Kuji(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kuzi City, the Kuzi Onsen Hotel is highly recommended for families. This traditional-style hotel features private onsen baths, kid-friendly activities, and spacious rooms with views of the Kuzi River. Located near natural trails and scenic spots, it offers a peaceful retreat perfect for multi-generational travel. The hotel serves authentic Iwate Prefecture cuisine, including local fish dishes and seasonal vegetables, enhancing the cultural experience while ensuring comfort and convenience for all ages.

The central district and Kuzi Port area are ideal for sightseeing and staying. These neighborhoods are close to key attractions like Kuzi Shrine, Kuzi Port, and the Sanriku Coastline. Stay at Yamato Hotel Kuzi Ekimae, located just steps from the train station, offering free shuttle services to nearby sites. Enjoy morning walks along the waterfront or evening views of the sunset, making it an excellent base to explore northeastern Japanese culture and coastal life.

Visitors to Kuzi City should try the Kuzi Pottery Workshop, where you can craft traditional Kuzi-yaki ceramics—a centuries-old craft recognized as part of Japan’s intangible cultural heritage. The workshops are held at Kuzi Ceramics Village, offering hands-on sessions and firing your piece onsite. Additionally, attend the annual Kuzi Festival, a vibrant celebration blending fishing traditions and Shinto rituals. Don’t miss the Kuzi Museum, which showcases the region’s history, including its iron mining legacy and maritime past.

Yes, the Kuzi Onsen Hotel stands out as one of the top hot spring accommodations. Its mineral-rich waters come from deep underground, known for skin health and relaxation. The hotel features open-air baths with panoramic views of the Kuzi River and surrounding mountains. Some rooms include private onsen baths for added privacy. Guests also enjoy locally sourced meals, such as grilled bonito and fresh sardine sushi, blending wellness with authentic Iwate flavor.

Photography enthusiasts should visit Kuzi Port, Sanriku Coastline, and Oshio Rock Formation for stunning coastal and natural shots. Stay at Kuzi Port View Hotel, whose upper-floor rooms offer unobstructed sea views perfect for capturing sunrise over the ocean or silhouettes of fishing boats at dusk. Nearby, Ohashi Lighthouse and Yamagata Mountain provide dramatic landscapes. For cultural photos, explore Kuzi Shrine and the preserved Edo-period townhouses, rich in historical detail and atmosphere.

Must-try seafood in Kuzi City includes Kama-ake Bonito, grilled over charcoal for a smoky, savory taste. Fresh sanma (mackerel pike) is another highlight, often served raw or lightly salted. Local sea urchin is exceptionally rich, especially in winter. Visit Kuzi Port Market to buy fresh catches and have them prepared at your hotel, or dine at Umami no Shokudō, where you can enjoy a full seafood set meal featuring seasonal specialties from the Sanriku Sea.

For self-drive travelers, consider staying at rural guesthouses like Yamanomichi Green House, nestled in the hills just 15 minutes from major sites. These independent homes offer kitchens, outdoor spaces, and quiet surroundings ideal for long-term stays. Many provide car rental pickup services and include detailed Kuzi City travel maps and self-guided tour guides. Along the way, stop by Iwate Prefectural Natural Park and Shirahama Beach for scenic drives and photo opportunities.

Winter in Kuzi City brings magical snowscapes and hot spring retreats. Stay at Kuzi Onsen Hotel to enjoy an onsen under the snow, surrounded by serene white forests. The annual Kuzi Snow Lantern Festival lights up old streets with glowing paper lanterns, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Visitors can also try snow hiking or ice fishing on frozen lakes. Warm up with local favorites like hot tofu stew and sake lees soup, perfect for embracing the chill of northern Japan’s winter season.

Couples will love the Starlight Suite at Kuzi Onsen Hotel, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a private outdoor onsen overlooking the river and mountains. The hotel offers custom candlelit dinners with Iwate wine and local desserts. Take a romantic walk along Kuzi Port Night Trail or go on a small boat ride at sunset. For ultimate seclusion, choose a mountain villa-style inn, far from crowds, perfect for quiet moments and intimate connection in nature.

While Kuzi City is somewhat remote, public transport is improving. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Morioka Station, then transfer to a bus (approx. 2 hours). Stay at Yamato Hotel Kuzi Ekimae, located right next to the train station, with direct access to city buses and shuttles to Kuzi Port, Kuzi Shrine, and Ceramics Village. This central location ensures convenience for first-time visitors. For a quieter stay, consider riverfront ryokan near the Kuzi River, offering scenic beauty and easy access via local transit.