While the nature enveloped city of Hanamaki is most commonly visited for its hot springs, it also attracts a number of visitors as the hometown of renowned fairy tale author Kenji Miyazawa. Whether you’re familiar with his magical stories or not, a trip to Hanamaki’s two museums dedicated to Kenji Miyazawa’s life and tales is sure to have you hooked in no time.
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There are few Japanese people who are unfamiliar with the name Kenji Miyazawa whose fairy tales have been in circulation for almost a century. Born to a wealthy family in Hanamaki in 1896, Kenji was writing poetry from a young age but gained real success when he moved on to literature, publishing a number of children’s stories that remain enormously popular to this day. While the reputable author’s life came to an unfortunate early end in 1933 due to illness, his story (and stories) live on in Hanamaki with a number of attractions dedicated to Miyazawa Kenji around Hanamaki.
![Miyazawa Kenji Ihatov Museum]()
Miyazawa Kenji Ihatov Museum
![The Kenji Miyazawa Museums]()
The Kenji Miyazawa Museums
Tucked away in the Tsuki no Ki Forest a 30-minute bus ride from Hanamaki Station (or a 20-minute walk from Shin-Hanamaki Station) hide the two Kenji Miyazawa museums. Found less than a 10-minute walk apart the two museums are adjoined by a steep, wooden staircase that leads you on a scenic route through the trees from one museum to the next.
![The Kenji Miyazawa Museums]()
The Kenji Miyazawa Museums
- Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
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- Iwate Pref. Hanamakishi Yasawa 1-1-36
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- 8:30-17:00(Latest entry16:30…
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The Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum, the largest of the two, gives visitors a fascinating insight into the man behind the famous fairy tales. Not just an author, Kenji shared his knowledge with plenty as a teacher, farmer, astrologist and much more which you can learn more about in the form of information-packed displays, photos, and clippings of his studies which work through all his areas of interest. Make sure you have a QR reader on your phone before turning up for English translations of the texts. Entrance will set you back just 350 yen for adults, or 150 - 250 yen for children, and you’ll also find a cafe in both museums for a welcome coffee or lunch break.
![The Miyazawa Kenji Ihatov Museum]()
The Miyazawa Kenji Ihatov Museum
Greeted at the Miyazawa Kenji Ihatov Museum by a beautiful fountain reflecting the surrounding trees, this is a free addition to the first museum. After learning more about Kenji’s life at the memorial museum, it’s time to explore some of his works and discover more about the imaginary world of Ihatov which was inspired by the nature of Iwate Prefecture where he spent most of his life. Take a look at versions of his books before popping into the movie room to see more recent interpretations of his tales on the big screen. As well as putting on lectures and workshops (in Japanese), you can catch a Kenji themed concert if you happen to stop by at the time of the Kenji Festival or Kenji Birthday Festival.
![The Kenji Miyazawa Museums]()
The Kenji Miyazawa Museums
- Miyazawa Kenji Ihatov Museum
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- Iwate Pref. Hanamakishi Takamatsu 1-1-1
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- 0198312116
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- 8:30-17:00 (Admission Inform…
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Once you’re in the know about Kenji Miyazawa, it’s hard to miss the ubiquitous dedications to him around Hanamaki City, with the remaining building of the Rasuchijin Association which he founded, the flower-filled Polan Square Garden and, a personal favorite, the Ginga Poppo Clock at Nahan Plaza next to Hanamaki Station where you can see characters from Kenji’s tales dancing around the clock to music every hour.
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