6 must-see tourist spots in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture

Kitakami City is located in the southwestern part of Iwate Prefecture and is home to a population of over 90,000 people. While many municipalities in the Tohoku region are experiencing population decline, Kitakami is one of the few areas in the region where the population is actually increasing. With the Tohoku Expressway and the Akita Expressway, which connects to Akita Prefecture, Kitakami serves as a major distribution hub spanning both Iwate and Akita. This has made the city a bustling center for many people. The opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen has also brought even more tourists from across the country.

In recent years, numerous apartment buildings and hotels have been constructed around Kitakami Station, changing the city's urban landscape. Some visitors are so captivated by the scenery and the warmth of the locals that they decide to relocate to Kitakami. Here, we introduce some of the city's charms. Use this as a reference for your travels.

1. Michinoku Folklore Village

Located in Kitakami City, Michinoku Folklore Village is one of Tohoku’s premier open-air museums and a hidden gem among tourists. Covering approximately 7 hectares, the site features 10 traditional thatched-roof houses, including Nanbu magariya-style farmhouses, and 19 historic buildings such as the old Kurosawajiri Girls' High School, which retains architectural elements from the Taisho era. The museum also showcases numerous folk artifacts, allowing visitors to step inside buildings and learn about Japanese architectural techniques in an engaging way, from pit dwellings to more modern structures.

This museum is a rare find, not only in Kitakami but across Japan. Visitors can experience nostalgic landscapes, learn about traditional ways of life, and enjoy seasonal flowers, making it a tranquil spot that soothes the soul. Due to its vast grounds, a full visit may take an entire day. However, volunteer guides are available to provide explanations, making for a more informative and enjoyable tour.

If you're visiting Kitakami, take the time to explore the beautifully maintained Michinoku Folklore Village, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

2. Kabayama Ruins

The Kabayama Ruins are a mid-Jomon period archaeological site located at the foot of the Kitakami Mountains, about 7 km south of downtown Kitakami. The site stretches in a narrow east-west direction, with remains of pit dwellings from the early and middle Jomon periods, jar burials, hearth remains, artifact deposits, and storage pits discovered in its western area. It has been designated a Historic Site, Place of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monument. First excavated in 1951, the ruins gained attention for their stone circle, attracting many visitors.

Believed to have been inhabited for approximately 1,000 years, Kabayama Ruins contain around 30 locations, including those without standing stones, and are considered remnants of a Jomon-period settlement. The site also features a cluster of mid-Jomon pit dwellings, making it a familiar historic park for Kitakami residents. Exploring these ruins offers a unique and valuable experience for visitors to Kitakami.

For a change from typical sightseeing, consider exploring these ancient ruins. Autumn foliage makes the visit even more spectacular!

3. Geto Kogen Resort

Geto Kogen is famous for Geto Kogen Onsen and Geto Kogen Ski Resort, but it offers much more throughout the year. In spring and summer, visitors can enjoy hiking while surrounded by lush greenery, while autumn brings gondola rides for breathtaking views of fall foliage. Regular events are held, and a free shuttle bus operates from Kitakami Station during event periods, making it a convenient spot for tourists.

In winter, Geto Kogen boasts one of the highest snowfall levels in Japan, sometimes exceeding 5 meters. To ensure guests are not exposed directly to harsh blizzards, the ski resort features a gondola lift system.

Geto Kogen Onsen is often considered a "hidden hot spring" due to its remote location. Yet, it attracts visitors from all over Japan. The outdoor baths, sourced directly from the natural spring, offer an unparalleled experience—especially the baths along the mountain stream, which are so refreshing that many tourists visit just for this. Buses run from Kitakami Station, making it accessible even for travelers without a car. With activities available year-round, Geto Kogen is a must-visit destination when exploring Kitakami.

4. Kitakami Ikoi no Mori

Kitakami Ikoi no Mori is a 40-hectare recreational facility designated as the Tenkyochi Environmental Conservation Forest. It is a popular spot for both Kitakami residents and tourists, offering camping, barbecuing, and breathtaking views from the summit of Ikoi no Mura.

The site features a field athletic facility, including the "Giant Antlion Pit," a beloved playground attraction for children. Additionally, visitors can enjoy sledding on a vast open field—not just in winter, but even in summer.

Near the management building, there is a woodworking experience center where visitors can create wooden crafts free of charge. While wood materials require a small fee, the tools are available for free, and staff provide guidance on how to use them. Tourists are welcome to participate, so why not try making something yourself?

The park also has walking trails where visitors can fully enjoy nature, making it a true place of relaxation for both locals and tourists. Some people visit for a casual hike while enjoying the scenery of trees and flowers. With its refreshing atmosphere rich in negative ions, Kitakami Ikoi no Mori is a fantastic place to unwind.

5. Waga no Matsushima

Located near the banks of the Waga River, northeast of JR Kitakami Line Iwasawa Station and close to National Route 107, Waga no Matsushima is a scenic area where a dammed lake created by the Ishibane Dam spreads out. Red pine trees grow on the rocky southern slopes, creating a landscape reminiscent of Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views.

The exposed geological formations, shaped by erosion and weathering from the Waga River, display beautiful striped patterns. The area is particularly stunning when mountain azaleas or autumn leaves reflect on the lake’s surface, attracting many visitors during these peak seasons. Named for its resemblance to the famous Matsushima coastline, Waga no Matsushima captivates tourists with its breathtaking views.

From mid-October to early November, the trees transform into vibrant autumn colors, creating a spectacular contrast with the Waga River. Nearby hot spring facilities offer day-use bathing, allowing visitors to soak in a warm bath while admiring the autumn foliage—an experience so special that some tourists travel to Kitakami just for this. Waga no Matsushima offers a variety of seasonal landscapes, making it an enchanting destination for both locals and visitors year-round.

6. Geto Onsen Village

Located in Kitakami City, Geto Onsen Village consists of several hot springs along the Geto River, including Suijin Onsen, Semi Onsen, Irihata Onsen, Geto Onsen, and Geto Kogen Onsen. The area is a popular destination for onsen enthusiasts from all over Japan. Each hot spring is surrounded by Kitakami’s beautiful nature, providing visitors with the perfect place to relax and unwind after traveling—truly one of the highlights of a Kitakami visit.

Geto Onsen, in particular, is considered a secluded retreat and has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Hot Springs.

The different hot springs in the area offer unique experiences: Suijin Onsen: Known for its gentle waters, suitable for everyone. Irihata Onsen: Overlooks the Geto River, offering a green, tranquil setting. Semi Onsen: Famous for its skin-smoothing waters with beauty benefits. Geto Onsen: A popular destination with 100% natural spring water in its outdoor mixed-gender baths along the mountain stream. Geto Kogen Onsen: Boasts a large open-air bath with panoramic views, even overlooking Kitakami City in the distance.

This area is ideal for a hot spring retreat. Nearby attractions include the Tengu Rock, a Special Natural Monument, as well as Geto Kogen for skiing and gondola rides, ensuring there is no shortage of things to do.

Given the number of different hot springs and activities, a single day is not enough to explore them all. Staying for several days and experiencing different onsen one by one can be a great way to enjoy the area. Whether as a post-activity relaxation or as the main highlight of a trip, Geto Onsen Village offers something for every traveler.

◎ Summary

We have introduced the many charms of Kitakami. Since Iwate Prefecture is vast, many people assume that renting a car is necessary for sightseeing. However, Kitakami is accessible via the Tohoku Shinkansen, making it possible to explore without a car. Use this guide to enjoy your trip to Kitakami.