The coldest place in Honshu? Let's enjoy the great nature in winter in Morioka, Iwate [Mahora Iwate Ice World]!

  • Iwate
  • Experience Gifu
20-meter-long "Ice Cave
What place comes to mind when you hear the words "coldest place in Honshu"?

Mahorawate" where you can enjoy the nature of Iwate to the fullest!

Surprisingly, that place is Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture. The Yabukawa area in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is surrounded by the highlands where Lake Iwadoko, famous for its wakasagi (smelt) fishing, is located.
In Yabukawa, there is a facility called "Mahora Iwate" where you can enjoy the nature of Iwate to the fullest.
Visitors can enjoy camping, trekking, harvesting, and a variety of other activities and events throughout the year while fully enjoying the natural beauty of Iwate.
illumination

Ice World 2025" will be open!

Taking advantage of the climate in the Yabukawa area of Morioka City, which is the coldest on Honshu, Mahora Iwate will hold the winter-only event "Ice World 2025," which is perfect for winter.

This season's theme is "Glitter.
For a limited time only, visitors can enjoy a 20-meter-long ice cave and LED illumination, made possible by the fact that Yabukawa is the coldest city in Honshu. The ice structure is twice as large as last year's, and 400,000 LED lights will illuminate the venue!

Period: Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Monday, February 24, 2025
*Please check the business calendar for hours of operation and days when operations are suspended during the period.
Admission: Adults 1,200 yen / Elementary school students 700 yen / Preschool children over 3 years old 500 yen / Children under 3 years old free
Illuminated swing

How to enjoy daytime

There are a lot of fun equipment such as a giant slide and sleigh rides!
Every Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy sledding contests, snow treasure hunts, snowmobile experiences, ice break challenges, wakasagi fishing on ice, skating rinks, and more. Some activities are available for a fee.
The famous Wakasagi fishing at Lake Rock Cave will be held at Mahoraiwa for beginners. Even first-timers can enjoy the experience. And after a lot of fun, warm up your cold body in the bath in "Hinata Hall.
Sledding

How to enjoy night time

At night, the highlight of the festival is the illumination with many lights. The illumination of the ice cave, which is over 20 meters long, creates a romantic atmosphere that is different from that of the daytime. There are many photo spots where you can take pictures with your family, loved ones, and friends.
At the "Ice Bar," drinks will be served in ice glasses, hot coffee, non-alcoholic hot wine, etc. Children are also welcome. We also recommend the "Kamakura de Kotatsu," where you can set up a bean charcoal kotatsu inside a kamakura and eat nabe (hot pot) while warming up! Ramen and soba noodles are also available.
*Reservations are required in advance (please make reservations through the official website of Mahora Iwate).
kamakura de kotatsu (kotatsu in a kamakura house)

Maho Liner" shuttle bus service on weekends and holidays

For those who have trouble with transportation, the Maho Liner shuttle bus, which operates on weekends and holidays only, is convenient!
Those who are anxious about winter roads and those who cannot secure transportation can also come to the event with peace of mind.
The bus runs directly between Morioka Station and Maho Liner Iwate. Reservations are required (paid)
Please make reservations through the official Mahora Iwate website.
During the festival period, two buses a day run on Saturdays and national holidays, and one bus a day runs on Sundays.

Mahora Iwate has a lot to offer!

There are many other ice structures and events in addition to those introduced here. Please visit "Mahora Iwate" to create wonderful memories.

Let's make the warmest memories in Japan in the coldest place in Honshu!
Photo and information provided by Ankuri Mahora Iwate
Click here for the official website of Mahorawate

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For reservations for train + lodging in the Morioka area, please visit the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package
Tags related to this article
Previous post Back to list Next
related articles