Kuzakai, Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture
Kuzakai Highland A highland trail waiting beyond the map
I’ll check the map at the Kuzakai Highland Walking Center, then head out to explore the birch woods and grassland on foot. I’ll leave the car behind for the afternoon, and on the way back, I’m curious to try the shiso-and-apple soft serve at Roadside Station Kuzakai Highland.
A story and highlights from a sunny June afternoon. Pick a moment that catches your eye, and come explore with me.
SummerA sunny afternoon in June
A highland trail waiting beyond the map
I reached Kuzakai Highland and left the car in the Walking Center car park. I pulled on a hoodie and stepped outside; the birch leaves caught the light. My body moves differently when I’m walking than when I’m driving along mountain roads. Today, I’m taking a little time to walk around the highland.
Before setting off, I unfolded a map. Apparently, there are five walking trails from the center, so I wanted to check where they branch off first. I traced where I was and where I’d come back to with my finger. I was having so much fun choosing my own route that I ended up poring over the map for ages.
When I looked up, I could see a meadow between the white birch trunks. There was shade beneath the trees, and beyond them a path stretched into the sun. I was glad I’d worn a mint-green skirt, leggings, and comfortable walking shoes. I folded the map to carry with me, then set off along the path ahead.
On foot, I notice even the little leaves I’d have missed from the car. I stopped to take a closer look and wondered what kind of plant they were. I’m enjoying these little discoveries more than the thought of walking a long way. I took my time, listening to the leaves rustle whenever the breeze came through.
When I get back, I’ll take a breather by the wooden bench. Then I want to try the shiso-and-apple soft serve at Roadside Station Kuzakai Highland. What does the local red shiso and apple combination taste like? That gives me something to look forward to on my break before the next drive.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialties to try on this trip
Shiso and Apple Soft-Serve
It’s an original soft serve from Roadside Station Kuzakai Highland, blending the area’s Kawai red shiso with apple. After the walk, I’d love to try this local pairing.
Highlights
From the drive to a walk
At the foot of Kabuto Myōjin-dake, white birch woods and meadows stretch across the highland. Starting at the Walking Center, I’d love to wander with an eye out for even the tiniest leaves.
Choose a trail from the map
You can pick whichever of the five trails catches your eye. It was fun choosing my own route, and before I knew it, I’d spent ages with the map.
Road and location details
National Route 106 · Kuzakai Highland
- Distance from Morioka to the roadside station
- 25km
- Kuzakai Highland elevation
- 700m
The distance shown is from Morioka to Roadside Station Kuzakai Highland. The Walking Center is the starting point for the walk.
The highland sits at 700m. I’d like to combine a break at Roadside Station Kuzakai Highland with a walk from the Walking Center.
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