At a Glance
Kurihara's Mascot, Nejiri Hon'nyo!
Welcome to Kurihara!
What is today Kurihara was once a collection of ten rural towns that merged to form a quite spread out city. Kurihara encompasses a wide, rural area. Kurihara does have a bustling city center called Tsukidate. It is the most central region of the city. It's home to the city hall, the cultural center, a number of eateries, a golf center, an onsen, karaoke, and much more. It is the place many people in Kurihara go to for after work entertainment. However, each town contains its own charming restaurant scene that everyone can enjoy.
Kurihara also boasts picturesque, natural scenery that is impossible to find in densely populated cities. Want to climb a mountain? Try hiking Mt. Kurikoma! It's stunning autumn foliage is regularly featured on national TV programs in the fall. It’s also a geo-park that attracts visitors from around the country and even overseas. Since there's not much light pollution, you can enjoy seeing the full Milky Way Galaxy and thousands of stars on clear nights.
What is today Kurihara was once a collection of ten rural towns that merged to form a quite spread out city. Kurihara encompasses a wide, rural area. Kurihara does have a bustling city center called Tsukidate. It is the most central region of the city. It's home to the city hall, the cultural center, a number of eateries, a golf center, an onsen, karaoke, and much more. It is the place many people in Kurihara go to for after work entertainment. However, each town contains its own charming restaurant scene that everyone can enjoy.
Kurihara also boasts picturesque, natural scenery that is impossible to find in densely populated cities. Want to climb a mountain? Try hiking Mt. Kurikoma! It's stunning autumn foliage is regularly featured on national TV programs in the fall. It’s also a geo-park that attracts visitors from around the country and even overseas. Since there's not much light pollution, you can enjoy seeing the full Milky Way Galaxy and thousands of stars on clear nights.
The towns comprising Kurihara
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Kurikoma 栗駒
Kuri means chestnut and koma is the old Japanese word for horse. Kurikoma is a small town of 15,000 people located in the northwestern Miyagi, bordering our neighboring prefectures, Iwate and Akita. It is well known for the inactive volcano Mt. Kurikoma (1600m). Kurikoma Mountain is a great place to enjoy nature’s beauty. There are cabins available at a reasonable price, along with onsens, a pool, sauna, gift shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. The Dashi Matsuri is on last weekend of July every year. On Saturday afternoon through the evening you can see illuminated floats, eat festival food, watch traditional dancing, and even the carrying of the shrine. The floats parade through town on Sunday. There is also a Hanabi Matsuri (fireworks) in August and a Taiko festival in September. Tsukidate 築館 Tsukidate is the largest town in the area. From Route 4, you can find grocery stores (Yoku Benimaru, Big House, Yamaya), 100 yen shops, and convenience stores. Yakushiyama is located behind the elementary school in Tsukidate and is visible from Route 4. It has a 1000+ year old tree, a Buddhist temple and a small park which is great for cherry blossom viewing in the spring. There is a festival the first weekend of November, called Yakushi Matsuri, which involves sake and a parade. Ichihasama 一迫 Every around Setsubun, Ichihasama does a mikoshi parade through the snow-covered streets. The carriers wear nothing but loincloths and the spectators throw buckets of cold water on them as they pass by. It's quite the sight! There's also the beautiful Kozofudo Falls near a lovely golf park. Finally, you can visit the Kazenosawa museum to see contemporary art on display. Takashimizu 高清水 Home to a beautiful natural park called Shintsutsumi, Takashimizu is a wonderful town to visit if you're interested in visiting rural Japan and taking in the natural landscapes of the area. There are camping facilities here, so you can truly immerse yourself in nature. There's also a beautiful Japanese style park in the city. It has lovely traditional bridges, plants, and water ways. |
Kannari 金成
