Koiwai Farm
小岩井農場
One of Japan's largest farms, opened in 1891 at the foot of Mount Iwate. Meet sheep and horses and walk through farm scenery dating back to the Meiji era.
One of Japan's largest farms, born from wasteland
Koiwai Farm lies at the foot of Mount Iwate in Iwate Prefecture. It was opened in 1891 on land that was then wasteland.
The name "Koiwai" takes one character from the surnames of each of the three men behind its founding: "Ko" from Ono Gishin, "Iwa" from Iwasaki Yanosuke and "I" from Inoue Masaru. Inoue was the farm's owner, Iwasaki its investor and Ono its guarantor.
The whole farm covers about 3,000 hectares and is considered one of the largest in Japan. Dairy farming and other work still go on here, and in 2017, 21 of the farm's buildings were designated Important Cultural Properties by the national government.
Makiba-en, the visitor area
The part of the farm open to visitors is Koiwai Farm Makiba-en (makiba means "pasture"), which covers about 40 hectares. You can meet sheep, horses and other animals, join tours around the farm and try hands-on craft activities.
There are also places to eat and snack, serving ramen, soft-serve ice cream, barbecue and more. In winter, events such as illuminations light up the farm at night.
The lone cherry tree and Miyazawa Kenji
The Ipponzakura ("lone cherry tree") stands by itself in one of the farm's pastures. It is an Edohigan cherry planted in the Meiji era, and its silhouette against Mount Iwate has appeared in an NHK drama. Crowds come to see it when it blooms.
Miyazawa Kenji, the poet and children's author from Iwate, often visited the farm. His 1922 visit inspired a long poem titled "Koiwai Farm", which he included in his collection Spring and Asura.
Getting there
From stop 10 in front of JR Morioka Station, take a bus bound for Koiwai Farm Makiba-en; the ride takes about 35 minutes. By car it is about 15 minutes from the Morioka interchange, and there is free parking.
JR Koiwai Station is also nearby, but it is about an 80-minute walk to Makiba-en, and the official website notes that connections can involve waiting. The bus from Morioka Station is the easier option. Check opening hours and admission fees on the official website.
Tips
- You can also buy admission in advance as a digital ticket. On days that look busy, getting it ready on the official website makes entry smoother.
- The station is called Koiwai, but the farm is about 6km away from it. If you come by train, use the bus from Morioka Station.
Sources
Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
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