossom terms: Hanayakata (花筏): Fallen petals drifting on water, like tiny pink rafts. #travel

#cherryblossom25 Highlights of Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossoms: 1. 10,000 Cherry Trees: Tenshochi Park boasts around 10,000 cherry trees of various varieties, including Somei-Yoshino, Shidare-Zakura (weeping cherry), and Kawazu-Zakura, creating a stunning diversity of blooms. 2. 2-Kilometer Sakura Tunnel: Along the Kitakami River embankment stretches a breathtaking 2-kilometer cherry blossom avenue. When in full bloom, the endless rows of pink form a spectacular floral corridor. 3. Aged Trees in Full Splendor: Many of the cherry trees here are over 80 years old, with expansive canopies and incredibly dense blossoms. When they bloom, the flowers cluster like clouds, creating a dreamy sea of pink. 4. Scenic Harmony & Japanese Aesthetics: During the sakura season, colorful koinobori (carp streamers) flutter over the Kitakami River. The soft pink blossoms contrast beautifully with the vibrant flags, forming a picturesque scene straight out of a traditional Japanese painting.

#cherryblossom25 The best time to enjoy cherry blossoms is during a sakura blizzard! If you want to chase the romance of cherry blossoms, it's best to wait until later in the season. To catch the cherry blossoms in Aomori Hirosaki, I decided to start my cherry blossom chase in Kitakami, eventually making my way to Hakodate. Every year, cherry blossoms bloom with a one-week fluctuation period, and I was lucky enough to catch the sakura blizzard at Kitakami Tenshōchi. At this moment, some petals were still on the trees while others were falling to the ground, gently blown by the breeze. It was an incredibly beautiful sight. 🌸✨ How to Get There: Transportation: Take the JR Line to Kitakami Station, and it’s a 5-minute walk to the riverside. After crossing the bridge, you will see rows of cherry trees on the opposite bank. Suggestion: If possible, spend a night in Kitakami. The riverside hotels offer beautiful views of the cherry blossom park right from the window. The mornings and evenings are quieter, giving you the freedom to take photos without the crowd. 📸🌅 Features of Kitakami Tenshōchi Cherry Blossoms: 10,000 Cherry Trees: There are approximately 10,000 cherry trees in Kitakami Tenshōchi, with a variety of species including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and Kawazu cherry. 2-kilometer Cherry Blossom Avenue: Along the Kitakami River embankment, there is a 2-kilometer long cherry blossom tunnel. The cherry blossoms form an endless stretch of pink flowers, creating a spectacular flower corridor. Old, Flourishing Trees: Many of the cherry trees in the park are over 80 years old, and they bloom abundantly, filling the sky with beautiful, cloud-like blossoms. Beautiful Scenery and Clever Pairing: During cherry blossom season, colorful carp streamers hang above the Kitakami River, creating a poetic scene where the pink blossoms and fluttering carp flags complement each other beautifully. It’s a picturesque spot full of traditional Japanese charm. 🎏🌸 #travel

#cherryblossom25 Along the Kitakami River in Iwate Prefecture, this legendary park boasts one of Tohoku's most breathtaking cherry blossom landscapes—with over 10,000 trees forming a 2km-long pink corridor. Why Tenshochi? ✓ 10x more trees than Tokyo's Ueno Park ✓ Voted Japan's Top 3 Sakura Spot (2023) ✓ Perfect blend of nature + cultural events 🚆 Access Made Easy - From Tokyo: - Tohoku Shinkansen to Kitakami Station (2h20min) → 15-min walk

Visited on 2025.4.17 *Kitakami Tenshochi Known as one of the best cherry blossom spots in Tohoku, it is counted among the "Three Great Cherry Blossoms of Michinoku"🌸 In addition to the 2-kilometer-long cherry blossom avenue from Sangobashi Bridge, there are about 150 different kinds of cherry blossoms in Tenshochi Park. It is said that there are about 10,000 cherry trees in the 293ha area, and they compete for beauty, from Somei Yoshino, which starts blooming around mid-April, to Kasumizakura, which blooms in early May😊 This time, they were about 80% in bloom and were very beautiful✨ There are also many stalls, so you can enjoy the festival atmosphere🙌 There is a fee, but you can also ride a horse-drawn carriage or experience a hot air balloon, so it is a place where you can enjoy the whole day🎵 It is about to reach full bloom, so if you have time, please come and visit😊 *Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 April 9-29, 2025 *Access About 10 minutes by car from JR Kitakami Station #Seasonal event #Domestic travel #Cherry Blossom Festival #Iwate Prefecture #Iwate Tourism #Cherry Blossoms 2025 #Cherry Blossoms #Cherry Blossom Spots #Cherry Blossom Scenery #Kitakami Exhibition Site #Michinoku's Three Great Cherry Blossoms

