From Hanamaki, Iwate! Feel the world of Kenji Miyazawa at Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village, where the forest is illuminated for a limited time.

  • Iwate
  • Experience Gifu
Fairy Tale Village Forest Light-up 2023
Born in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, Miyazawa Kenji was a poet, children's story writer, teacher, scientist, and religious leader, and left behind many tanka poems, poems, and children's stories during his lifetime. The Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village, where visitors can experience the unique world of Kenji Miyazawa, is a "learning" facility where visitors can enjoy learning about the world of "Kenji's Fairy Tales.

There are a variety of facilities on the premises that allow visitors to get close to the essence of not only the world of Kenji's fairy tales, but also the influences of Kenji Miyazawa, who had a unique worldview. The exhibition is a must-see for Kenji fans, and even those new to Kenji's fairy tales can enjoy learning about Kenji Miyazawa while getting to know him. This time, we will also introduce the annual illumination of the forest from summer to fall.
Kenji's School

Enter from "Ginga Station

The entrance to the Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village is the Ginga Station. This is where Giovanni and his friend Campanella, the main character in "Night on the Galactic Railroad," began their journey. The brick building with antique benches where visitors can take a rest creates a retro atmosphere.

After passing through the Ginga Station, you will find the Ginga Station Square.
Ginga Station *Taken from Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization

Kenji's School" expressing Kenji's world

The white building at the back of Ginga Station Square is "Kenji's School," the main building of Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village. It is characterized by arches and constellations drawn on the ground, and has become a popular photo spot on SNS.
Kenji's School
Inside "Kenji's School" are five zones: "Fantasy Hall," "Space," "Sky," "Earth," and "Water. This time, we will introduce you to the "Fantasy Hall," "Space," and "Earth" zones!

Fantastic Hall

The "Fantasy Hall," a mysterious space with a number of "Kenji's Chairs," is the prologue to Kenji's world. Visitors can sit on chairs with motifs of stars and clouds, and find a phrase from one of Kenji's fairy tales written at their feet. Using images and sound effects, the hall shows the scenery of "Ihatov," Kenji's ideal world, and introduces the personality of Kenji Miyazawa and some of his representative fairy tales.
Fantastic Hall

Space Room - The sparkling world of big life

As you proceed through the Fantasy Hall, it is getting dim. Passing through a passageway, visitors will find a world that resembles outer space, lit by strobe lights and optical fibers. This "Space Room" is a huge kaleidoscope space made of three mirrors. You can even hear the sound of a whale comet taking off and stars twinkling.
Space Room

The Earth Room - A world of living things in Ihatov

The "Earth Room" is a diorama space decorated with huge sculptures of insects, plants, and trees living in the nature of Ihatov. A large praying mantis welcomes you. It is as if you have become small and wandered into the world of insects! If you look closely, you will see ants and spiders in addition to the praying mantis! This is an area full of sights to see, including mysteriously shaped plants.
Earth Room *Quotes from Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization

Inside the log house is "Kenji's Classroom

Within the grounds of the Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village, there is an area lined with log houses. This is "Kenji's Classroom. Inside each log house, there are exhibits related to "plants," "animals," "stars," "birds," and "stones" that appear in Kenji's fairy tales, allowing visitors to learn about Kenji Miyazawa's influences and the deeper aspects of his stories. A souvenir shop, "Mori-no-Tenko-ya" is also located in the same area, where you can purchase Kenji Fairy Tale goods and Hanamaki's specialty products.
The "Star" Classroom

The "Fairy Tale Village Forest Lights Up" where a mysterious space unfolds

In 2023, the "Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village Forest Light-up" will be held from July 22 (Sat) to October 29 (Sun), Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and during the Bon Festival (August 11 to 16). During this period, the world of Kenji Miyazawa's works will appear in the Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village at night, interwoven with light and nature. In addition to the light projected by polarized filters and mirror balls, mysterious background music is played, creating a magical space. You can't help but gaze at the sparkling scenery for a long time.
Light up the Fairy Path
Light up the square

Hours of Operation

July-August: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
September: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
October: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
*Last admission 30 minutes before closing time
*Opening hours of "Kenji's School" and "Kenji's Classroom" and "Forest Storekkoya" are extended 30 minutes before event closing time on event days.

Experience the world of Kenji Miyazawa when you visit Hanamaki!

We have introduced everything from exhibitions to events at the Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village. Seeing is believing! Please visit in person to experience the charm.
For train + lodging "Iwate Area" reservations, please see the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package
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