Kannari has a population of 7,000 people bringing 2 districts, Kannari and Sawabe together. Though it’s a small town, it has a lot to offer. There is a small Russian orthodox church, an old school converted into a museum, and many small shrines. One of the shrines has a Samurai festival every year on the first Sunday in April. There is an onsen at the top of the hill. It is 400 yen for entrance and has a lovely view of Kurikoma Mountain. Kannari has many rice fields and many views of Kurikoma Mountain. In fall the (rather nice) town festival is held and hosts Kabuki performances and such. From Kannari, it’s only a 15-minute drive to its larger neighbor, Ichinoseki in Iwate. Hanayama 花山 Hanayama is one of the smallest towns in Miyagi in terms of population, but don’t let that fool you into thinking there's nothing there! It has 3 onsens and camping facilities too. Hanayama is a great getaway for some relaxation time due to the laid back atmosphere and the fact that most things close by 7 or 8 pm every night. Hanayama has some great things to offer. There is an old guard gate/customs gate by the Nuruyuu Sansou onsen that dates back to the Edo Period. There are two shrines in town; one is close to the elementary school, on top of a hill with an excellent view of the lake. The other is larger and is close to the border with Ichihasama. Close to the JHS, there is a famous campground that is located beside Hanayama Lake. You can boat and kayak there. In the springtime, the campground is also a great place for viewing the local cherry blossoms. There are two notable waterfalls in the area, Azabu Keikoku and Shiraito no Take. For people interested in pottery, you can visit Mr. Shuji Kudoh. He is a residential potterist originally from Iwate, and he speaks some English. Lastly, there is a house from the Edo period, previously owned by the samurai Chiba Shyuusaku. There is a matchlock rifle festival held each spring, and it's a sight to behold! Wakayanagi 若柳 This small, humble and GREAT town makes up for its lack of modern entertainment options with some stunning scenery. |
Uguisuzawa 鶯沢
Originally a mining town of over 30 000, Uguisuzawa is now one of the smaller towns in Kurihara-shi. With a current population of 3,000 people, Ugu (as it’s been fondly nicknamed) really does epitomize country life. There’s nary a supermarket, but a couple of little restaurants and Mama-san’s snack bar ensure you won’t go hungry (as long as you don’t leave it too late in the evening). Although certainly not the bustling metropolis that it once was, Ugu is well worth a visit. Nestled at the foot of mountains, Mt. Kurikoma is a mere stone’s throw away. Lush rice fields stretch in every direction and a river runs through the center of town. It’s a great place to unwind or take a Sunday drive. There are also some festivals throughout the year. In March, on the first Saturday and Sunday there is the Ume Matsuri festival displaying an amazing range of bonsai trees. In June, there is the Satsuki Bonsai Matsuri, this time showing Bonsai in full bloom. Very subtle, but highly recommended to anyone with an interest in bonsai. Another attraction is the Mine Park, where was once a goldmine. There's also a Lapras boat outside the museum. Shiwahime 志波姫 Small in population, but huge geographically. What makes this small town unique and special is the Kurikoma Kogen Shinkansen Station, with the multi-purpose Epoca behind the station. Inside, you will find a gym, an onsen, and a walking pool. The gym has treadmills, bikes and weights. On the first floor of Epoca there is a gift shop which sells inexpensive produce that local farmers bring to sell. There’s also good cake and ice cream in this store. On the second floor of Epoca, there is an Internet café for 100 yen/hour. Semine 瀬峰 Semine is home to a grocery store and a few convenience stores, but most of all is located right on the Touhoku Honsen JR train line. For less than 1,000 yen, a ride to Sendai is simple and easy and gives you great access to just about anything you need, and many places around the prefecture. You can also enjoy Seminegorindoyama park, which is full of beautiful cherry blossom trees and wisteria trees for a springtime full of hanami. |
Restaurants
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Sumibiichiba Ju. - 炭火いちば じゅう。
