Hanamaki of Miyazawa Kenji: The Utopian Ihatov and the Poet's World

Hanamaki of Miyazawa Kenji

Miyazawa Kenji (1896–1933), poet and children's author famous for "Night on the Galactic Railroad," "Ame ni mo Makezu," and "Kaze no Matasaburo," was born in Hanamaki, Iwate. He named Iwate "Ihatov" — his personal utopia — and Hanamaki has many facilities celebrating his world.

Highlights

- Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Hall: Museum introducing his life, works, and philosophy - Dowa Mura (Fairy Tale Village): Outdoor theme facility bringing his fairy tales to life - Igirisu Kaigan: Kitakami Riverbank that Kenji compared to "the coast of England" - Kenji's House: His former home where he provided agricultural guidance - Yamaneko-ken: Restaurant inspired by "The Restaurant of Many Orders"

Food

- Mountain Produce: The natural bounty of Hanamaki that Kenji loved - Reimen and Jajamen: Nearby Morioka's famous B-class noodles

Getting There

- From JR Shin-Hanamaki Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) by local bus or taxi - From Morioka Station by train: about 30 minutes

Tips

Visiting the Memorial Hall and Fairy Tale Village together is efficient. Beautiful in every season — cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, foliage in autumn.