See & Do
Kosode Ama Centre - Perched on the rugged Kosode Coast just a short drive from downtown Kuji, the Kosode Ama Center introduces visitors to the Hokugen no Ama, Japan's northernmost Ama divers. Inside, you can learn about their centuries old free-diving traditions, see how their way of life has been preserved and during the summer months, watch live diving demonstrations. It's a small, welcoming place that feels part museum, part community hub.
Kosode Coast - The Kosode Coast is a rugged stretch of shoreline just north of Kuji, with dramatic rock formations, fishing boats, and sweeping ocean views. It feels raw and open, a place where you can really sense the rhythm of the tides and everyday life in a working fishing community. It's well known as a principal filming location for the drama, Amachan, which brought the area national attention, but it still feels quiet and unspoiled. It's the kind of coast you come to not for rides and attractions, but for atmosphere and a sense of place.
Kuji Amber Museum - Kuji is famous for its amber, some of it around 90 million years old, and the Kuji Amber Museum is the place to explore that story. The museum showcases stunning specimens, from tiny inclusions of ancient plants and insects to beautifully polished gems, and also offers hands-on experiences like amber digging. The setting is family-friendly and surprisingly engaging for adults too, connecting deep geological time with Kuji's local history and craft.
Moguranpia Underground Aquarium - Moguranpia Underground Aquarium is one of Kuji’s most unusual attractions, built partly within an underground tunnel complex near the coast. Inside, visitors can discover marine life from the waters around northern Japan alongside colorful tropical species, all presented in an atmospheric subterranean setting. The original aquarium was badly damaged by the 2011 tsunami, but Moguranpia was later rebuilt and reopened, becoming a small symbol of Kuji’s recovery. Compact, distinctive and particularly good for families, it’s an experience you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in Japan.
Hiraniwa Highlands - Hiraniwa Highlands offer a completely different side of the Kuji region, with rolling uplands, beautiful white-birch forests and wide views across the mountains of northern Iwate. The area is particularly attractive for walking and exploring during the warmer months, when the landscape is lush and green, while autumn brings spectacular seasonal colors. With its fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings, Hiraniwa makes an excellent escape from the coast and provides a glimpse of the wild, rural landscape that surrounds Kuji.