This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
From April to June 2025, a TV anime called "Zatsu Tabi -That's Journey-" was broadcast. The story follows Chika Suzugamori, a female college student who wants to become a manga artist, as she broadens her horizons through a spontaneous (haphazard) journey.
The latter two-thirds of the tenth journey (episode), "My Spiritual Hometown,"Iwate Prefecture, primarilyHanamaki Citytakes place This article will introduce the details of the journey and the transportation methods used.
Click here for an article about the first journey, "The First 1,225 Steps" (Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Click here for the article about the first half of the 9th trip, "Finishing off with a visit to the hot springs and the first sunrise" (Aomori Prefecture)
First, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Hanamaki Station
having received a request for a trip to the north in a survey on Dabetta (the social networking service in the story)Chikain Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, accompanied by her best friend, Koyomi HasunumaShin-Hanamaki Stationgets off at The date is January 31st, which seems quite cold for those living in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
So, first, weTohoku Shinkansentravel to Shin-Hanamaki Station by half hours." The story doesn't specify which station the Shinkansen departs from, but based on past experiences and travel times, we can infer that it departs from Tokyo Station. In the original manga, it is explicitly stated that the departure station is Tokyo Station.
Tohoku Shinkansen train
Shinkansen trains that run directly from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hanamaki Station: the "Hayabusa" and the "YamabikoThere are two " However, most "Yamabiko" trains operate between Tokyo Station and Sendai Station, with only a few trains continuing to Morioka Station in Iwate Prefecture. The "Hayabusa" is a type of train with fewer stops, and only a few trains stop at Shin-Hanamaki Station. Combining both,only about one train per hour that provides a direct journey.
And traveling in about two and a half hours is impossible without the Hayabusa train. According to the JR timetable for March 2025, there is the Hayabusa 101 bound for Morioka, departing Tokyo at 7:16 and arriving at Shin-Hanamaki at 9:50, and the Hayabusa 103 bound for Morioka, departing Tokyo at 7:56 and arriving at Shin-Hanamaki at 10:38. After this , only Yamabiko trains stop at Shin-Hanamaki Station for a while, so they must have taken either the Hayabusa 101 or 103.
how to purchase tickets necessary to ride the Shinkansen,The first article in this seriesso please refer to it. train, all seats are reserved and there are no unreserved seatsPlease note that
The Hayabusa train, which travels the furthest from Tokyo Station, runs on the Hokkaido Shinkansen line all the way to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. However, most Hayabusa trains that stop at Shin-Hanamaki Station operate between Tokyo Station and Morioka Station (there is one Hayabusa train per day in each direction that runs between Sendai Station and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station and stops at Shin-Hanamaki Station). To access Shin-Hanamaki Station from stations such as Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Shin-Aomori, a transfer at Morioka Station is required in almost all cases.
Access to Hanamaki City
Shin-Hanamaki Station is not a station that existed from the opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen in 1982. It was established in 1985 in response to local requests and is known as a "petition station." is located in the central urban area of Hanamaki CityHanamaki Station, about 5 km west of Shin-Hanamaki Station. If you are traveling by train,KamaishiLine from Shin-Hanamaki Station and arrive at Hanamaki Station in about 8 minutes.
However, the length of time spent waiting for a train on the Kamaishi Line might be more of a problem than the actual travel time. During the daytime, there are periods of up to two hours where no trains run.
If your destination is Hanamaki Station,it's better to get off the Tohoku Shinkansen at Kitakami Station or Morioka Station, which are next to Shin-Hanamaki Station, and transfer to the Tohoku Main Line to reach Hanamaki Station. Tohoku Main Line trains run approximately every 30 minutes, and the journey from Kitakami Station to Hanamaki Station takes about 10 minutes (in fact, far more Hayabusa trains stop at Kitakami Station than at Shin-Hanamaki Station).
Hanamaki Station is served by both the Tohoku Main Line, which runs north-south through the city, and the Kamaishi Line, which connects Hanamaki Station to Kamaishi Station on the Pacific coast. There is also a rapid train called "Hamayuri" that runs directly from Morioka Station on the Tohoku Main Line, through Hanamaki Station, to Kamaishi Station. As such, Hanamaki Station is not only the central station of Hanamaki City, but also a station of great importance in terms of train operations.
