Karumai
軽米町
A region known as “the town of beautiful flower scenes and ancient grain culture.”
Where is Karumai?
Karumai Town sits in northeastern Iwate Prefecture at the northern tip of the Kitakami Mountains, near the Aomori border—between Hachinohe, Ninohe, and Kuji. It’s easy to reach via the Tōhoku Shinkansen: transfer at Ninohe or Hachinohe, then drive (about 1 hr from Hachinohe, 2 hrs from Morioka).
About Karumai
A region known as “the town of beautiful flower scenes and ancient grain culture.”
In spring, about 150,000 tulips bloom at Yukiyagawa Dam Forest Park Karumai, a must-see spot with a windmill observatory, camping facilities, cottages, and a restaurant.
You can enjoy sweeping views and trekking on Mt. Orizume, plus plenty of hands-on activities: soba-making at Millet Park, miso and perilla (egoma) harvesting, charcoal making, fishing and pizza-making, and tours of traditional Nambu senbei crackers.
As the “Kingdom of Ancient Grains,” Karumai produces millet varieties such as hie, awa, and kibi. Local specialties also include honey, Kuroge Wagyu beef, dairy products, charcoal, and fruit preserves—sold under the “Karumai Brand.”
Seasonal events are not to be missed: the spring Tulip Festival, the summer festival, the autumn festival, and the “Food Festa in Karumai” held in October.
