Tohoku, the northern region of Japan’s main island, is as quick to reach from Tokyo as Kanazawa or Osaka. A bullet train trip from Tokyo to Morioka only takes 2h20m: the same time it takes to reach Kyoto. And yet, despite the ease of access, only few travellers venture out to Northern Japan; but those who do discover a different side to the country.

Taking this journey brings you to Iwate Prefecture, where farmland spreads across the valley floor, the air is sharp in the mornings and small farming towns sit quietly between the hills. From the temple complex of Hiraizumi to the rugged Sanriku coastline, the region carries a strong sense of place shaped by centuries of history and craft.

Just outside the city of Morioka, the land opens into the wide pastures of Koiwai Farm, one of Japan’s oldest working farms. Cattle graze beneath the silhouette of Mount Iwate and long farm roads cut through fields that seem to stretch endlessly towards the horizon. It is an unexpected setting for a luxury stay, yet perhaps an ideal one. Here, in this quiet agricultural landscape a new retreat has quietly taken shape.

Nurtured by Nature

The vision behind Azuma Farm Koiwai traces back to legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha, whose long admiration for Japanese culture inspired a contemporary interpretation of the traditional ryokan. The first expression of that idea emerged in 2021 with Azumi Setoda, a restored merchant estate overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. 

Azuma Farm Koiwai marks a different chapter in that story. The setting moves inland to rural Iwate, where forests edge the pastures and the routines of farm life shape the day ahead.

Accommodation at the farm takes the form of private guest room villas scattered across an eight-hectare grove, creating a sense of seclusion within the wider estate of Koiwai. Twenty-four residences sit quietly among the trees, their architecture designed to frame views of pasture, forest and distant mountains.

Materials grown locally, including red pine and cypress define the interiors which give the spaces warmth and a tactile connection to the landscape outside. The design favours calm and openness, allowing nature to remain the dominant presence. Rather than stand apart from its surroundings, the architecture feels carefully embedded within them.

Culture and Craft

Beyond the villas, the wider region offers opportunities to connect with Iwate’s craft traditions and landscapes. Guests can discover the ancient practice of Nambu Ironware, a metalworking tradition that has defined the region for centuries, or explore the quiet beauty of Ainosawa Pasture on horseback.

Nearby workshops also introduce the lacquer traditions of Joboji Urushi, where artisans continue to produce some of Japan’s finest urushi lacquerware using methods passed down through generations. Together, these encounters reveal a region where craft remains closely tied to place and daily life.

Taste the Territory

Dining at Azuma Farm Koiwai draws directly from the surrounding landscape. Ingredients are sourced from the fertile soils of Koiwai Farm, whose agricultural history dates back to the Meiji period when once-barren, volcanic land was transformed into thriving farmland.

Today the farm supports dairy production alongside abundant vegetable and grain cultivation. This richness forms the foundation of the kitchen’s approach, where seasonal ingredients are prepared with care and simplicity. The result is cuisine that reflects the diversity of the region while staying true to the idea of farm life that shapes the retreat itself.

A Retreat Off the Main Route

Set against the open landscapes of Iwate, Azuma Farm Koiwai offers a different expression of luxury, one shaped by nature, agriculture and the quiet pace of rural life. From this base at Koiwai Farm, travellers are well positioned to explore the wider Tohoku region, from historic temples and artisan workshops to forests, mountains and coastline.

For those considering a journey through northern Japan, our team can advise on how to incorporate Azuma Farm Koiwai into a wider itinerary across Tohoku. Through our partnership, guests booking before October 2026 can benefit from exclusive rates for stays through to December 2027. Get in touch with one of our specialists to learn more.