Koiwai Farm Makiba-en (小岩井農場まきば園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Koiwai Farm is one of Japan's largest privately run comprehensive farms, spreading across about 3,000 hectares on the southern foot of Mount Iwate. Makiba-en is the tourist area within it. Interacting with animals, such as feeding sheep in their grazing field and watching the sheep show, where sheepdogs herd the flock, is hugely popular with children. On the farm tour, where you ride a tractor bus with a guide through production areas not normally open to visitors, you can also see the historic cattle barns designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Once you've worn yourselves out playing, take a break with rich soft-serve ice cream made generously with farm milk. There are also jingisukan restaurants and other eateries, and you'll see families relaxing with picnic sheets spread out on the wide lawn. This is a farm wonderland representative of Iwate, one you couldn't fully explore even in half a day.

Tips

About a 30-minute drive from Morioka Station, or about 15 minutes from the Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway, with free parking available. The grounds are very spacious, so comfortable walking shoes and a stroller for small children are reassuring to have. Business hours and event content change by season, so check the official website for the day's schedule before heading out.

Best time to visit

About 3.5 hours. Mornings, when the animals are lively, are recommended. Timing your visit around the sheep show schedule makes for an efficient tour

Access & map

〒020-0507 岩手県岩手郡雫石町丸谷地