Kurihara: Mountain Nature and Railway History

A trip to Kurihara can bring several themes together: mountain nature on Mount Kurikoma, railway history at the Kuriden Museum and nature experiences at Lake Izunuma. Consider which of these interests you would like to focus on when planning your trip.

Mountain Nature and Routes on Mount Kurikoma

In the wider surrounding region stands Mount Kurikoma, a cone-shaped volcano rising to 1,626 metres. It spans the prefectures of Miyagi, Iwate and Akita. Hiking and trekking are possible there from spring through autumn. At the Iwakagamidaira trailhead, there is a car park and a rest house, as well as nine hiking trails for different experience levels. The seasonal window and variety of routes provide a practical framework for planning; check which route suits your plans.

One traverse leads from Iwakagamidaira along the Higashi-Kurikoma Trail to the summit, then descends via the Sukawa Trail to Sukawa Onsen. From the summit, you can see Mount Gassan, Mount Chōkai, the Zao Mountains, Mount Akita-Komagatake and Mount Hayachine; on a clear day, the view reaches as far as the Pacific Ocean. This means you can consider the route and the panorama as two distinct aspects of a mountain trip.

Railway History Up Close

The Kuriden Museum in Wakayanagi is dedicated to the Kurihara Den’en Railway, which closed in 2007. Visitors can view and touch its vehicles. The KD12 driving simulator, with its original driver’s cab, offers a different kind of experience: you can sit inside, move the brake handle and levers, and sound the Kuriden horn. Alongside the historic vehicles, the focus is also on the practical controls in the driver’s cab.

Izunuma: Waterbirds and Nature Experiences

The Miyagi Izunuma-Uchinuma Sanctuary Center is located by Lake Izunuma. The lake is known as a resting area for swans and other waterbirds, and the center has exhibits about the lake’s natural environment. Nature experience courses about the Izunuma and Uchinuma area are held there about once a month. If you would like to plan a course into your trip, check the exact dates in advance. Your visit can therefore focus on different things: the exhibits, the birdlife by the lake or a course on a suitable date.

Fish Farming as Regional History

Iwana farming is also part of the region’s development history: it began in Kurihara City in 1968 at the initiative of Kazumata Kazuo to revitalize the region, and continues to this day. This adds another facet of regional history alongside the landscape and railway.

Choose a Travel Focus for Your Accommodation Search

When searching for a holiday rental, it helps to decide on the focus of your trip first. For a nature holiday, consider the seasonal window on Mount Kurikoma, the hiking trails and, if applicable, a course date in the Izunuma area; for an interest in cultural history, the railway vehicles and simulator take center stage. This will help you tailor your search to the mix of experiences you want.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Watari, Shichikashuku, Kami District, Minamisanriku, Kinosaki, Tome, Taiwa, Shiogama

For the broader travel overview: Miyagi Prefecture.