Koiwai Farm, a vast 3,000-hectare working farm at the foot of Mt. Iwate, hosts its annual Winter Fantasy illumination event from late November through December. Hundreds of thousands of lights outline the farm's historic brick buildings, poplar-lined avenues, and pastoral landscapes, creating a Hokkaido-meets-Tohoku winter wonderland. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the illuminated grounds add a nostalgic charm, while the farm's dairy products—cheeses, butters, and soft-serve ice cream—remain on sale even in the cold. The event is particularly popular with families and couples seeking a romantic winter evening outing from Morioka.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Snow/Winter
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- Late November – December
- Region
- Tohoku
- Prefecture
- Iwate
- City
- Shizukuishi (near Morioka)
Highlights
- ◆Vast illuminated pastoral landscape at the foot of Mt. Iwate
- ◆Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the winter light displays
- ◆Historic Meiji-era brick farm buildings beautifully lit
- ◆Famous Koiwai dairy products and soft-serve available
- ◆Easy access from Morioka by shuttle or car