Kitakami (北上) is a city located in Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is known for its scenic beauty, cultural landmarks, and historic sites.
One of the most famous attractions in Kitakami is the Tenshochi Park, a large park located along the Kitakami River. The park is known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, which bloom in the spring and attract visitors from all over Japan. The park also features walking paths and a tea house.
Another popular attraction in Kitakami is the Michinoku Folklore Village, an open-air museum that showcases traditional architecture, crafts, and culture from the Tohoku region. Visitors can explore the village and learn about the daily lives of people in the region during the Edo period.
For history buffs, the Kitakami City Museum is a must-visit destination. The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of the Kitakami region, including pottery, ceramics, and other items from the Jomon and Yayoi periods.
Kitakami is also known for its delicious food, particularly its local specialties such as Kiritanpo, a dish made from mashed rice that is wrapped around a stick and grilled, and Wanko Soba, a type of soba noodle that is served in small bowls and refilled continuously until the diner is full.
Getting there
By Train
From Tokyo:
- Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Kitakami Station
- Journey time: About 3 hours
- Cost: Around 13,000 yen one-way
From Sendai:
- Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Kitakami Station
- Journey time: 51 minutes
From Morioka:
- Take the Tohoku Shinkansen (19 minutes) or Tohoku Main Line (57 minutes) to Kitakami Station
By Plane
- Fly to Iwate Hanamaki Airport, then:
- Take the Iwate Kenkotsu Bus to JR Kitakami Station (about 50 minutes)
By Highway Bus
From Sendai:
- Take the Kenji Liner bus
- Journey time: About 3 hours
- Cost: 2,600 yen one-way
By Car
- From Tokyo: About 5 hours 10 minutes via Tohoku Expressway
- From Sendai: About 1 hour 40 minutes via Tohoku Expressway