If you're traveling to Hanamaki City from a distant location by means other than the Shinkansen (bullet train), you'll likely need to use a highway bus or airplane. the only airport in Iwate PrefectureHanamaki Airport(Iwate Hanamaki Airport), Japan Airlines (JAL) operates direct flights from Sapporo (New Chitose), Osaka (Itami), and Fukuoka. Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA) also operates direct flights from Nagoya (Komaki) and Kobe. From October 26, 2025, FDA is also scheduled to operate a Fukuoka-Hanamaki route.
As a side note, there are also international flights from Taipei (Taoyuan) in Taiwan. International flights from Shanghai (Pudong) in China are currently suspended.
From Hanamaki Airport, there are access buses to stations such as Hanamaki Airport Station, Morioka Station, Kitakami Station, Hanamaki Station, and Shin-Hanamaki Station. Choose the bus that best suits your destination. Although there is a station called "Hanamaki Airport Station" on the JR Tohoku Main Line,it is about 4km from the station to the airport terminal building, so walking is not recommended.
Regarding express buses serving Hanamaki City, there used to be services such as the "Ihatov" overnight bus that ran directly from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo. However, currently, in addition to the limousine bus connecting Morioka Station and Hanamaki Airport mentioned earlier,the "Kenji Liner" connecting Sendai Station and Hanamaki Stationremains.
Hanamaki City is served by the Tohoku Expressway and the Kamaishi Expressway. The Tohoku Expressway connects the Tokyo metropolitan area with Aomori Prefecture, while the Kamaishi Expressway connects Hanamaki City with Kamaishi City. These two expressways are like the road versions of the Tohoku Main Line and the Kamaishi Line. These two expressways make it easy to access Hanamaki City by car from a wide area.
Galaxy Railroad?
As Koyomi stepped out of the west exit of Shin-Hanamaki Station, she discovered a monument to a steam locomotive in front of the station. Kenji Miyazawa, a poet and children's author from HanamakiThe monument is based on "Night on the Galactic Railroad," written by . It is believed that Miyazawa's Galactic Railroad was modeled after the Iwate Light Railway, which was a railway that was like the root of the Kamaishi Line. a steam locomotive train inspired by "Night on the Galactic Railroad,SL Ginga," was in operation until June 2023.
There is also a monument to "Goosh the Cellist" in front of the station
Walk to the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
Chikato's route involves walking west from Shin-Hanamaki Station along the Kamaishi Line tracks, then heading south on National Route 456, and crossing a level crossing on the Kamaishi Line. The destination isthe Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum. The distance from Shin-Hanamaki Station to the foot of the mountain where the museum is located is about 1.4 km, so it is easily accessible on foot. However, there are 367 steps to climb up to the museum, making the total distance from the station to the museum about 1.7 km.
"Kenji Memorial Hall Entrance" nearby (at the foot of the mountain), and it is also accessible by the Tsuchizawa Line of the Hanamaki City Community Bus, but there are only 6 buses a day, so you can't rely on it too much. That being said, if you arrived on the "Hayabusa 103" that arrived at Shin-Hanamaki at 10:38, there is a bus that departs from in front of Shin-Hanamaki Station at 10:55, so you would want to use that. Does that mean that the two of them were on the "Hayabusa 101" that arrived at Shin-Hanamaki at 9:50?
The memorial hall showcases the life and works of Kenji Miyazawa, including some of his personal belongings and handwritten manuscripts. Within the hall's parking lot is a restaurant called "Wildcat House," named after his novel "The Restaurant of Many Orders." Near the memorial hall is the Koshio Shrine, which offers beautiful views.
Wildcat House
Information <Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum>
Name: Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
Address: 1-36 Yazawa 1st District, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
After leaving the Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum, the two walked west along Prefectural Road 286, the Towa-Hanamaki Onsen Line. They then spotted a sign that read "Fresh Vegetables and Baked Pudding Daifuku, Kakashi, 600m ahead," and decided to visit "Kakashi."
This scarecrow isa farmers' market, and apparently their popular item is baked pudding mochi, as indicated on the banner.
On a pilgrimage to the locations featured in the anime "Zatsu Tabi," I visited the scarecrow in Hanamaki. I also got two of their famous baked pudding mochi for 450 yen! Who knew pudding and mochi would go together so well!? I'll definitely go back to buy more!#ZatsuTabi#HanamakiTourismpic.twitter.com/9RmSaRBCLQ
— Hidesan Journey & Tips: Watching all independent league games, visiting 100 famous castles, visiting the Kumano Kodo trail, and visiting the Nakasendo trail! (@hidedondai) August 22, 2025
Even so, they walked 600 meters just from the curtain to the scarecrow, butfrom the Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum to the scarecrowit's a whopping 3.6 kilometers. If they didn't take a break after finding the scarecrow, just how far did these two intend to walk without stopping?
