FERME KOIWAI

With over 130 years of history, Koiwai is one of Japan's largest private farms. Founded in 1891, it extends over some 3,000 hectares at the foot of majestic Mount Iwate. Part of the estate is open to the public under the name of "Makibaen", and invites visitors to discover vast meadows, usually closed breeding forests and an exceptional agricultural heritage. No fewer than 21 buildings, including barns and silos classified as important cultural assets, bear witness to the rise of dairy farming in the country. Nine of these, located in the Kamimaru cowshed, are still in use. The rest can be visited thanks to an interactive gallery, which combines exhibitions and digital technologies. On-site, the farm also offers dishes, sweets and artisanal ice creams made from its own products. Kamimaru's raw milk ice cream is a specialty not to be missed. In winter, the site is transformed with one of Tohoku's biggest light festivals, offering a completely different face at dusk. In spring, the famous solitary cherry blossom in front of Mount Iwate attracts photographers every year. By 2026, the Koiwai experience will be enriched by a new hotel: Azuma Farm Koiwai, by JR East. Located close to the famous cherry tree, this hotel complex, built in part from local wood, will feature 24 self-contained cottages, a restaurant and lounge, three private saunas, and immersive experiences in the farm's natural surroundings.