Discover Kuzumaki

The town of Kuzumaki offers a range of themes to help you plan your trip: the landscapes of the 平庭 (Hiraniwa) Highlands, agricultural learning opportunities, regional food, and wine experiences. The town’s history and charcoal production are also among the insights a stay here can offer. The excursions you choose will depend on whether you are more interested in nature, local products, or culture.

Highlands and Nature

The 平庭県立自然公園 stretches across 平庭岳 and the surrounding plain. Designated in 1961, the protected area lies partly in Kuzumaki and partly in the city of 久慈 (Kuji). The park is said to contain a birch forest of around 300,000 trees. Azaleas bloom on the slopes around つつじヶ丘 (Tsutsujigaoka) around early June; the exact flowering time varies.

The hiking trail on 遠別岳 and 安家森 has been extended to Tsutsujigaoka in the 平庭 Highlands. There, you can enjoy a walk with expansive views. Access is regulated seasonally, so check the access conditions before your visit. You can also see birch forests from your vehicle while driving through the town.

There is parking for five vehicles at 七滝 near 田部. From there, the walk takes about ten minutes. In winter, snow makes both driving and walking more difficult. Take these conditions into account when planning a visit.

Agriculture and Regional Cuisine

At くずまき高原牧場, calves and sheep are cared for, shiitake mushrooms are grown, and ice cream is made. Agricultural learning opportunities also include programs for school trips and class excursions; families are welcome too. Check with the operator in advance to find out which activities are available on your preferred date.

One local dish is “くずまき鍋”: served in individual portions, it combines ingredients and specialties from Kuzumaki with the flat noodle “ひぼがはっと,” made there. Restaurants in the town serve the dish. The noodle is made from wheat flour, is flat, and resembles kishimen. It is one of the town’s regional dishes.

At the 平庭高原体験学習館 森のこだま館, hands-on learning, a shop with tasting opportunities, and a restaurant serving local products come together. Local women prepare dishes in the restaurant using ingredients from the area. Alongside くずまき鍋, it offers another way to experience local cuisine.

Wine Experiences and Their Conditions

At くずまきワイン, you can sample products, including wine made from mountain grapes. A winery tour is available year-round, lasts 60 minutes, and is free of charge. Staff explain the tank room, bottling facility, and wine cellar with its barrels. The tour is intended for groups of one to 45 people and must be booked at least seven days in advance. Check dates and availability directly with the operator.

The mountain grape harvesting experience is available only in October: participants harvest grapes from Kuzumaki and then process them into jam or juice. This experience must also be booked at least seven days in advance. In the year-round blending experience—except over the New Year period—you combine several spirits, including mountain grape wine, to create your own blend. It lasts 60 minutes, costs 2,000 yen per person, and is intended for groups of five to 20 people. It must be booked at least seven days in advance. People under 20 and anyone driving a vehicle cannot take part.

Culture, Routes, and Getting There

The wooden community facility 森の館ウッディ houses the 炭の科学館. It showcases charcoal production and ideas for its future. Confirm current operating status before visiting. Traditional practices in Kuzumaki include 念仏, さんさ, and 葛巻神楽; preservation groups perform them every year at local summer festivals. In the town center, you can also see traces of its former importance as a stop on the salt road between Noda and Morioka.

National Route 281 runs east to west through the town, while National Route 340 runs north to south. Allow about 90 minutes to drive from Morioka to the town center and about 60 minutes from Kuji. Kuzumaki is part of the Iwate Prefectural Cycling Route “いわて森の風ルート,” which crosses the prefecture’s northern coastal area. Bicycles are available for rent in the town, and there are also events where you can try e-bikes with electric pedal assistance.

Discover more destinations: Shizukuishi.

Return to the main travel overview: Iwate District.