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. Although the geographic area is large, the population is quite low. Social life in Kurihara generally centers around Tsukidate. It is the most central region of the city, and is home to 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? Mt. Kurikoma. It's stunning autumn foliage is regularly featured on national TV programs in fall. It’s also a geo-park that attracts visitors from around the country and beyond. Too tired to leave home? You can enjoy the full Milky Way Galaxy and thousands of stars from your own parking lot on clear nights.
What is today Kurihara was once a collection of ten rural towns that merged to form a quite spread out city. Although the geographic area is large, the population is quite low. Social life in Kurihara generally centers around Tsukidate. It is the most central region of the city, and is home to 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? Mt. Kurikoma. It's stunning autumn foliage is regularly featured on national TV programs in fall. It’s also a geo-park that attracts visitors from around the country and beyond. Too tired to leave home? You can enjoy the full Milky Way Galaxy and thousands of stars from your own parking lot 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 presents. 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, and watch traditional dancing and 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 & Takashimizu 高清水 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. |
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 get you down! It has 3 onsens and camping facilities. Hanayama is a great getaway for some chilling time due to the lack of nightlife 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. 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 smallest towns in Kurihara-shi. With a current population of only 3000 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 centre 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, again rows of bonsai trees, but this time in full bloom. Very subtle, but highly recommended to anyone with an interest in bonsai. Another attraction is the Mine Park. 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. |
Restaurants
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Ice Mura (Ice Cream Village) - あいすむら
A home made ice cream shop in Ichihasama. Seasonable flavors. There's sometimes food trucks that are in the parking lot so you could have takoyaki and ice cream in one place! The scenery around is nice to look at while eating! Ebisu Near the 4 and 398 intersection down a small alleyway. You’ll see the yellow and red sign from route 4. Good for parties and nomi/tabe-hodai (all-you-can-drink/eat). La Bonte This is a cute restaurant that looks like a log cabin from the outside. It serves mainly Italian food. Sawazen - さわぜん On an intersection with Route 4 in southern Tsukidate. Good nomi/tabe place… a bit more expensive, but worth it. Sumibiichiba Ju. - 炭火いちば じゅう。 A yakiniku place on route 4 near the over bridge. Ju and Sawazen are probably the nicest restaurants in Kurihara – but take that with a grain of salt. 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. We go there a lot. It's got all the standard yaki-niku fare, but the servings are beyond generous. Ayame's - あやめの里 This restaurant 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 great! Also has a farmer’s market. Hanamai no Sato - 花舞の里 A soba restaurant located along Route 398 before you hit the climb. Absolutely 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 small ramen restaurant still serves up delicious ramen despite the "good times" being long gone. Zucca - ごはんやZucca A small pork restaurant in the hills of Kurihara. There's only four items on the menu, but despite that it's quite delcious. Ramen Shop Cosmos - ラーメンショップ秋花コスモス A small ramen shop located near Kuriharakogen station. Known for its shiitake ramen, it's filling stuff with a nice salty taste. Their spicy miso really does live up to the "spicy" name. |
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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Koropokkuru - コロポックル
A jazz cafe on Lake Izunuma. Their main draw is baked curry doria as well as BLTs. Cafe Orange An izakaya-styled café. Has a wide variety of food and drinks ordered a la carte. French toast is the best. Felice A family owned café 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. 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
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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! |
Shrines
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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. |
