Koiwai Farm Makiba-en
Overview
The visitor area of Koiwai Farm in Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture. You can tour cattle barns designated as Important Cultural Properties, ride horses, and join programs that take you around the farm. It's about 35 minutes by bus from Morioka Station, or about 15 minutes by car from Morioka IC.
- Address
- 36-1 Maruyachi, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate 020-0507
- Official website
- https://www.koiwaifarm.com/
Highlights
Kamimaru Cattle Barn is the birthplace of dairy farming at Koiwai Farm, and nine of its buildings, including barns built in the Meiji to Taisho eras and what is said to be Japan's oldest silo, are designated national Important Cultural Properties. About 300 cows live here, and you can watch the barn from a viewing area. There's also a monument with a poem by Kenji Miyazawa. At Makiba-en you can ride horses, join the Farm Patrol tour around the farm, and visit the museum, and enjoy the famous Genghis Khan grilled lamb and soft-serve ice cream.
Opening hours
Last entry 16:00. May vary by season
Viewing included with Makiba-en admission
Hours vary by day and season. Check the official website before you go.
Prices & tickets
Green season rate from April 11, 2026
Free for age 4 and under
Pets other than dogs are not admitted
No discount for dogs
Valid April 11, 2026 – January 11, 2027
Prices include tax and may change. Check the official website before buying.
- →Smooth-entry advance reservation tickets are sold on the official ticket site (until November 23, 2026). Same price as same-day tickets
- →Activities such as horseback riding cost extra on top of admission
- →If you'll visit several times, the admission passport is a better deal
Tips for travelers
- ✓In good weather, the cows at Kamimaru Cattle Barn are outside only until around 10:00, so arrive early
- ✓About 35 min by bus from Morioka Station, or about 10–15 min by taxi from Koiwai Station
- ✓You can bring your dog (fee required)
- ✓The local specialties are Genghis Khan grilled lamb and soft-serve ice cream
- ✓A Kenji Miyazawa poem monument stands at Kamimaru Cattle Barn
Getting there
- Nearest station
- Koiwai Station (JR Tazawako Line)About 10–15 min by taxiAbout 6 km; fare roughly ¥2,000
- From major stations & airports
- Morioka Station: Iwate Kenkotsu bus bound for Koiwai Farm Makiba-en from stop 10 (adults ¥750) (About 35 min)
- Morioka IC: Take Route 46 toward Akita and turn right at the Tsunagi-Jumonji intersection (car) (About 15 min)
- Getting back
- Free parking available (1,500 regular cars)
- Check bus times back to Morioka Station in advance
Weather & what to wear
The cherry blossoms around Kamimaru Cattle Barn are at their best in late April.
Events are held on some October weekends (a wooden toy event on October 3–4 in 2026).
- ☂ Rainy days
- Mostly outdoor walking
Rules & what you can bring
- !Dogs are welcome for a ¥500 admission fee. Pets other than dogs (cats, rabbits, ferrets, etc.) are not admitted
Facilities & services
- Accessibility
- Half-price admission for people with disabilities
- Language support
- The official website has English pages
Food
- Must-try
- Genghis Khan grilled lamb (Sanrokukan)Soft-serve ice cream (Soft Cream House)
Events & festivals in Morioka & Koiwai
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Last checked: 2026-10-02