IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 20 hotel brands with more than 6,800 hotels in more than 100 countries. In Japan, the company currently operates about 60 hotels under 10 brands from Hokkaido to Okinawa (as of November 2025). For this interview, we asked Kenji Tomozawa, general manager of ANA Holiday Inn Iwate Kitakami, about the attractions around the hotel.
Name: ANA Holiday Inn Iwate Kitakami
Location: 1-14-1 Kawagishi, Kitakami-shi, Iwate
–How did you come to work at ANA Holiday Inn Iwate Kitakami?
I have always found it very rewarding to “work with people” and have gained experience in the hotel industry. I have recently been given the opportunity to work in Kitakami, Iwate, as a result of a personnel change within the group, and I am committed to providing a comfortable and pleasant stay to our guests from Japan and abroad as a hotel rooted in the local community. I will continue to make every effort to promote the attractiveness of the region and improve our services.
–What kind of hotel is it?
ANA Holiday Inn Iwate Kitakami is surrounded by the murmuring of the Kitakami River and the colors of the four seasons, offering a special experience for all visitors. 7 minutes on foot from JR Kitakami Station, the hotel is conveniently located, yet offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The spacious guest rooms are designed with warmth and comfort, while emphasizing the comfort and functionality typical of Holiday Inn.
–What is the unique experience of ANA Holiday Inn Iwate Kitakami?
The city of Kitakami is a base for visitors to enjoy the unique attractions of Kitakami City such as cherry blossoms, hot springs, skiing, and history and culture all at once. The area is characterized by its distinct seasonal changes, with each season showing a completely different face. We believe that the main attraction of this hotel is that guests can enjoy activities with a sense of the seasons, such as visiting cherry blossom viewing spots in spring and skiing to enjoy high-quality snow in winter.
–please let me know if you have any personal favorites tourist spots or restaurants in the vicinity of the hotel.
My recommendation is the Kitakami Exhibition Hall, known as one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tohoku region. In spring, approximately 10,000 cherry trees bloom along the Kitakami River, enveloping the entire park in fantastic cherry blossom colors. Our hotel is adjacent to the Kitakamigawa River, and we are proud of the view that can be seen from our guest rooms. For winter activities, we also recommend the Natsuyura Kogen Ski Resort, known for its superb powder snow.
–What restaurant menu do you recommend?
The “Kawagishi Burger” is a must-try at our hotel. Named after the hotel’s location, it is an exquisite burger with a luxurious patty made from locally produced “Kitakami beef” and “Hanamaki platinum pork” (shirogane pork). Please enjoy it with “Kitakami Apple Juice,” a local drink.
–What souvenirs do you recommend?
TROIKA cheesecake is often recommended by our staff. The rich and creamy flavor is very popular, and the female staff enthusiastically recommends it, saying, “It will be a great pleasure to give it to anyone. I have only been here a short time, so I am looking forward to tasting it.
© Source travel watch