In Yabukawa, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture — the coldest place in Honshu — the tourist facility “Mahora Iwate” holds its annual winter-limited event “World of Ice.” The 2025 theme is “Radiance.” With twice as many ice structures as last year and 400,000 LED lights — one of the largest displays in Iwate — the illuminations are a must-see! Perfect for a winter trip with family or as a couple.
We’ll introduce the highlights, activities, events, gourmet options, and access details for “World of Ice,” so be sure to visit.
What is Mahora Iwate’s “World of Ice”?
Yabukawa in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture recorded a temperature of -35°C in 1945 — the lowest in Honshu. Taking advantage of this extreme cold, the winter event “World of Ice” is held here.
Hosted at the nature experience facility “Mahora Iwate,” this winter’s event will run from Saturday, December 21, 2024, to Monday, February 24, 2025, with a full lineup of attractions.
The top highlights are the magical “Ice Cave” and the 400,000-light “Illumination Light-up.” There are also plenty of fun activities like snow rafting, ice-on-yakaarling, ice wind candle-making, and ice fishing for wakasagi. Visitors can enjoy “Kamakura de Kotatsu” dining inside a snow hut, along with street food stalls and shopping.
Check out last year’s “World of Ice 2024 — Challenge — Digest Movie” for a preview, and be sure to come enjoy this year’s event.
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■ Name: Mahora Iwate “World of Ice 2025”
■ Address: 436-1 Sotoyama, Yabukawa, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
■ Dates: December 21, 2024 (Sat) – February 24, 2025 (Mon)
■ Admission: Adults ¥1,200, Elementary school students ¥700, Children aged 3+ (preschool) ¥500, Free for children under 3
■ Official/Related Site URL: https://www.mahora-iwate.com/iceworld2025
Charm of “World of Ice” ①: Ice Cave & Ice Castle
The “Ice Cave,” measuring about 20m long × 10m wide × 5m high, is a world surrounded by ice. This magical space, as if stepping into the world of Frozen, is popular on social media.
While the icy blue world feels like being inside a glacier, after sunset it transforms into a romantically lit-up space. Experience this winter-exclusive wonder only possible in Yabukawa’s frigid climate.
At the stylish photo spot “Ice Castle,” you can go up to the second floor and overlook the entire venue.
Name: Ice Cave, Ice Castle & Ice Bar
Dates: January 18 – February 24, 2025
Location: Inside Ice Town
Charm of “World of Ice”②: Iwate’s Largest-Scale Illuminations
After a full day under the sun, around 5 p.m. as dusk sets in, Mahora Iwate transforms into a beautiful icy world illuminated by about 400,000 LED lights.
In past years, interactive illumination installations like swings, tractors, mazes, origami cranes, and the “Wishing Light Road” have captivated visitors.
Expectations are high for the kinds of illuminations that will decorate “World of Ice 2025.”
Charm of “World of Ice” ③: Play All Day, from Morning to Afternoon!
While the illuminations at night are a major draw, “World of Ice” offers plenty of attractions and events during the day too.
Here are some featured activities:
◆ Ice-on-Yakaarling
A casual curling-style game using kettles, fun for even small children.
◆ Snow Rafting
Ride in a snow tube pulled by a snowmobile for an exhilarating snowy experience.
◆ Sledding, Snow Riders, Snowshoeing
Classic winter fun for all ages — sledding, trying snow riders, and exploring with snowshoes.
◆ Kamakura de Kotatsu
One of the charms of snowy regions, the “Kamakura de Kotatsu” lets you dine in a cozy kotatsu inside a snow hut. A popular feature every year, it’s planned again this winter.
◆ Ice Art
Enjoy photo-worthy ice sculptures created with the cooperation of the Iwate Prefecture Ice Sculpture Association.
◆ Giant Roller Slide
A big hit with kids, this roller slide promises plenty of fun.
◆ Ice Fishing for Iwana
At the pond behind Komorebi Hall, you can try ice fishing for iwana trout.
◆ Ice Fishing for Wakasagi on Lake Gandō
It’s not within walking distance, but if you’re traveling by private car or rental car, be sure to stop by Lake Gandō.
Lake Gandō is a large dam lake located about 4 km north of Mahora Iwate. Since this is Yabukawa — the coldest place in Honshu — in winter the entire lake surface is covered with ice.
