Hanamaki Travel Guide

Explore Hanamaki through its natural and cultural attractions, food and drink scene, hiking and biking routes, accommodation options, and more.


Introduction to Hanamaki

Hanamaki, located in Iwate, Tohoku, Japan, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Known for its cherry blossom trees and numerous hot springs, Hanamaki is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore Hanamaki through its natural and cultural attractions, food and drink scene, hiking and biking routes, accommodation options, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Hanamaki

Below we have compiled a comprehensive list of places to visit in Hanamaki. From museums and historical places to outdoor adventures and scenic views, Hanamaki offers a range of activities and experiences for travelers.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Seto Kannon Statue: A popular attraction in Hanamaki, this 32-feet tall goddess of mercy statue is the largest in Japan.
  • Kimmisawa-Honjin: A historic accommodation for samurai travelling through the area.
  • Shin Hanamaki Station Building: A historical railway station built in the Taisho period with Dutch-style architecture.
  • Kawabata Yasunari Literature Museum: A museum dedicated to Japan’s first Nobel laureate, Yasunari Kawabata.
  • Osawa Onsen Sanso Museum: A museum that showcases the architecture and designs used in Japanese ryokans.

Natural Attractions of Hanamaki: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kotohiki Park: A park located along the Kitakami River, famous for its cherry blossoms.
  • Sankai Falls: A waterfall located deep in the mountains, reachable by a short hike and a suspension bridge.
  • Jodogahama Beach: A scenic spot that offers stunning sea views with fascinating rock formations.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hanamaki

Hanamaki offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the best routes for adventurous travelers:

  • Takamatsu Mountain Trail: This hiking trail takes you to the summit of Takamatsu Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Hanamaki and the Kitakami River.
  • Shiroyama Mountain Trail: This hiking trail takes you to the summit of Shiroyama Mountain, offering scenic views of the city below.
  • Hanamaki Cycling Road: A 24-kilometer cycling road that connects Hanamaki Station and Tono, offering scenic views of the Kitakami River and surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Hanamaki: Activities and Tours

Hanamaki has a lot to offer for travelers looking for unique experiences. Here are some of the top things to do in Hanamaki:

  • Take a hot spring bath: Hanamaki is famous for its hot springs, so it’s a must to take a dip in one of the city’s many hot spring baths.
  • Attend the Namari Ski Festival: A winter festival that features a torch ski parade and a snowball fight.
  • Visit the Hanamaki Matsuri: A summer festival that features parades, fireworks, and traditional Japanese performances.
  • Experience a Japanese tea ceremony: Hanamaki is home to several tea houses where you can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hanamaki

If you’re planning to visit Hanamaki for a week, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Seto Kannon Statue, Shin Hanamaki Station Building, and Kawabata Yasunari Literature Museum.
2 Follow the Hanamaki Cycling Road and visit Kotohiki Park.
3 Hike the Takamatsu Mountain Trail for panoramic views of the city.
4 Take a day trip to Sankai Falls.
5 Soak in a hot spring bath and experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
6 Visit Jodogahama Beach for stunning sea views.
7 Attend a festival or explore the city on your own.

Food and Drink Scene of Hanamaki

Hanamaki is known for its food and drink scene, with a range of local dishes and beverages to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wanko Soba: A traditional dish of Iwate, consisting of small servings of soba noodles that are quickly eaten in succession.
  • Iwate Wagyu Beef: A highly-prized beef that is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
  • Sasa Kamaboko: A type of fish cake, made using the fresh mountain water and bamboo leaves found in Hanamaki, with a unique texture and refreshing flavor.

Local Beverages

  • Nanbu Bijin Sake: A renowned sake brand in Japan, the Nanbu Bijin Brewery is located in Hanamaki.
  • Iwate Kura Beer: A famous local beer brand that has won multiple awards, including the World Beer Awards.

Where to Stay in Hanamaki: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hanamaki has many accommodation options to choose from, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Hanamaki Onsenkyo Yuyutei: A ryokan where you can experience a traditional Japanese-style room, and enjoy hot spring baths.
  • Yumoto Kanko Hotel Saikyo: A Western-style hotel that offers panoramic mountain views.
  • Hiromi Ryokan Guesthouse: A guesthouse located in the center of Hanamaki, offering a convenient location for exploring the city.

What to Buy in Hanamaki: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hanamaki offers a variety of souvenirs that make for great gifts for your family and friends.

  • Tofu Hoto Noodle: A noodle made from wheat flour and pumpkin, often called “Hoto”, and it is a specialty throughout Iwate.
  • Sasa Zori: A pair of sandals made from local sasa bamboo leaves. They are soft and lightweight, making them easy to wear during hot and humid summers.
  • Namako Wall Hangings: Hanamaki pottery stores offer Namako wall art, small Buddha statues made by local craftsmen from clay, and are finished with an eggshell glaze.

Local Culture and Customs of Hanamaki

Hanamaki has a rich cultural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to explore the city’s traditional crafts, such as pottery and weaving, and attend local festivals, where they can experience traditional Japanese performances and customs.

Best Time to Visit Hanamaki

The best time to visit Hanamaki is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the cherry blossom trees and autumn foliage are in full bloom, making for beautiful scenery.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hanamaki

Visitors to Hanamaki are encouraged to follow local customs and respect the city’s culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Remove your shoes before entering a Japanese-style room or house.
  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases before visiting Hanamaki.
  • Bow when meeting someone as a sign of respect.

Don’t:

  • Use your chopsticks to move dishes around or point at someone.
  • Wear shoes inside temples, shrines, or traditional Japanese buildings.
  • Speak loudly in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hanamaki

Hanamaki is a safe city, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take precautions such as securing their belongings and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Hanamaki

Hanamaki has excellent medical facilities, and travelers can access basic healthcare services at local clinics and hospitals. It is recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before visiting Hanamaki.

Getting to Hanamaki: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hanamaki is easily accessible by several transportation options.

Airports Near Hanamaki

  • Hanamaki Airport (HNA): Located approximately 30 minutes from Hanamaki city center, Hanamaki airport operates domestic flights to major Japanese cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

Bus Stations Near Hanamaki

  • Hanamaki Station Bus Terminal: A major bus terminal that connects Hanamaki to other cities in Iwate and beyond.

Other Options

  • Shinkansen: The bullet train stops at Shin-Hanamaki Station, which is just a few kilometers away from the city center.

How to Get Around in Hanamaki

Hanamaki has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and rental cars. Additionally, visitors can also explore the city by foot or bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Hanamaki: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hanamaki is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and nearby destinations, making it an ideal base to explore the wider region of Tohoku. Here are some recommended places to visit:

  • Tono: A town located about 40 minutes from Hanamaki that is famous for its folklore, festivals, and traditional thatched-roof houses.
  • Kitakami: A city known for its scenic views, including the Tenshochi Park known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees.
  • Hiraizumi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features historical temples, shrines, and ruins.

Conclusion

Hanamaki, with its natural beauty and cultural heritage, is a city that has something to offer for all types of travelers. From outdoor adventures and scenic views to traditional Japanese crafts and festivities, visitors to Hanamaki are sure to have an unforgettable experience. With the help of this comprehensive travel guide, plan your visit to Hanamaki and immerse yourself in the unique culture and beauty of this charming city.

Miyazawa Kenji Dowa-Mura Miyazawa Kenji Dowa-Mura Kiyomizu Temple Kiyomizu Temple