Ichinoseki covers a vast region, so the winter climate varies depending on the area you are in.
The city's western side is affected by the Sea of Japan, resulting in more snow, whereas the eastern side is influenced by the Pacific Ocean, leading to clearer winters.
Here are a few seasonal ideas to make the most of the winter months.
Matsurube Snowland: Yes, there is a place to ski and snowboard in Ichinoseki!
There are two slopes, one for beginners and one for intermediate/advanced skiers. The prices are very reasonable (although subject to change). 2800 yen to rent boots, ski/snowboard, 2000 yen for a rope-way day pass, or 200 yen per rope-way use for adults. You'll need your own snow gear. For first timer skiers, there are classes that you can sign up to (Japanese).
Sleds can be rented for free. Facilities include a dining area and hot springs.
Official website (JP): http://matsurube.web.fc2.com/snowland/ski.html Write up by SNOWJAPAN (EN): https://www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/iwate/ichinoseki/matsurube-snowland Kunimidaira in neighbouring city, Oshu, is also easily accessible from Ichinoseki. Kunimidaira have varied courses and again, are reasonably priced. Locals of Iwate also enjoy Geto Kogen which is around an hour from Ichinoseki by car.
English website: http://www.geto8.com/english/
Snow Paradise 2025: Ichinoseki Snow Paradise is scheduled to take place on weekends and holidays from January 4 to February 24, 2025, operating from 9:15 AM to 4:00 PM. The event features a large snow maze, snow tubing, sledding, and various snow toys. The venue is conveniently situated across the road from Shinyu Onsen (真湯温泉ジャブジャブ広場), providing ample parking, opportunities to enjoy hot springs after the event, and a dining area. I highly recommend this event for families with young children.
Entry: 1000yen (0~2 year olds are free)
Website: https://snowpara.com
(for the latest event information, add their official LINE)
Geibikei: An experience that remains easily accessible even during winter. Glide through the gorge on a 'kotatsu' boat and enjoy the snow-covered cliffs that turn Geibikei into a scene resembling a monochromatic ink painting.
Genbikei Gorge: The Genbi area experiences more snowfall compared to central Ichinoseki. Snow-blanketed Genbikei Gorge, with its wet rock surfaces gleaming black and its renowned emerald green water, is truly breathtaking.
Daito Ohara Mizukake Festival: Watch as scantily clad men run through the town whilst getting splashed with icy-cold water. This festival is held early February (the peak of winter) - just thinking about it makes me shiver. If you are courageous enough, why not join one year as my friend did! You can check out his experience here.
From mid-February to early March, the Town of Senmaya holds a gorgeous Girl's Day display. The venue is the whole town, but the main display is at the Senmaya Brewery Exchange Facility. Walk around rooms vividly decorated with handcrafted flowers and dolls. Enjoy special Girl's Day lunch menus at designated restaurants across town!
Onsen/sento: My favorite way to relax and warm up in the winter is by bathing in the hot springs. There are plenty of options available such as Kamikura, Keisenkaku, Kanpo no Yado, Zuisenkyo, Momonoyu and Itsukushien. Towards the east of Ichinoseki is a cluster of hot springs. Here is an English guide: https://www.ichinoseki-onsenkyou.jp/en/index.html
Ice Skating in Senmaya: An ice-skating complex in Senmaya. The general admission fee is 600yen, plus another 300yen if you would like to borrow shoes. The arena is only open during Dec-Mar and is closed on the 31 Dec/1st Jan. (Temporarily closed)
Karaoke: there are various places to do karaoke in the city. In Japan, there is something called 'hitori-karaoke (karaoke by oneself)' so even if you don't have someone to go with, or if you find it embarrassing to sing in front of your friends, you can bust out your favorite tunes in the privacy of your own karaoke room. In this instance, it would be better to find a place that charges per-person and not per-room.
Other ideas:
The local cinema: Ichinoseki's local cinema - Ichinoseki Cineplaza (一関シネプラザ）
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