We attended the final night of the Winter Lights festival at Koiwai Farm. (ko小little iwa岩boulder i井well, so I think of it as "Little-Iwate boulder-Well Farm"). It's nicely set up for many families to visit and capture special winter lights family photos, with many many lovely lighting displays, plenty of toilets and delicious snack foods containing milk products, such as pizza, drinkable yogurt, soft-serve ice cream, little glass bottles of rich, creamy milk. The dining area was heated.
WEAR WARM CLOTHES!! THIS IS OUTSIDE!
Kids of all ages were sledding and building snowmen and enjoying the beauty and joyous atmosphere. Indoors, there were some activities, including archery.
Each season offers distinct experiences at Koiwai Farm. Spring brings cherry blossoms and newborn lambs, while summer features lush green pastures ideal for outdoor activities. Autumn showcases colorful foliage against Mount Iwate, and winter transforms the farm into a snowy landscape with special seasonal events. The farm operates year-round, though some outdoor activities may be limited during winter months.
Yes, visitors can interact with various animals throughout the farm. You can feed sheep and observe dairy cows in grazing areas. Horseback riding experiences are available for an additional fee, and sheepdog demonstrations allow you to watch working dogs in action. Some areas have small animal petting zones where children can get closer to farm animals under supervision.
The farm produces a wide range of dairy products including fresh milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream, all made from milk produced on-site. The farm shops also sell meat products from livestock raised at Koiwai, including lamb and beef. Restaurants on the premises serve dishes featuring these ingredients, such as Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) and dairy-based desserts. Souvenirs and packaged goods are available for purchase to take home.
A typical visit to Koiwai Farm takes between three to five hours depending on your interests. If you plan to participate in activities like horseback riding, tractor tours, or extensive nature walks, you should allocate a full day. Visitors focusing primarily on shopping, dining, and viewing the animals can explore the main areas in approximately two to three hours.
Koiwai Farm is highly suitable for families with children of all ages. The farm offers educational experiences where children can learn about agriculture and animal care. Tractor-pulled wagon rides, animal feeding opportunities, and open spaces for playing make it particularly appealing to younger visitors. Restaurants and facilities are family-friendly, and stroller-accessible paths are available throughout most of the farm areas.
We visited on the last day of 2025. The snow there was soft and powdery, making it a joy to walk and play in. We truly enjoyed the snowy surroundings as we waited for the year-end fireworks. To experience the evening illumination, we needed to get tickets—and it was absolutely worth it. The lights were amazing, making it feel like we had stepped into an angel’s land. The milk there was incredibly fresh and delicious. We also received a free photo ticket, which allowed us to get a small-sized photo at no cost.
Drove about an hour from Akita—not too far, but just enough to feel like a proper escape. Koiwai Farm lives up to its reputation as a peaceful, working dairy farm set in a stunning natural landscape.
The highlight was wandering through the animal barns. We visited the cows (where the famous milk comes from), watched the sheep grazing, and even saw a few horses. It’s hands-on without being overcrowded, and the animals are clearly well cared for. A great experience, especially for families or anyone who enjoys a slower, rural pace.
Of course, the real star is the Koiwai milk—fresh, creamy, and genuinely delicious. You can taste the quality the moment it hits your tongue. Worth the trip alone.
We also tried the on-site pizza made with their own cheese, and it was outstanding: rich, melty, and perfectly baked. Paired with a rainy afternoon, the cozy place felt like a warm shelter with sweeping views of the misty fields outside.
Service was friendly and efficient, and the whole place has a relaxed, authentic charm. No over-the-top tourist gimmicks—just good food, fresh air, and a real farm experience.
Conclusion: Highly recommend. If you’re in Akita, getting back to Sendai and looking for a scenic, tasty, and low-key outing, Koiwai Farm is a gem.
A pleasant family activity, but pretty pricey. Everything inside the farm, except visiting the “other side”, where the cows are, is additional charge. We joined the 40-minute tractor tour “around the farm”, but it turned out to be a snail-slow forest tour, probably no longer than 2km, with a Japanese language only narrator. The food at the farm is okay, but pricey. The homemade milk products are tasty.
We found the farm side more worthwhile and more charming.
Not much to do in winter, and each activity costs money to do agter paying the 1000yen entrance fee. The lights show were insanely subpar imo. With nothing much to do, we had to make do by making our own “snowman”. If you’re not a family with a little kid or not with your partner, i suggest looking elsewhere or go in another time. Avoid using a taxi to go there as there is a shuttle bus from morioka station.
However there is a very kind lady in the front ticketbooth that allowed us to take pictures for a bit while the sun is still out, eventhough they are closing at 3.
