Hanamaki Onsen history

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the territory of modern Hanamaki has been inhabited since prehistoric times (the Jomon period), the formation of the city as a significant administrative centre began in the era of feudal Japan. The end of the 16th century is considered the key starting point.

The historical core of the settlement was the castle, originally known as Torigayasaki. Subsequently, it was renamed Hanamaki Castle, around which the castle town expanded. The name "Hanamaki" itself, according to one version, poetically describes the spring landscapes or the characteristics of the river's flow.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small fortification into a prosperous city was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Political Power: In the Edo period, the city became an important outpost of the powerful Nambu clan. Hanamaki Castle served as a southern defensive line, protecting the clan's domains from neighbours, particularly the Date clan.
• Geography and River Routes: The location in the valley of the Kitakami River played a decisive role. The river was used as the main transport artery for shipping rice and other goods to the capital (Edo).
• Overland Trade: The important Oshu Kaido highway passed through the city. Hanamaki became a bustling post station (shukuba), where travellers and merchants stopped to rest.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Hanamaki was based on agriculture and crafts serving the needs of samurai and travellers. The region was distinguished by a high culture of farming.

Important aspects of early development:

• Brewing Traditions: Thanks to high-quality rice and pure water, the famous Nambu-toji brewing school, one of the most respected in Japan, originated in the region (especially in the Ishidoriya area).
• Healing Waters: Although the large-scale development of the Hanamaki Onsen resort occurred in the early 20th century, the presence of hot springs in the surrounding mountains had long been known to locals, adding to the region's appeal.

Major Milestones in the History of Hanamaki

• 1591: Torigayasaki Castle is officially renamed Hanamaki Castle, becoming the administrative centre of the region.
• 1613: The final plan of the castle town is formed, laying the foundation for the modern urban layout.
• 1889: During a nationwide reform, a new municipal system is introduced, and the town of Hanamaki is officially established.
• 1890: Hanamaki Railway Station opens on the main Tohoku Line, connecting the region with the capital.
• 1896: Kenji Miyazawa is born in Hanamaki; the famous poet and storyteller's work became an integral part of the city's cultural code.
• 1915: An electric railway is launched, facilitating access to the hot springs in the mountains.
• 1923: The official opening of the Hanamaki Onsen resort takes place, quickly gaining popularity as a holiday destination.
• 1954: The town of Hanamaki merges with five neighbouring villages, receiving official city status (shi).
• 1964: Hanamaki Airport opens, becoming the sole air gateway for Iwate Prefecture.
• 1982: The Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum opens in honour of the writer, becoming a major tourist attraction.
• 1985: Shin-Hanamaki Station begins operations on the high-speed Tohoku Shinkansen line.
• 2006: A major merger of Hanamaki City with the towns of Ishidoriya, Ohasama, and Towa occurs, forming the modern boundaries of the municipality.
• 2015: The Hanamaki Matsuri festival enters the Guinness World Records for the largest number of portable shrines (mikoshi) in a single parade.

Stages of Transformation: From Castle Town to Tourist Centre

The development of Hanamaki is a story of transforming a fortified point into the main transport and recreational hub of Iwate Prefecture. Several key stages that defined the modern look of the city can be highlighted.

• Railway Breakthrough (Late 19th Century)
  The opening of Hanamaki Station on the Tohoku main line in 1890 radically changed the region's economy. The city ceased to be an isolated feudal domain and integrated into the national trade network. This boosted trade and simplified the export of rice and local handicrafts.
• Creation of an Organized Resort Zone (1920s)
  The opening of Hanamaki Onsen and the launch of the electric railway to the hot springs marked the transition to a tourism economy. Unlike the spontaneous bathhouses of the past, this was a planned project with parks and hotels, which laid the foundation for the city's image as the region's premier spa resort.
• Post-War Urbanization (1954)
  Receiving official city status (shi) allowed for centralized management and budgeting. This launched large-scale urban planning projects: modernization of the road network, construction of residential quarters, and the creation of a unified urban infrastructure that united scattered settlements.
• Establishment of the "Air Gateway" of Iwate (1964)
  The construction of Hanamaki Airport was a turning point in urban development. The city gained a unique advantage over its neighbours, becoming the logistics centre of the entire prefecture. This attracted business and significantly increased the flow of tourists from distant regions of Japan (Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka).
• Era of High-Speed Transport (1985)
  The launch of Shin-Hanamaki Station for Shinkansen trains finally solidified the city's status as a transport hub. The ability to travel from Tokyo in just a few hours made Hanamaki an ideal destination for weekend trips, which stimulated the development of the hotel business.
• Cultural Branding (1980–1990s)
  A conscious decision by the authorities to make the legacy of Kenji Miyazawa the central theme of the urban space. The opening of museums, theme parks, and the decoration of streets in the style of the writer's fairy tales (for example, the "Galactic Railroad Train") created a unique tourist atmosphere attracting literature fans from all over the world.
• Economic Diversification (2006)
  The large-scale merger with neighbouring towns (Ishidoriya, Ohasama, Towa) enriched the city's economy with new brands. Hanamaki became not only a city of onsens but also a centre for viticulture ("Edel" brand) and traditional brewing, uniting these industries under a single municipal administration.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban development of Hanamaki can be characterized as dualistic. On one hand, it is a flat administrative centre that grew on the site of a feudal castle town with a clear street layout. On the other, it is a mountain cluster of resorts (Hanamaki Onsen-kyo), where architecture is subordinate to the landscape and the aesthetics of relaxation. There is little European classicism (Gothic or Baroque) in the city, but the stages of Japanese modernization are vividly represented.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