A yakiniku place on route 4 near the over bridge. Jyu is a more upscale restaurant in Kurihara, with delicious cuts of meat and an extensive menu. Ryutenko - 龍天鴻 Yaki-niku place is Kannari. The owner, Endo-san, has pretty solid English and loves classic rock. He puts mango chutney in the cow tongue curry. The man is a genius. It's got all the standard yaki-niku fare, but the servings are generous., so you can really fill up on some delicious food. Ayame's - あやめの里 This restaurant-meet-farmer's market is near the hollow log and the Sanno Ruins/Iris Park in Ichihasama, on Route 398. It serves basic Japanese fare, their katsu curry is often recommended. Plus, after you're done eating you can pick up some flowers or produce. Hanamai no Sato - 花舞の里 A soba restaurant located along Route 398 before you hit the climb. Delicious soba and tempura is served here, complete with freshly harvested mushrooms! When you come for the autumn leaves, it's worth a stop. Darumaya - だるま屋食事処 Located next to what was the train station for the mine park, this ramen restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere and a good reputation among locals. If you're in the area, it'll definitely satisfy your ramen cravings. Zucca - ごはんやZucca A small pork restaurant in the hills of Kurihara. There's only four items on the menu, and each are worth giving a try. If you like pork katsu, this is a good restaurant for you to stop at! Ramen Shop Cosmos - ラーメンショップ秋花コスモス A ramen shop located near Kuriharakogen station. Known for its shiitake ramen, it's filling stuff with a good umami flavor. If you crave spicy food, this restaurant has a spicy miso option that lives up to it's name. The portions here are large, so make sure to come on an empty stomach. Felice A family owned Italian restaurant that serves pasta, pizza, salads, and lovely coffee. Everything there is decently priced and have big portions. The coffee drinks are really good and come dressed up in local pottery cups. |
Sushi Restaurants
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Heiroku Kaiten-zushi - 平禄寿司
We've got two of this conveyor belt sushi chain; one off of route 4 near Green Honda and another in central Wakayanagi. The fish quality is MUCH better than Kappa-Zushi but it doesn't serve as much miscellany. Never disappoints. Open until about 10pm. |
Cafés
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La Bonte
This is a cute restaurant that looks like a log cabin from the outside. It serves mainly Italian food. Koropokkur - コロポックル A jazz cafe on Lake Izunuma. Their most recommended item is their baked curry doria and BLTs. Time Cafe - たいむカフェ Serves some good food, and lots of drink choices. They have two floors and have a nice lofted ceiling. The owner is super chill and might strike up a conversation with you! The closest thing Kurihara has to a nice coffee shop. Kaimenkoya - かいめんこや If you enjoy a retro atmosphere, this place is for you. Located in an old house, this cafe extrudes the rural Japan atmosphere while still having a modern dining experience. There's not much in the way of parking though, and service is a bit iffy. Junsai - 旬彩 A small cafe overlooking Hanayama Lake. While the food isn't anything special, the view sure is. On a clear day you can see Mt. Kurikoma overlooking the lake, and in spring when it's still snowcapped it's a sight to behold. Kutsurogi - くつろぎ Another cafe located in Hanayama, this time near the camp grounds. They do not offer food, but they do offer some delicious coffee. Cafe Chouchou Tiny cafe located in Shimizu. Prices are reasonable and the dishes are delectable. A good place to stop in for some quiet time after a trip to the mountains in autumn. |
Patisserie and Bakery
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PALETTE
There is a cute little café/ bakery called Palette. It is just down the road from the Waterwheel restaurant and you can buy nice little cakes there and coffee. It has an outdoor table which is nice to sit out at on summer days. We’ve bought some good birthday cakes from here. |
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Miyagi Lapras Pokelid - Ducklett
Did you know that Miyagi's Ambassador Pokemon is Lapras? There are 35 decorative Lapras Manhole Covers all over Miyagi! You can see this manhole at Kurihara's Road Station Rotarii Hanayama! Why Ducklett? Kurihara's Iwanuma Lake is a famous annual nesting spot for all kinds of waterfowl! |
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Sakuradasan Shrine - 櫻田山（イケメン）神社