Google Map<Scarecrow>
Walk and take the bus to Marukan Building Dining Hall
Afterward, the twothe Marukan Buildingvisit
Since the bus was taken near Hanamaki Airport and only a rough route was given, it was a little difficult to get information about the bus, butIshidoriya Line(Hanakita 1, 3, 4 routes) operated by Iwate Kotsu. The route starts from the Shiwaguchi bus stop in Ishidoriya-cho, Hanamaki City, and goes to Kitakami Station, passing through Ishidoriya Station Entrance, the west side of Hanamaki Airport, Hanamaki Station, City Hall, Hanamaki General Hospital, Fuji University Entrance, and Prefectural Chubu Hospital. It is thought that the two took the bus from the Ishimochi bus stop, southwest of Hanamaki Airport, to the Kamimachi bus stop in front of the Marukan Building.
By the way, it's a 1.5km walk from Kakashi to Ishimochi bus stop. The total distance from Shin-Hanamaki Station to Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum to Kakashi to Ishimochi bus stop6.8km. You must be in good shape.
On the 6th floor of the Marukan Building, there's a retro, old-fashioned diner that evokes the Showa era, anda 10-tiered soft-serve ice creamits specialty is As depicted in the story, it's recommended to eat it with chopsticks.
After enjoying the 10-scoop soft serve ice cream, the two walked to Hanamaki Station (1.2km away) and thenthe hot spring inn at Osawa Onsentook a bus for about 30 minutes to It's not certain whether the bus was a shuttle bus for the hot springs or a regular route bus, but judging from the design on the bus, the former seems more likely.
A free shuttle bus operates three times in the evening from Shin-Hanamaki Station and Hanamaki Station, with a journey time of 30 minutes from Hanamaki Station. Please note that reservations are required.
The only bus service is the Yuguchi Line (Namari 1 or Namari 2) operated by Iwate Kotsu. It runs from Hanamaki Station, via Osawa Onsen, to the Shin-Namari Onsen bus stop. While the number of buses is not very high, there is approximately one bus per hour between 2 PM and 7 PM. The scheduled journey time for all buses is 25 minutes.
Osawa Onsena history of approximately 1200 yearsboasts There is even a legend that Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the Shogun, was wounded by a poisoned arrow, but healed his wounds by bathing in the hot springs of Osawa.
I love the Osawa Onsen therapeutic bathing area. I'm so engrossed in the baths that I barely have time to rest, but the room is quite warm, so it's fine. The system of being able to take the restaurant menu back to your room is excellent. pic.twitter.com/iMS5U4m2bY
The Osawa Onsen hot spring resort is known to have been used by Kenji Miyazawa. The building is 200 years old, truly reflecting its long history. Accommodation is basically room-only, and in addition to meals at the dining area, guests can bring their own ingredients and cook in the communal kitchen.
The next morning, as they walk along Prefectural Road 12, which passes in front of Osawa Onsen, Chikaa train used to run on this roadtells Koyomi that
that passed in front of Osawa OnsenHanamaki Electric Railway, operated by a company calledthe Ensen Linewas called The Ensen Line connected the city center of Hanamaki to Nishi-Ensen Onsen Station, passing through stations in the hot spring area such as Osawa Onsen Station and Ensen Onsen Station. The current Yuguchi Line bus route can be considered a replacement for the Ensen Line, but the company that operates the bus, Iwate Kotsu, is actually the successor company to Hanamaki Electric Railway.
There was another line operated by the Hanamaki Electric Railway,the Hanamaki Onsen Linecalled As the name suggests, it connected the city center of Hanamaki with Hanamaki Onsen Station, which is located east of Osawa Onsen.
The Ensen Line was discontinued in 1969, and the Hanamaki Onsen Line was also discontinued in 1972. A train called "Deha 3," which was used by the Hanamaki Electric Railway, is preserved in Zaimokucho Park in Hanamaki city. The front of the train has a very long vertical (or rather, narrow) shape, and it seems to be called a "horse-faced train."
It was incredibly difficult to take pictures because there was a fence all around and it was snowing, but I managed to see the Hanamaki DeHa 3. pic.twitter.com/o1ObiPtlPy
After traveling south along Prefectural Road 12 for a while, the two boarded a bus at a stop called "Watari." Judging from the bus's design, it can be inferred that they boarded an Iwate Kotsu route bus (Yuguchi Line). The distance from Osawa Onsen to the Watari bus stop is about 1.2 km. These people really do a lot of walking.