An activity that takes advantage of this frigid natural environment is wakasagi fishing, where you drill holes into the thick ice. Lake Gandō offers rental equipment, so you can enjoy it empty-handed.
“World of Ice” Event Information
Every year, “World of Ice” is filled with exciting events such as snow sports festivals, fireworks displays, heavy machinery operation experience sessions, snow strider and snowboard trial sessions, photo contests, and student-run restaurants.
The event lineup for “World of Ice 2025” will be updated as needed, so please check the official website for the latest information.
“World of Ice” Gourmet Information
The “Morioka Burger” is a menu item born as the first product of “Molukka Kitchen,” a brand created by three restaurants in Morioka City using local ingredients.
At Mahora Iwate’s Komorebi Hall, you can enjoy authentic homemade pizzas baked in a pizza oven.
How about a colorful soft drink or cocktail at the “Ice Bar” located in the Ice Cave?
“World of Ice” Souvenir Information
Limited-edition souvenirs available only during the “World of Ice” period are highly recommended!
Items scheduled for sale include the special boxed Iwate confection “Red and White Kamome no Tamago Mini,” “Mushroom Cookies” made with mushrooms from Mahora Iwate, and frozen “White Corn Potage.”
Access Information to Mahora Iwate “World of Ice”
Mahora Iwate “World of Ice” is about a 45-minute drive from JR Morioka Station. Access is by bus or rental car.
Since winter means snowy road conditions, the shuttle bus “Maholiner” or a discounted taxi plan (available with reservations made at least two days in advance) is recommended.
If you’re comfortable driving on snowy roads, feel free to come by rental car or your own vehicle.
◆ Shuttle Bus “Maholiner”
The “Maholiner” shuttle bus, safe even on snowy days, runs only on weekends and holidays.
◆ Car
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About a 45-minute drive from JR Morioka Station toward the Iwaizumi area.
◆ Rental Car
For rental cars, it’s convenient to arrange one near Morioka Station or at Hanamaki Airport.
◎ Recommended Hotels for Mahora Iwate “World of Ice”
Since there are few accommodations near Mahora Iwate, staying near JR Morioka Station is recommended. Here are three hotels within walking distance of the station:
◆ Art Hotel Morioka
About a 7-minute walk from JR Morioka Station. With excellent access, it’s a great base for sightseeing or business. This high-rise hotel has 14 floors and includes cafes, restaurants, banquet halls, and wedding facilities.
The fully renovated guest rooms are designed with motifs from Morioka’s culture, traditional crafts, and nature, providing a comfortable space. Room types include Standard Double, Superior Double, Standard Queen, Standard Twin, Superior Twin, Deluxe Twin, and Standard Triple. Perfect for couples or family trips.
Breakfast is served in the 14th-floor sky banquet hall “Aurora,” offering a buffet featuring luxurious Iwate ingredients. Enjoy specialties such as Hikkonmi-jiru soup, Iwaizumi yogurt, and Morioka cold noodles. You can also compare the flavors of Iwate’s two top rice brands — “Kin no Kaze” and “Ginga no Shizuku” — served in traditional Nambu iron pots.
◆ Daiwa Roynet Hotel Morioka Ekimae
Just about a 3-minute walk from JR Morioka Station, this hotel offers outstanding access. Opened in October 2021, it’s a great base for both sightseeing and business.
There’s a 7-Eleven on the first floor, so you can shop without stepping outside.
The spacious guest rooms include Moderate Double, Deluxe King, Moderate Twin, Superior Twin, Hollywood Twin, Junior Suite, Fourth Room, and Universal Room. With rooms accommodating up to 4 guests, it’s ideal for couples or families.
Except for the Universal Room, all guest rooms have separate bathrooms and toilets, allowing you to soak in the tub at your leisure.
◆ Hotel Metropolitan Morioka NEW WING
About a 3-minute walk from JR Morioka Station, this hotel offers an elegant, high-grade space for relaxation.
The European classical-style guest rooms include Single, Double, Twin, Triple, Universal Twin, Deluxe Twin, Wing Suite, and Metropolitan Suite.
A rare offering for a hotel, there’s also a Japanese-style room equipped with two low beds. The bathroom is also Japanese-style, and you can enjoy a view bath in the independent bathroom.
Information as of November 14, 2024.