Japan is a hot travel destination this year in 2024. A lot of people are traveling to Osaka, Tokyo or Hokkaido in the spring, to see the cherry blossoms bloom. However it should not be overlooked, Iwate is an underrated hidden gem of Japan, especially in the winter. With its all-white Christmas atmosphere and richness in culture and nature, Iwate is the travel place to be in Winter 2024.
- Breakfast with a Sunrise View of Iwate at Art Hotel Morioka.
During my stay in Iwate, I chose the Art Hotel Morioka as a place of accommodation. Situated only a 7-minute walk from JR Morioka Station, this hotel offers a 24-hour front desk service, luggage storage space and free WiFi. For those travelling with a rented car, parking is also provided. Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV in spacious, comfortable rooms. This hotel offers a delicious, free buffet breakfast featuring Western, Japanese and Chinese dishes. Morioka Odori shopping street is just a minute's walk away. The hospitality and staff service is highly recommended to local and foreign guests. Not to mention, the hotel's accessibility is persons with disabilities-friendly. The hotel also offers high quality, complimentary Japanese organic skincare products that I highly urge you to try during your stay here! I would rate the hotel a 5/5 Stars for the wonderful experience.
- Explore the Cultural City of Morioka, Iwate.
Take a day to walk around the city of Morioka and do what the locals do! Get a Taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet adzuki beans, while feeding the ducks and swans at Takamatsu Park. For the history buffs, don't forget to pay a visit to Morioka-Jo Castle Site Park and indulge in the history of the city. Visit Iwate University and walk around the campus to feel what it's like to be a university student in Japan. Pay respects to the local temples of Iwate especially near the new year. And of course! Snow is of abundance in Iwate, even in the city, so do have fun and make your snow-mans and snow angels at any of the parks.
- Take a Majestic Boat Trip to Geibikei (Geibi Gorge).
Got time? Spare an hour and a half drive to Ichinoseki or take the train to Geibikei Station, and take a traditional Yakatabune boat ride along Satetsu River where a dreamy world awaits. Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument since 1923, it is one of Japan's 100 Scenic places. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is available all-year around no matter the season, only in December-February, it becomes a white winter wonderland where Yakatabune (Japanese-style roofed boats) and Kotasu boats are operated. The boat is operated by 2 people, the boat master and the boatmen, while the boat master navigates with a single pole, the boatmen tells stories of Geibikei and sings the traditional Geibi Oiwake ballad on the way back. A special memory is the fortune-stone throw activity, where 3 fortune stones are purchased with certain carved in-blessings and challenged to be thrown into a small hole in the cliff's face. If the stone gets in, you are blessed with the fortune of the stone. It is duly noted the tour is in Japanese, nonetheless, it is a magical time that is ought to be experience in one's life, regardless of the language barrier.
- Light Up your Christmas at Koiwai Farm
Located in Makiba Park at the foot of Mount Iwate, Koiwai Farm in the winter time is opened at night for the locals and tourists to experience a Real Winter Wonderland. Being one of Japan's largest dairy farm supplying eggs and dairy all across the country, you must try their famous Soft Serve Ice Cream! The farm itself has a 100 year history and their old buildings are preserved by Japanese architects as they learned the techniques of western construction and built environment. On a cold winter's night, the farm is generously decorated with lights and decorations that illuminates Iwate's starry night sky. The farm also offers wood-working arts and crafts for the kids to create and bring home as a souvenir as well as delicious, specialised dairy products to keep you warm in the cold night such as pizza, cheese balls and the popular Milk Ramen - that can only be experienced at Koiwai Farm.
- Relax in a Traditional Ryokan at Kairakuen
Freezing from the cold winter air of Iwate? Take a 40-minute trip to Oshuku and experience the pure culture of Japan, by relaxing in its natural, open-air hot spring at Kairakuen Hotel. A definite must-stay while in Iwate, the hospitality and service is top-notched - the hotel provides 16 Japanese-styled rooms and 10-mixed rooms with 2-meals provided of Japanese cuisine. The dinner menu is extensive with a 3-course homemade Japanese meal, they also provide a meat, fish or vegetarian option so, you will surely be full for bedtime! If you choose to stay in the Japenese-styled room, by 9pm, the staff will prepare your futon bed for you for a goodnight's rest. The hot sping at Kairakuen is clean and well taken care of, it is important to mention that guests with tattoos are generally not allowed in most Ryokans due to Japanese societal norms, so be sure to check with the staff for further enquiries. When in Japan, do as the Japanese do! It is my utmost honour to experience real Japanese culture in Iwate.
It's not too early to start planning your Winter 2024 Trip! Why not celebrate Christmas in Iwate? It will surely hold a special memory in your heart.
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