Google Map <Zaimokucho Park>
Stroll through Hanamaki city
The two returned to downtown Hanamaki by bus and strolled around the town. From the map description, it can be inferred that they got off the bus at either the "Cultural Hall" or "Wakaba-cho" bus stop.
During my stroll, I walked through alleys that were difficult to pinpoint exactly where I was, and thenItachibei Inari Shrine" and "Kenji's Mental Road,visited located about 3km to the southGanso Manchurian Chive Ramen Sakaeya Main Store.
Original Manchurian Chive Ramen, Sakaeya Main Store.
Chive ramen with all toppings (total 1,330 yen)
. It was super delicious! I wish there was one near my house! It's quite spicy, so if you don't like spicy food, you should choose the non-spicy option. I forgot to ask for it to be non-spicy and now my lips are burning 💋🥵#ZatsuTabihttps://t.co/8k0w3WAUUkpic.twitter.com/y1iRQKQ0UK
This is a long-established ramen shop founded in 1960. "Manchuria" of course refers to Manchuria (Manchuria) in northeastern China. It is said that the founder was impressed by the ramen soup he ate in Manchuria, which became the starting point for the restaurant.
chives, pickled garlic sprouts, pork belly, pickled ginger, and agenerous amount of chili oilcontains However, it seems they can adjust the spiciness so that even children can eat it.
Information <Original Manchurian Chive Ramen Sakaeya Main Branch>
Name: Original Manchurian Chive Ramen Sakaeya Main Store
Address: 1000-1 Yamanokami, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
in Hiraizumi Townthe Golden Hall of Chuson-ji Templesuggested she wanted to go to Sakaeya Main Store is about 5km from both Hanamaki Station and the neighboring Murasakino Station to the south, so the two headed south towards Murasakino Station. I how many kilometers they walked in just two days!? It must have been more than 15km. If I walked that much, I would definitely have sore muscles.
Chusonji Temple Golden Hall
Since it's already past 2 PM, we'll arrive at Murasakino Station around 4 PM. At Murasakino Station, we can catch the 4:40 PM train bound for Ichinoseki, arriving at Hiraizumi Station at 5:17 PM. Although there are several bus routes that provide access to Chusonji Temple, we'll be using another Iwate Kotsu bus, the Ichinoseki-Hiraizumi Line (Route 22). We'll take the last bus bound for Sehara, departing Hiraizumi Station at 5:45 PM, and in the story, we arrive at Chusonji Temple at 5:50 PM (the timetable at the time of writing this article says 5:49 PM).
And what appeared before Chika and Koyomialready closed and pitch blackwas Chusonji Temple, which was The visiting hours for Chusonji Temple are until 5pm from spring to autumn, and until 4:30pm in winter. In the story, it was explained that they were out of luck when they arrived at Hiraizumi Station, but on this day (February 1st), it was definitely winter, so they were already out of luck before they even boarded the train at Murasakino Station. The 10th journey ends here, as they were unable to enter Chusonji Temple.
Please note thatif you do not take the bus going in the opposite direction departing at 18:04, you will not be able to get back. The return bus goes to Ichinoseki Station, and if you ride it to the last stop,take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Ichinoseki Station.
Chūson-ji Temple is a Tendai sect temple said to have been founded in 850 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its connection to the Ōshū Fujiwara clan. The famous "Konjiki-dō" (Golden Hall) is, as its name suggests, a magnificent building covered in gold leaf.
This concludes our articles on the Tohoku region episode of the anime "Zatsu Tabi". Although there were scenes of them riding a bus,seems that they mostly traveled on foot. If you were to recreate this trip yourself, be sure not to overexert yourself and take precautions against heatstroke depending on the season.
The original manga also features travels to Akita and Yamagata prefectures, so I would like to write an article about it if I get the chance
![30948239_m](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAJYAAACWAQAAAAAUekxPAAAAAnRSTlMAAHaTzTgAAAAaSURBVEjH7cExAQAAAMKg9U9tDQ+gAACAdwMLuAABXZHjmQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "Visit Aizuwakamatsu City (Fukushima Prefecture) in the first episode of the anime "That's Journey"!")
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![955_co](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/955_co-150x150.jpg.webp "[Iwate Prefecture] Make a pilgrimage to the spots featured in the anime "Haikyu!!"")
