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

In Shizouka Town, stay at Mori no Yado Shizukana, a boutique ryokan nestled beside Shizouka Central Park. This eco-friendly inn blends traditional Japanese architecture with forest views, offering tatami rooms and private onsen baths. Guests can participate in hands-on Iwate indigo dyeing workshops at the local cultural hall or enjoy a family-style tea ceremony in a preserved farmhouse. The hotel also serves authentic Morioka soba noodles for breakfast, sourced from nearby farms. With its emphasis on nature and heritage, it’s ideal for travelers seeking immersive rural Japan experiences.

The central district of Shizouka Town is the optimal choice for lodging, located just steps from Shizouka Town Hall, Shizouka Central Park, and the Iwate Prefectural Art Museum. This area offers excellent access to public buses heading to Morioka Station (20-minute ride) and is surrounded by quiet residential streets perfect for morning walks. Stay at Yama no Ie Minshuku, a family-run guesthouse known for its warm hospitality and local charm. Its proximity to green spaces and cultural venues makes it ideal for both leisure and business travelers wanting a peaceful yet connected stay.

Shizouka Town hosts unforgettable cultural events like the annual Shizouka Autumn Festival, featuring traditional kagura dances, lion dances, and local food stalls showcasing Morioka soba and Iwate beef. Visitors can join indigo-dyeing workshops at the Shizouka Cultural Hall, learning techniques passed down for generations. For a deeper connection, book a tea ceremony experience in a historic farmhouse, where guests learn the art of matcha preparation and Japanese aesthetics. These activities are led by local artisans, offering genuine insight into the region’s heritage and community spirit.

Visit Shizouka Onsen Yukino-Mori Kan, a secluded hot spring resort set amid lush forests. It features natural sodium bicarbonate springs, renowned for their skin-soothing properties. The open-air baths offer panoramic views of mountains and seasonal foliage. Rooms are designed in traditional Japanese style with tatami mats and private balconies. Enjoy daily meals of Iwate beef, locally grown rice, and homemade plum wine. The resort also provides private onsen for families and couples, making it perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation in a serene mountain setting.

Famille No Mori, a farmstay accommodation in Shizouka Town, is perfect for families. Children can interact with goats, harvest organic vegetables, and make anko mochi (sweet red bean rice cakes). The spacious wooden cottages include kitchens and outdoor play areas. Located just 5 minutes from Shizouka Central Park, the property also offers bike rentals and access to a small zoo. English-speaking staff and baby cots are available, and customized meal plans can be arranged—ideal for creating lasting family memories in a safe, natural environment.

Key attractions include Shizouka Central Park, a scenic hub with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. Nearby, the Iwate Prefectural Art Museum showcases works by regional artists such as Ichirō Tanaka. The historic Shizouka Shrine, dating back to the Edo period, features stone lanterns and towering cedar trees along its sacred path. While not in town, a day trip to Morioka Station’s ‘One Bowl Ramen’ Monument is worth it for a taste of famous Morioka soba. These sites reflect the town’s blend of nature, culture, and tradition.

Try Morioka soba—cold buckwheat noodles served with a savory soy-based broth and fresh toppings—at local stalls in Shizouka Market. Another highlight is Iwate beef, featured in grilled steaks and sukiyaki dishes at restaurants like Old Shop Iwateya. During winter, don’t miss Imo-ni, a hearty stew made with potatoes, konjac, and chicken, often enjoyed at community gatherings. For souvenirs, bring home Iwate indigo-flavored biscuits or Shizouka-produced honey, crafted with care by local artisans.

Spring and autumn are the prime seasons for visiting Shizouka Town. Cherry blossoms bloom from late March to early April, transforming Shizouka Central Park into a pink-hued paradise ideal for photos and picnics. Autumn, from mid-October to early November, brings stunning maple foliage across hillsides and trails. Temperatures are mild, perfect for hiking and cycling. Summer offers festivals and night illuminations, while winter presents snow-covered landscapes and tranquil onsen retreats—ideal for those who love quiet, snowy countryside charm.

Take the Iwate Prefectural Bus (routes 101 or 102) from Morioka Station, which takes about 20 minutes to reach Shizouka Town Center Bus Stop. Buses run hourly from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Alternatively, use shared e-bikes or taxis—approximately 15 minutes and 1,200 yen. For convenience, especially with luggage, pre-book a shuttle service offered by many local inns. Download the i-Ride App for real-time schedules and route planning.

Capture stunning shots at Shizouka Central Park’s mirror pond and flower gardens, especially during sunrise or golden hour when reflections enhance the colors. The Shizouka Shrine’s approach lined with ancient cedars and stone lanterns creates dramatic framing for portraits and landscape shots. The Iwate Prefectural Art Museum’s modern glass facade offers striking architectural contrasts under sunlight. For solitude and serenity, explore the forest trail winding through pine groves—frequently shrouded in morning mist, perfect for ethereal, minimalist photography. Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots of still waters and twilight scenes.