The appearance of the city was formed under the influence of changing political regimes and the development of tourism. The main stylistic directions correspond to the eras as follows:

• Edo Period (17th–19th Centuries) — Traditional Japanese Defensive Architecture.
  Characterized by powerful stone foundations, wooden structures, and a strict hierarchy of space. Although the castle itself was destroyed, the layout of the central streets (the so-called "castle town") has been preserved.
• Taisho and Early Showa Eras (1920–1940s) — Sukiya-zukuri Style and Resort Modern.
  The period of the flourishing of hot springs. The architecture of ryokans (traditional inns) combines the refined simplicity of tea houses with the scale of hotel complexes. Use of natural wood, sliding shoji partitions, and the integration of gardens into the interior.
• Showa Era (1950–1980s) — Showa-Retro and Functionalism.
  Post-war reconstruction and the economic boom brought concrete and glass to the city. Buildings of this period are distinguished by pragmatism, straight lines, and monumentality. Now this style is perceived as nostalgic "retro".
• Modernity (from the 1990s) — Conceptualism and Eco-Architecture.
  Modern public buildings, especially museums, strive to fit into the natural context, using complex geometric forms and modern materials to express the ideas of Kenji Miyazawa.

Landmark Buildings and Districts

The visual code of Hanamaki is formed by several key objects reflecting different milestones of history:

• Nishimikado Gate (Hanamaki Castle): The only reconstructed element of the former castle. It represents a classic example of samurai architecture with a tiled roof and strict decor, reminding of the city's feudal past.
• Former "Marukan" Department Store Building: A cult structure of the Showa era. A massive building with a huge dining hall on the top floor, offering a panoramic view of the city. It is a symbol of the city's prosperity in the mid-20th century and a favourite place for nostalgic tourism.
• Kasho-en: A masterpiece of resort architecture in the Hanamaki Onsen zone. The building was designed by the famous architect Kiyonori Kikutake. It combines traditional motifs (roofs resembling bonfires) with a modernist approach to space.
• Miyazawa Kenji Museum: An example of postmodernism. The building is located on a hill and designed to evoke associations with the writer's fairy-tale worlds, while avoiding direct historical citations.

Distinguished Figures of Hanamaki

The city of Hanamaki takes pride in its rich human capital. Many figures whose names are known far beyond Japan were born, lived, or developed professionally here. From literature and visual arts to world sports, the contribution of these people to culture is invaluable.

Literature and Art

• Kenji Miyazawa (1896–1933)
  Role: Poet, children's writer, agronomist, social activist.
  The most significant figure in the city's history. A native of Hanamaki, he created masterpieces such as "Night on the Galactic Railroad" and "The Restaurant of Many Orders". Miyazawa not only wrote fairy tales but also dedicated his life to improving agriculture in the region, teaching farmers new methods of cultivation. His worldview formed the basis of the city's modern cultural brand.
• Tetsugoro Yorozu (1885–1927)
  Role: Artist, pioneer of the Japanese avant-garde.
  Born in the Towa area (now part of Hanamaki). Yorozu is considered one of the founders of modern art in Japan. He was the first to introduce elements of Fauvism and Cubism into Japanese painting, creating a unique style. A memorial museum has been opened in the city in his honour.
• Kotaro Takamura (1883–1956)
  Role: Sculptor and poet.
  Although Takamura was born in Tokyo, he spent seven important years of his life (from 1945 to 1952) in seclusion in the mountains on the outskirts of Hanamaki. Here he wrote many poems and essays, reflecting on nature and life. His humble hut has been preserved as a historical monument.

Historical Figures and Educators

• Inazo Nitobe (1862–1933)
  Role: Diplomat, educator, author of the book "Bushido: The Soul of Japan".
  Nitobe's ancestors were samurai of the Nambu clan and were engaged in the development of irrigation in the Hanamaki area. Inazo himself, who became Under-Secretary General of the League of Nations, always honoured his roots. The Nitobe Memorial Museum is located in the city, telling the story of his family's contribution to the region's development.

Modern Sports

In recent decades, Hanamaki has become famous as a forge of world-class baseball talents thanks to a strong school programme.

• Shohei Ohtani (born 1994)
  Role: Professional Baseball Player (MLB).
  A graduate of Hanamaki Higashi High School. Ohtani became a global sensation as a unique "two-way" player (pitcher and hitter), achieving outstanding success in Major League Baseball (USA) and becoming a national hero of Japan. His success has attracted the attention of sports fans from all over the world to the city.
• Yusei Kikuchi (born 1991)
  Role: Professional Baseball Player (MLB).
  Also a graduate of Hanamaki Higashi High School, who paved the way to the major leagues for subsequent generations. A successful pitcher playing in the American league, he is an example of sportsmanship and discipline fostered in local educational institutions.