Must-Visit Spots When You Come to Oushuku Onsen in Iwate! Recommended Tourist Attractions

Oushuku Onsen, located in Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture, in the Tohoku region, is one of Iwate’s most renowned hot springs. Situated about a 40-minute drive from Morioka Station, Oushuku Onsen is often referred to as Morioka’s "inner parlor," offering visitors the chance to soak in natural flowing hot springs while surrounded by breathtaking nature. Guests can also enjoy traditional Tohoku cuisine at charming inns.

Additionally, there are numerous must-visit tourist spots around Oushuku Onsen. Take the opportunity to relax and warm your body in the famous hot springs of Shizukuishi Town, savor Iwate’s gourmet delights, and explore the many fascinating attractions in the area. In this guide, we introduce some of the best sightseeing spots and recommended inns around Oushuku Onsen!

1. Koiwai Farm

Koiwai Farm is the largest private comprehensive farm in Japan and is famous as one of Iwate Prefecture’s most iconic tourist attractions near Oushuku Onsen. Located about 20 km from Oushuku Onsen, it takes approximately 30 minutes by car. Koiwai Farm is also known as a landscape beloved by Kenji Miyazawa, who even wrote a poem titled "Koiwai Farm." For fans of Kenji Miyazawa, this is a must-visit tourist spot in Iwate.

Around 300 sheep graze freely on the farm, and the sheep-herding shows are truly impressive. The farm’s iconic lone cherry tree blooms beautifully against the backdrop of Mount Iwate, making it a popular filming location for various dramas. In winter, the "Galaxy Farm Night" illumination event begins, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the beautifully lit farm. On weekends, fireworks displays add to the spectacle.

For efficient exploration of the vast farm, visitors can join paid guided tours, such as the "Guided Bus Tour" or the "Koiwai Farm Premium Tour," which includes accommodation. Additionally, every February, the famous "Iwate Snow Festival" is held here. Koiwai Farm is a must-visit attraction in Iwate, so be sure to extend your trip from Oushuku Onsen to experience it.

2. Flower & Garden Mori no Kaze

Flower & Garden Mori no Kaze is one of Japan’s largest authentic gardening parks, opened in 2014 as part of the "Hotel Mori no Kaze" in Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture. As a relatively new tourist attraction in the Oushuku Onsen area, this garden consists of two main sections: the "Forest Valley" main garden and the "Forest Hill" community garden, offering a relaxing and scenic stroll through nature.

One of the highlights of Forest Hill is the "Bell of Love and Happiness," which has been recognized as a "Lover’s Sanctuary." It is now known as the top proposal spot within the Oushuku Onsen area.
Starting in early November, the garden transforms into a romantic illumination display, enhancing its enchanting atmosphere. A perfect spot to visit with family, friends, or a loved one, this garden is conveniently located within the Oushuku Onsen area and is highly recommended.

3. Shizukuishi YU-YU Farm

Shizukuishi YU-YU Farm is a tourist facility where visitors can experience horseback riding. Located just 2–3 km from Oushuku Onsen in Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture, it is an ideal place to visit alongside a trip to the onsen.

The farm offers several beginner-friendly horseback riding programs, but one of its most unique experiences is the "Yabusame Trial." Yabusame is a traditional Japanese horseback archery ritual, where riders shoot arrows at targets while galloping on horseback. This facility offers a rare opportunity to try this exhilarating experience. Visitors can even rent authentic costumes used in actual competitions, making for a memorable experience.

Even for those who do not wish to ride, there are other enjoyable activities such as feeding horses and trying out a guided lead horse ride. If you plan to visit the farm to meet the well-cared-for animals that thrive in the natural surroundings of the Oushuku Onsen area, it is recommended to make an inquiry in advance via phone or the official website.

4. Iwate Prefectural Gosho Lake Park

Located 5–10 km from Oushuku Onsen, about a 6 to 15-minute drive away, is "Iwate Prefectural Gosho Lake Park." This expansive park stretches across both Morioka City and Shizukuishi Town, surrounding Gosho Lake.

