5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Karumai Town, Iwate Prefecture – Enjoy Nature!

Karumai Town in Iwate Prefecture is located in Kita-Kunohe District in northern Iwate, north of the Kitayama Highlands. Surrounded by hills, the town is rich in nature and boasts a thriving agricultural industry.

The main agricultural products include various grains such as hiei and awa, which have earned Karumai the nickname “Village of Mixed Grains.” In addition, Sarunashi is also famous for its fatigue-reducing effects. Karumai Kuroge Wagyu beef and Karumai charcoal are among the local specialties. You can also find local noodles, soy sauce, senbei, and honey. Be sure to check these out when visiting Karumai Town.

In this article, we introduce 5 recommended tourist spots in Karumai Town, a destination that is easily accessible from Hachinohe and Morioka. Use this guide as your travel companion!

1. Yukidani River Dam Forest Park

The Yukidani River Dam Forest Park is a must-visit attraction in Karumai Town, located about a 15‑minute drive from Karumai IC.

This expansive forest park makes excellent use of its forest and dam structures, offering an abundance of water and greenery across approximately 24 hectares. One of the highlights within the park is a windmill with a rotor diameter of 20 m and a height of 16 m. Climb up to the observation room to enjoy views of the Yukidani River Dam Lake and Oreguradake.

At the dam, there is a 154‑meter suspension bridge called the Memorial Bridge that connects the park to the opposite bank. You can enjoy the scenery from both sides—whether it’s the fresh green of spring or the brilliant colors of autumn. There is also an observation deck on the opposite bank, so be sure to take in both perspectives. Additionally, the park features a campground, tennis court, log-based athletic facilities, and a sports plaza, offering a chance to fully immerse yourself in nature.

It is especially recommended during the season from mid-April to early May, when the tulip fields surrounding the windmill are in full bloom. Experience the feeling of being in the Netherlands while sightseeing. Admission is free, and the park is open annually from April 1 to October 31. Please check the official website for the latest information.

2. Miru Mil House

“Miru Mil House” is a recommended tourist spot in Karumai Town that you should visit with family or travel companions. Located at the junction of National Routes 340 and 395, it features sales of local specialties and agricultural products, as well as a restaurant offering local cuisine.

Karumai is known as the “Village of Mixed Grains,” and the specialty shop here sells products made from mixed grains, as well as Sarunashi products. The local produce direct-sale area offers fresh vegetables and fruits, along with pickles and grain-based snacks. The restaurant serves a variety of set meals such as Sai-koku Teishoku and Hittsumi Teishoku, along with Daruma Hiezosoba and Sarunashi soft serve ice cream, which is particularly popular for its refreshing, green flavor.

All items are reasonably priced, and there are large public restrooms available, making it a convenient stop during your visit to Karumai.

3. Millet Park

“Millet Park” is a tourist spot in Karumai Town perfect for visiting with children. It is a nature park located on the mid-slope of Oreguradake in the Prefectural Natural Park. The park is about a 30‑minute drive from JR Nino Station.

While you can visit it as a day trip, cottages are available with amenities such as beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and refrigerators in 8-person and 4-person rooms, which are highly recommended. At the restaurant “Millet Plaza,” you can enjoy soba made from locally produced buckwheat flour while admiring the green scenery. There is also a soba-making experience available for 500 g of buckwheat flour for 2,000 yen. The instructors are very attentive, so even beginners can participate with confidence.

There is also a natural spring at the foot of Oreguradake. The water that flows from the base of Oreguradake has been selected as one of Iwate’s 20 Famous Waters. It is pure and abundant. Enjoy a variety of experiences at Millet Park and fully appreciate the attractions of Karumai Town.

Note: The park is open from mid-April until October 31. Please check the official website for the latest information.

4. Agripark Oosawa

“Agripark Oosawa” is a relaxing tourist facility located about a 15‑minute drive from JR Taneichi Station. It offers hot springs, a restaurant, lodging, and even a handmade soba experience.

After leisurely exploring nature and sightseeing, you can relax and refresh your body at Agripark Oosawa. Enjoy the benefits of the hot spring water, which comes from Kutsudaira, renowned as one of the famous waters of Iwate, with its clear water and medicinal stones. There is also an open-air bath available for day-use. The term “godake” in the local dialect means “thank you for your hard work; please relax.”

Furthermore, the restaurant offers seasonal meals, and although there are only 5 rooms available for lodging, you can also experience handmade soba making and straw craft sessions. Local instructors provide careful guidance, making it an ideal spot for families and children.

5. Karumai Town Heartful Sports Land

“Karumai Town Heartful Sports Land” is recommended for those who want to get some exercise while sightseeing in Karumai Town. It is located about a 10‑minute drive from Karumai IC on the Hachinohe Expressway.

This facility is a comprehensive sports park surrounded by nature, enjoyed by people of all ages. It includes a multipurpose plaza, a baseball field, and a golf course with 4 courses and 36 holes.

Additionally, from mid-May to mid-June, the entire golf course is covered in Shibazakura, with over one hectare in full bloom. The pink and white carpet-like view is popular among visitors to Karumai Town.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Karumai Town, Iwate Prefecture

We introduced 5 recommended tourist spots in Karumai Town, Iwate Prefecture. Karumai Town is filled with attractions where you can listen, see, and experience nature firsthand. All of these spots are enjoyable for both children and adults, making them perfect for families.

Experience the rich nature, delicious local food, and rejuvenating atmosphere of Karumai Town in Iwate Prefecture. Refresh your mind and body in the pristine natural surroundings of Karumai Town, and be sure to explore all that it has to offer!

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