Exciting new property near Morioka, Iwate in Tohoku. I was lucky to be the very first guest to stay here, before it opened, for Afar. Grateful for the opportunity.

I am a big fan of Tohoku, my family is from nearby Yamagata. The article is here (and in stories under travel):

https://www.afar.com/hotels/in-depth-review-of-azuma-farm-koiwai-in-iwate-japan

Only 24 spacious villas in the Koiwai Farm with Mount Iwate in the background and blue skies as far as the eyes can see that are filled with stars at night. It was the first time I felt like I was in Minnesota anywhere in Japan.

Azuma Farm Koiwai is a joint venture between Azuma Farm and East Japan Railway Company. Hotelier Adrian Zecha has mentored this latest project alongside longtime collaborator Fumitomo Hayashi of Naru Developments. Hayashi and Zecha have also worked together to develop the ryokan Azumi Setoda in Hiroshima.

Sharing photos of some of the highlights.

The cuisine by chef Yoshitaka Oyama, a Tsuji Culinary Institute graduate and an Iwate native.

He knows the local ingredients well including produce, seafood from the Sanriku Coast, wagyu, and naturally many dairy products.

Complimentary activities included morning stretching and bicycles – which I used to ride to the nearby Koiwai Farm to thank the cows for the delicious butter, yogurt, milk, and cheese.

Most of all I enjoyed meeting the staff here. Although it’s brand new there is a strong team on site. 

Doing research for the article I found that less than 2% of inbound visitors travel north to Tohoku. I love that JR East and Azuma Farm’s goal in choosing Tohoku is the revive the area following the March 11th earthquake. Great work. I hope it brings more people to the region!

East Japan Railway Company and Azuma Farm Koiwai are hoping that this property will be a jumping points to other parts of northern Japan. There is an impressive selection of paid activities off site in the area that showcase the history, culture, and nature of Iwate.

Azuma Farm Koiwai