The 1500 year old shrine in Kurihara. Home of Hidetaka Kano (famous Japanese comedian), and has a bunch of unique/custom omamori (protection charms) and shuin. |
Road Stations
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Michi no Eki - Rotarii Hanayama - 道の駅 路田里花山
Did you know that Miyagi has fifteen Michi no Eki's or Road Stations? They all have restaurants that offer meals usually made from local ingredients! At each Road Station, there usually is a store that sells local products that can range from local produce, local sake, small souvenirs, to wooden crafts! Please check out your closest Michi no Eki for unique goods! |
Hiking Spots
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Mt. Kurikoma - 栗駒山
Spanning the northwest part of Miyagi Prefecture and standing 1627 meters tall, Mt. Kurikoma is one of the first things that people think when they hear Kurihara. It borders three prefectures; Miyagi, Iwate, and Akita. It is an active stratavolcano and considered one of the famous 200 Mountains of Japan. Due to the richness of the soil on Mt. Kurikoma, the mountain is covered in flowers in spring and has impressive fall colors in the beginning of autumn. Being a volcano, there are plenty of hot springs on Mt. Kurikoma but during winter when it snows a lot it is difficult to get to them. Mt. Kurikoma is also the location for the annual MAJET hiking trip in November (usually)! |
Ski Lodge
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Onikobe Ski Area - オニコウベスキー場
If you like snowboarding or skiing, you’re in a bit of luck. We just happen to have a small slope reasonably close to us near Naruko called Onikoube. Gasan, Appi, and Zao are a bit further away but offer a lot more variety. If you are really interested in skiing or snowboarding, you might like to ask some others where they like going. There are lots of options in Miyagi. Onikoube is about a 1 hour drive from Tsukidate. You can rent gear on the mountain. There are lessons available in Japanese. I recommend heading to Naruko for a well-earned onsen on the ride home! |
Hot Springs
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Koma no Yu - 駒の湯温泉・蕎麦カフェ
Ａ recently rebuilt onsen and cafe on the foothills of Mt. Kurikoma. The water is fairly cold (39~41C), but it is relaxing. Good to stop in after hiking up the volcano. Closed in winter for obvious reasons. There's a cafe next door that sells soba. Yubama/Yunohama Onsen - 湯浜温泉 Do you want to get away from it all? Really get away from it? Then this is the place for you. Located in a valley along Route 398 on Mt. Kurikoma, this ryokan/onsen has no cell service and no electricity (short of a generator) and is the only habitation around for kilometres. You can stay overnight with dinner and breakfast included (both featuring vegetables grown right at the ryokan) if you want, and a one-time onsen pass runs ￥700 (bring your own towel). For those who aren't squeamish, there is also a mixed bath in front of the waterfall which courses near the inn. Closed in winter for obvious reasons. Nuruyu Sanso - 花山温泉 温湯(ぬるゆ)山荘 Located next to a museum in a historic building, it's a very quiet hot spring en route to Akita via 398. It's fairly cheap at ￥510, and supposedly has some good autumn scenery in the open air bath. |
Museums
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Kuriden Museum - くりでんミュージアム
Back in the past, the region which makes up Kurihara had its own rail line. The service ended in the early 2000s as the population fell and the bubble collapse wore on, but a museum was established to keep the memory around. You can get tours of the mine park as well as ride a railway bike at the Kuriden museum. Hosokura Mine Park - 細倉マインパーク Once one of the largest zinc and lead mines in Japan with a history dating back to the 9th century, this now closed mine is now home to a theme park. You can tour the mines, pan for gold, and go on a slide. |
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Sannoshiseki Garden - 山王史跡
A garden in Kurihara famous for its iris festival come June and July. |
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Kozou Fudou - 小僧不動の滝
A slightly off the beaten path waterfall, not far from Koda Dam and the A la Date roadside station. A short hike will take you to a very beautiful waterfall next to a small temple. |
