What Is Koiwai Farm Makiba-en in Iwate?
Koiwai Farm (Koiwai Nōjō) is a private, large-scale farm spreading across roughly 3,000 hectares at the southern foot of Mt. Iwate, and its visitor area "Makiba-en" is one of the top things to do in Iwate, combining animal encounters, farm-to-table dining, scenic walks, and historical exhibits in one place.
Located at 36-1 Maruyachi, Shizukuishi Town, Iwate District, Iwate Prefecture, the farm is about a 30–40 minute drive or taxi ride from Morioka Station, making it an easy stop even on your first trip to Iwate.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Koiwai Farm Makiba-en isn't the kind of sightseeing spot where you aim for a single building and finish in a few minutes.
Walking through the wide open scenery and combining eating, hands-on experiences, and learning tends to make your visit far more rewarding.
As a rough guide, simply touring the main areas takes about 2–3 hours, while enjoying meals and activities at a relaxed pace is best planned as a half-day outing.
Top Things to See at Koiwai Farm: Scenery, Animals, Food & History
If it's your first visit, rather than trying to cram everything in, start with the elements that best capture the farm atmosphere and you'll find it easier to get around.
Visitor activities are generally organized into themes like "meeting the animals," "enjoying nature," and "learning about Koiwai Farm."
Animal Encounters and Horseback Riding Experiences
Animal experiences include feeding treats to horses, programs involving sheep and horses, and horse-drawn trolley rides available from spring through autumn.
Because daily offerings change with the season, it's smoothest to check the event board and park map right after you arrive before deciding where to go.
Horse and sheep programs may also be canceled depending on weather or the animals' condition, so if there's a specific experience you don't want to miss, check the operating information and event schedule before you set out.
Farm-to-Table Food at Koiwai
Inside Makiba-en you'll find restaurants and shops serving the farm's famous jingisukan (Mongolian-style grilled lamb) and barbecue, as well as soft-serve ice cream, pizza, ramen, and light meals.
Many menu items use ingredients and dairy products made right on Koiwai Farm, and the sweeping views of Mt. Iwate make it easy to turn any meal into a scenic break.
The soft-serve ice cream in particular is a long-standing Koiwai favorite, letting you taste the farm's fresh dairy on the spot, which makes it a perfect mid-walk treat.
A Glimpse into the Farm's History and Industry
The Koiwai Farm Important Cultural Property Gallery showcases the nationally designated historic buildings on the property and the story of the farm itself through digital, interactive exhibits.
At the Milk Hall, you can watch the dairy production process through glass windows while enjoying the surrounding views.
Because there are plenty of indoor facilities where you can spend time comfortably even on rainy days, Koiwai Farm Makiba-en is a reliable choice regardless of the weather.
How to Plan Your Visit: Set Your Priorities First
The farm is large, and which facilities are open and which events are running will vary depending on the season.
That's why the easiest approach is to check the park map and event schedule right after entering, then decide whether to prioritize animals, meals, or historical sightseeing that day.
A Simple Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Check available events and open facilities right after entering
- Do hands-on experiences like horseback riding and trolley rides in the morning
- Enjoy farm cuisine (jingisukan, soft-serve, etc.) at lunch
- Spend the afternoon at the gallery, Milk Hall, and taking in the views
- Finish at the shop, picking up dairy products and sweets as souvenirs
Following this flow helps you avoid the "where should I go now?" feeling after arrival and makes it much easier to enjoy such a large farm without feeling lost.
Koiwai Farm Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
The entrance fee for Koiwai Farm Makiba-en varies by season.
During the green season, admission is 800 yen for adults (junior high school students and up), 300 yen for children (ages 5 to sixth grade), and 500 yen for dogs.
In winter, it's 400 yen for adults, 150 yen for children, and 300 yen for dogs.
Opening hours are 9:00–17:00, with last admission at 16:00.
Schedules may change due to weather, so it's wise to check the official operating information before heading out.
How to Get to Koiwai Farm from Morioka Station
Most travelers reach Koiwai Farm Makiba-en from JR Morioka Station by local bus or taxi.
The local bus departs from platform 10 in front of Morioka Station bound for "Koiwai Farm Makibaen," taking about 35 minutes with a one-way fare of 750 yen.
By taxi, the trip takes about 30–40 minutes from Morioka Station, costing roughly 6,000 yen.
If you're driving, it's about 12 km (around 15 minutes) from Morioka IC on the Tōhoku Expressway, and the farm has a free parking lot with space for 1,500 regular cars and 30 large buses.
From Iwate Hanamaki Airport, it's about a 50-minute drive via the Tōhoku Expressway in a rental car.
Key Information to Check Before You Go
You can check opening hours, admission fees, events, and which facilities are open all in one place.
Because available facilities and activities change with the season, reviewing the operating information and event schedule ahead of time makes it much easier to plan your day.
Visiting with Dogs, Kids, or Accessibility Needs
Koiwai Farm Makiba-en welcomes dogs, and there's even an on-site dog run.
That said, you'll need to sign a consent form at entry, and dogs must have had a rabies vaccination and a combined vaccine (3-in-1 or more) within the past year.
Some indoor facilities and animal areas are off-limits to dogs, so it's a good idea to check which zones you can access in advance.
Stroller and Wheelchair Friendly
Most facilities on the grounds are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, with only a few exceptions.
Free wheelchair rentals (5 available), nursing rooms, and diaper-changing areas are also provided, making it a practical destination for families with small children or senior travelers.
Rules and Prohibited Items at Koiwai Farm
While the setting feels wide open, the farm has a few rules in place to keep the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Prohibited items and actions include large tents and parasols, flying objects such as drones, kites, and radio-controlled toys, hard bats and balls, self-propelled vehicles like bicycles, kickboards, and skateboards, bringing in or using barbecue equipment, and entering off-limits areas.
Be Considerate When Taking Photos
The wide scenery is very photogenic, but safety and consideration for those around you should always come first.
Especially during busy times like Golden Week, summer vacation, and major events, avoid blocking walking paths and be mindful of other visitors and the animals.
Tips to Avoid the Crowds at Koiwai Farm
Koiwai Farm Makiba-en tends to get crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, and the autumn leisure season.
If you want to enjoy it when it's less busy, arrive right at opening time in the morning and do the hands-on experiences first.
Restaurants tend to be busiest around noon at lunchtime, so shifting your meal to 11 a.m. or after 1 p.m. makes it much easier to find a seat.
Summary: Decide What You Want to See for a Smoother Visit
Koiwai Farm Makiba-en is more than just a place to enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Iwate; its real appeal lies in combining animal encounters, farm cuisine, historical exhibits, and scenic walks.
To explore such a spacious park without feeling rushed, check the events and map after arrival, then decide what matters most to you. Even first-time visitors to Iwate will find it easy to enjoy.
With easy access from Morioka Station and a different character in every season, it's a classic Iwate sightseeing spot that we recommend for families, couples, and senior travelers alike.