📍 Itinerary Overview Morioka station - Matsuya next to JR - JR to Kitakami - leisure walk in Kitakami - JR Kitakami Line sightseeing - Back to Kitakami and Morioka 🚩 Sightseeing Route Kitakami 錦秋湖 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation JR 📷 Photo Spots jR morioka and kitakami station 🍜 Local Cuisine Morioka cold noodles 🏠 Accommodation 1.R&B Hotel Morioka Ekimae 💡 Tips

📍Address: 1 Chome-2-19 Aoyagicho, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0031 Japan🕰️Business hours: 17:00-0200💰Average consumption: about 5000-6000 yen💞Recommendation reason: This yakiniku restaurant is located at the west exit of JR Kitakami Station, about 3-5 minutes walk, next to Hotel Route-Inn. The usher and staff are all handsome guys. When I walked in, I thought I was in a host shop. The menu here is all in Japanese and there are no pictures, but it is very convenient to use AI or Google Translate. Every piece of meat they have is really delicious. There are no skewers but only meat slices, which is very sincere. The rice is distinct grains, the Japanese-style salad is very refreshing and relieves greasiness, the cold noodles are in a big bowl and you must order them, the noodles are very chewy, and the soju drink I ordered is very refreshing. If you don’t know how to order, you can order a meat platter and eat different parts of wagyu beef. Although the language is not very fluent, the staff are very polite and kind. There are only Japanese guests around, no foreign guests. Finally, what I love most is that I don’t have any burnt meat smell on my body after eating it, which really wins my heart. Recommended 👍

#0yentravelJanuary2025 [Uwanosora] 🕰️Business hours: 10:00-17:00 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 85-46 Tsukidate, Futago-cho, Kitakami-shi, Iwate 024-0104 💰Price per person: 800 and up 💞Reason for recommendation: Delicious as rumored✨ The eat-in space inside the store is currently being renovated❗ This looks like it will be a great space too✨ I recommend the banana muffin! It felt like they only used the sweetness of the ingredients! I would love to go there once they have an eat-in space!

✨Hotel features: A few dozen meters away from the station ♨️Supporting facilities: Business hotels also have this feature, and free beverages are available in the lobby 🛁Room environment: enough space 🍽️Breakfast: No breakfast, ok 🛎️Hotel service: friendly and polite 💗Accommodation experience: Kitakami Station is a bit deserted, not many people in this season, but in the spring, the cherry blossoms at Kitakami Tenshochi are very spectacular. There is a parking lot and a convenience store next to the hotel. If it is full, you can go to the Sakura parking lot in front to get a card to the hotel, which is also free.

#0yentravelautumn Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, is about 2 hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen. I visited in late September, and the cool breeze in the sunshine was a pleasant sensation. From Otokoyama Observatory, you can see the Kitakami cityscape, which makes you feel at peace. When I visited the places that appeared in Jujutsu Kaisen, I was able to see the scenery exactly as it was depicted. Kitakami is the town where the author grew up, and there is a restaurant that he has been frequenting for a long time, so please be sure to check it out. #Otokoyama Observatory #Statue of Serenity #Onikenbu Monument #Kitakami Station

#springplace2024 Zenmyoji Temple is a modernist Japanese temple located in a quiet corner. It combines traditional and modern design elements and has become a major local attraction. The architecture of the temple is dominated by simple and smooth lines and open spaces, with a large amount of glass and wood used in the exterior, which retains the traditional Zen style while being full of modern sense. The meditation rooms and areas in the temple are exquisitely designed, giving people a sense of tranquility and harmony. The flowing water under the small bridge, the stone lanterns and the carefully arranged green plants complement each other and create a quiet place. Quanming Temple often holds meditation courses and cultural activities, attracting many young people and international tourists to experience and learn. This is not only a holy place for spiritual practice, but also an ideal place for urban people to seek spiritual peace and cultural exchange.

Visited on 2024.4.22 *Kitakami Tenshochi Bus from JR Kitakami Station Kitakami Tenshochi, located on the banks of the Kitakami River, is known as one of the best cherry blossom spots in the Tohoku region and is one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" and "Three Great Cherry Blossom Spots in Michinoku"🌸 In addition to the approximately 500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees that create a cherry blossom tunnel that stretches 2 kilometers from Sango Bridge along the Kitakami River, it is said that there are approximately 10,000 cherry trees within the 2.93 million square meter site of Tenshochi Park☺️ There are about 150 types of cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino, which begins to bloom around mid-April, early-blooming Oyama Sakura, and late-blooming Kasumi Sakura😊 This year, the Sakura Festival is being held from 4/4 to 4/29, and you can enjoy a very lively atmosphere✨ #Sakura2024 #KitakamiTenshochi #FamousCherryBlossomSpot #ThreeGreatCherryBlossomSpotsinMichinoku #JapaneseCherryBlossoms #CherryBlossoms #Hanami

