花巻温泉郷・志戸平温泉・游泉「志だて」に癒される旅。小岩井農場と宮沢賢治の世界をめぐる岩手の休日

I joined a Hankyu Travel tour and spent two nights at Yusen Shidate, a beautiful ryokan in Hanamaki Onsen, while visiting some of Iwate’s most iconic spots—Omagari Fireworks, places connected to Kenji Miyazawa, the little Kyoto of Tohoku “Kakunodate,” Koiwai Farm, and Morioka. (The fireworks video is already uploaded—please take a look! →    • 圧巻の光と音！大曲の花火大会ハイライト  ) Yusen Shidate was exceptional in every way—hot springs, room comfort, hospitality, and cuisine. If it were within a two‑hour drive from my home, I would happily make it my regular getaway. On the second day, the welcome drink selection was surprisingly extensive, and in the lounge after bathing, both ice pops and PARM ice cream were available—unlimited! The staff at the gift shop were also incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The hot spring water was just the right temperature for me—nicely hot—and the large public bath was almost like having a private onsen to myself. The meals were outstanding, especially the mountain vegetable sticks, which were unforgettable. As for the “apology” mentioned in the video: just five minutes before boarding the Shinkansen from Tokyo, we were suddenly told that the train number had changed. Everyone rushed to the new platform, but about half the group ended up without seats until the next stop, Omiya. Eventually, seats were secured for everyone, and Hankyu Travel offered souvenirs and drinks as an apology. I think the tour guide was the most shocked of all. This tour departed on April 25. Normally, the cherry blossoms would still be in full bloom, but this year most had already turned to green leaves. Still, the fresh spring greenery was beautiful in its own way. One of the best parts of group tours is meeting fellow travelers—there’s even a couple I met on a previous tour, and we’ve promised to travel together again.    • 圧巻の光と音！大曲の花火大会ハイライト      • 北陸加賀温泉郷の山代温泉でズワイ蟹と九谷焼きを堪能する      • 熱海で唯一選ばれた一軒、ミシュランキ－宿「伊豆山佳ら久（からく）」＆鮨「藍樹」に感動      • 伊勢志摩の旅②　サミットホテル志摩観光ホテル＆ばさら邸を連泊　上質な癒やしの宿だった！！      • 山口県・湯田温泉松田屋ホテルに泊まる      • 山梨県・　星野リゾナ－レ八ヶ岳      • 箱根・富士屋ホテルで味わう、時を超えるクラシックな滞在、歴史と気品に満ちた贅沢な時間