With a history stretching back over 120 years, Koiwai Farm is an important local landmark with part of its vast 3,000-hectare grounds, known as “Makiba-en”, open to the public. Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings, learn about the production of a range of dairy products and visit some of the 21 buildings on the farm designated Important Cultural Properties.

The precious buildings include the farm’s original head office referenced in the work of the acclaimed poet Kenji Miyazawa, along with a number of cattle barns and silos. Most of the functioning buildings were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A number of guided tours are available, those that take a look inside these buildings not generally open to the public are particularly popular. The forest rejuvenation tour is another favourite with visitors. The tour travels around the farm’s private forest area on a special tractor-pulled carriage and includes a guided walk in the woodlands.

A wide range of activities is available including horseback riding, butter churning, trampolining and shepherding performances.

Visitors can enjoy sampling a number of dishes and sweets made with fresh farm produce. Their ice cream made with fresh milk produced on the farm in particular is a must-try!

On winter evenings the farm transforms into a magical wonderland of colourful illuminated displays, one of the most popular winter attractions in Tohoku, fascinating its many visitors.

The farm’s famous lone cherry blossom tree, standing alone in a field with Mount Iwate in the background, is simply beautiful when in full bloom.

A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Outdoor activities