The park is divided into several areas, with the main attraction being "Family Land." Featuring a large grassy field and a fountain, it serves as a relaxing spot for locals from the Oushuku Onsen area. The park also offers fun activities for children, including playground equipment and manually operated rafts. In spring, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms, while in autumn, the park is beautifully adorned with autumn foliage. It is an ideal place for people of all ages to unwind. Located just about 10 minutes by car from the Oushuku Onsen area, this is a great recommendation for those looking for an active sightseeing experience.

5. Oushuku Onsen

When visiting the Oushuku Onsen area, the highlight is undoubtedly the hot springs themselves! Oushuku Onsen is a historic hot spring with a 450-year legacy, situated along the Oushuku River, a tributary of the Shizukuishi River in Iwate Prefecture. The name "Oushuku" comes from an old tale about a lumberjack from Kaga Province who witnessed a bush warbler (uguisu) soaking its injured leg in the hot spring to heal.

Oushuku Onsen is not just home to ryokan and hotels but also features numerous shops and restaurants. Here are some must-visit spots when exploring Oushuku Onsen.

◆ Chomin Ikoi no Ie Oushuku Community Center

Chomin Ikoi no Ie Oushuku Community Center is a facility primarily for the residents of Oushuku Town, but its hot spring bathhouse is open to non-residents as well. The entrance fee is very affordable, costing only 310 yen for adults and 160 yen for elementary school children. It’s a great place to stop by for a relaxing dip in the hot spring while sightseeing.
(Prices as of November 2018)

◆ Hotel Mori no Kaze Oushuku

Hotel Mori no Kaze Oushuku is the largest hotel in Oushuku Onsen, capable of accommodating over 1,000 guests. It offers a variety of rooms, including Western-style rooms and Japanese-style rooms with open-air baths, making it a perfect base for sightseeing.

The hotel features an "Omatsuri Hiroba" (Festival Square), where visitors can enjoy a festival-like atmosphere with food stalls and paper lanterns. Every night, guests are treated to performances featuring taiko drumming and traditional folk songs, providing an immersive cultural experience. The hotel is also home to the previously mentioned "Flower & Garden Mori no Kaze," a vast garden that attracts not just hotel guests but many tourists visiting the Oushuku Onsen area.

As for the hot springs, the hotel boasts an alkaline simple hot spring known for its benefits in relieving poor circulation, back pain, and stiff shoulders. Visitors can enjoy a variety of baths, including a Japanese-style open-air bath, a Western-style open-air bath, and a spacious indoor bath. Day-use bathing is also available, making it a convenient place to refresh during a sightseeing trip. In terms of scale and facilities, this is one of the most representative hotels of Oushuku Onsen.

◆ Mochi Kobo Murakami

If you're visiting Oushuku Onsen, why not bring home a delicious souvenir from "Mochi Kobo Murakami"? Their specialty is "Kirisensho," a traditional rice cake treat that has been enjoyed in Iwate for generations.

At Mochi Kobo Murakami, all rice cakes, including their famous dango and daifuku, are made using their own unique process, starting from raw rice. Kirisensho is particularly popular among tourists as it is a specialty of Iwate Prefecture. Since the shop often sells out by evening, it’s best to visit earlier in the day to ensure you get a taste of this local delicacy.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced some must-visit tourist spots in the Oushuku Onsen area of Iwate Prefecture. How did you like them? When traveling, it’s always great to not only enjoy the hot springs but also explore the surrounding attractions.

Oushuku Onsen is not just a place for traditional hot spring baths but also offers plenty of nature-rich sightseeing spots, making it the perfect place to escape the everyday and rejuvenate. If you're looking for a way to relieve accumulated stress, why not experience the healing power of a Tohoku hot spring stay combined with exciting local tourism?