#cherryblossom2024 Coming back to Kitakami! Blooming park and ethnographic village In the center of Iwate Prefecture is Kitakami Tenset Park, famous for its flowers and sights. From the beginning of April to May, the Sakura Tenset Festival takes place here. Nearby is the ethnographic village of Michinoku, where you can see how people used to live in Iwate. Plan to visit the village and park for half a day or even a whole day. Recommended Take a walk along the paths of Kitakami Tenset Park Take a trip through time in the ethnographic village of Mitinoku How to get there Tenset Park is a 20-minute walk from the east exit of Kitakami Station. It is beautiful at any time of the year Kitakami Tenset Park is a great place to relax or walk along the Kitakami River. Many trees were planted here 100 years ago. There are more than 10,000 cherry trees growing along the two-kilometer footpath. Besides them, there are more than a hundred thousand azaleas blooming with many bright colors. In autumn, people admire the change of leaf color here. Swans come to the Tenset in winter, you can feed them or just watch them. A journey into the past There are 28 buildings of different periods in the ethnographic village of Mitinoku. Among them are a prehistoric primitive pit with a roof made of branches, a farmer's estate and a merchant's house. The reconstructed samurai manor, or "Hoshikawa House", is listed as an important cultural property. There are also many other expositions and exhibitions in Mitinoku.

#cherryblossom2024 Welcome to the Japanese cherry tree Every year, from mid-April to early May, the Sakura Blossom Festival takes place in Kitakami Tenset Park. The park is considered one of the three best places to admire cherry blossoms in Tohoku. He is in no way inferior to Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture and Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture. Recommended Walk through the tunnel of rose petals Try local food at the festival stalls How to get there The park is a 20-minute walk from the eastern exit of the station Kitakami. The cost of a taxi ride in the absence of traffic jams will be about 1000 yen. It is interesting In 1990, Tenset Park was named one of the 100 best places to admire cherry blossoms in Japan The park covers an area of 300 hectares The Pink Tunnel Branches of Japanese cherries in Kitakami Tenset Park lean over the paths, forming a canopy. When sakura blooms, the alleys of the park turn into tunnels of pink petals. Even the night will not prevent the festival guests from admiring the beautiful spectacle — after all, the illumination lights up at dusk. View from the river More than 300 Japanese flags in the form of carp stretch over the Kitakami River, connecting its banks with a colorful "bridge". A river walk will open the Kitakami Tenset Sakura Festival to you from a new perspective. The impressions of what you saw will only increase when you swim under the flags of carp fluttering in the wind. Not a single sakura The festival is not just about rose petals. You can ride in a horse-drawn carriage along the blooming park alleys. Be sure to pay tribute to the festive snacks! One of the most popular dishes at the festival is the breaded Kitakami cutlet. It is made from beef, pork, taro root and asparagus. All ingredients are produced in the Kitakami area. This dish is sold at any grocery kiosk in the park. Just like in the good old days One of the most unique products in the park shops is thinly sliced wood for packaging rice balls, fermented beans, fish and other food products. In the old days, paper was expensive, so people wrapped food in the thinnest sheets of wood. Please note: wood packages are not included in the price of snacks and are sold separately. A walk around the neighborhood It is not difficult to spend the whole day at the Kitakami Tenset Cherry Blossom Festival, although you can keep within a couple of hours. If you have time, also take a look at the traditional village of Michinoku and the Kitakami City Museum — both attractions are within walking distance from the park.

#fallishere Location: Kanegasaki Park 金ヶ崎緑地 1-1 Kanegasakicho, Tsuruga, Fukui 914-0079, Japan Kanegasaki Park, situated in Tsuruga, Fukui, Japan, holds a rich history and cultural significance. Originally established in 1955, the park has evolved into a serene retreat that beautifully blends nature and tradition. Its name pays homage to the historic Battle of Kanegasaki, a pivotal samurai conflict in 1570. The park's landscape reflects a harmonious integration of lush greenery, cherry blossoms, and serene ponds, creating a picturesque setting for visitors. One of its notable features is the Kanegasaki Shrine, a Shinto shrine within the park grounds, offering a spiritual retreat and cultural experience. Additionally, the park hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Whether strolling through its serene pathways or participating in cultural festivities, Kanegasaki Park stands as a testament to Japan's rich heritage and natural beauty in the heart of Tsuruga. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage #fukui #japan

Iseshi, nice quiet city filled with old historic buildings , breathtaking shrines to visit and bond with nature. It's famous for their Udon and Akafuku, and because this city is situated close to the ocean it is also filled with all sorts of fresh seafood, defiantly worth trying out!

First time with sakura in Tohoku Japan. Such a breath taking view. Can’t wait to explore other area next year!

I was fortunate to chase cherry blossoms in Tohoku, Japan this year, and the place that made the most profound impression on me was Kitakami Tenshochi, which I visited twice. The beauty of cherry blossoms is truly breathtaking. We are intoxicated in the Cherry Blossom Carnival. Fortunately, we can ride our bicycles wherever we want and feel the beauty of that moment.

The cherry blossoms here are in rows and rows, which is very good. They are very beautiful when they fall in spring. Everyone should start preparing quickly #familytravel