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Welcome to Ichinoseki<\/strong>, the southernmost city of Iwate Prefecture, Northern Japan. Ichinoseki City is abundant with many natural attractions including Geibikei and Genbikei gorges (both designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty), alpine flora and autumn foliage at Mt Kurikoma, the expansive Michinoku Hydrangea Garden, and many hot springs. Cultural Collaborations Major Projects<\/strong> In turn, the Central Highlands gifted the Australia Japan Friendship Park to Ichinoseki City. An electric barbecue was also donated to Ichinoseki City and is installed at Tategamori Kogen Hotel in Fujisawa, Ichinoseki. This barbecue, designed to withstand Ichinoseki winters, allows residents to enjoy Australia\u2019s culinary culture of a \u201cgood ol’ outdoor barbie\u201d. Ichinoseki City is grateful for all the wonderful interactions that continue to transform both regions. They are looking forward to creating more lifelong memories and friendships through this meaningful sister city relationship.<\/p>\n (For more on Ichinoseki (EN) Welcome to Ichinoseki, the southernmost city of Iwate Prefecture, Northern Japan. Ich…<\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe city is perhaps best known for its unique mochi culture. According to the region\u2019s \u201cmochi calendar\u201d, there are over 60 different occasions to enjoy mochi each year with more than 300 different variations in how it can be prepared and served.
\nThe city is accessible directly from Tokyo by the shinkansen and serves as a gateway to the neighbouring UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hiraizumi, a town that once rivalled Kyoto in its cultural and political importance in its heyday.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.jlgc.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/geibikei-209x300.png\")
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\nHistory of Our International Sister City <\/strong>
\nIchinoseki City is sister cities with the Central Highlands Regional Council in Queensland. In 1993, Duaringa Shire and Fujisawa Town Council established a sister city relationship to foster mutual understanding and goodwill. Although the former councils have amalgamated to form part of the Central Highlands Regional Council and Ichinoseki City, the sister city relationship continues to thrive.
\n2023 marked the 30th<\/sup> anniversary of their friendship. To commemorate this occasion, a delegation from Ichinoseki City visited the Central Highlands and participated in a Japanese festival where both mayors re-signed the Sister City Agreement.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.jlgc.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-22-130009-300x225.png\")
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\n<\/strong>The two communities share cultural exchanges, primarily through annual homestay programmes for high school students which has now had over 400 participants. The pandemic interrupted the homestays, however, interactions between students continued through an online exchange at the Ichinoseki\/Hiraizumi English Camp for junior high school students. Last year, homestays resumed, and online exchanges continue to take place.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.jlgc.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/CHRC-students-300x200.jpg\")
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\nThe Town of Fujisawa (now Ichinoseki City) gifted a Japanese garden known as the Blackwater Japanese Gardens and a seminar house used for holding educational and cultural events to the Duaringa Shire Council (now the Central Highlands Regional Council) in 1998.
\nThe project brought together Australian staff and Japanese gardeners, carpenters, and interpreters and continues to thrive as an attraction for locals and visitors to experience Japanese culture. The initiative was awarded the Best Sister City Cooperation and Best Single Project by the Sister Cities Australia in the year of its establishment.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.jlgc.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ichinoseki-300x225.jpg\")
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\nThe project showcases products from Australian companies and provides an opportunity to deepen understanding of trade. Completed in 2015, this labour of love has grown into a popular place for children. The park includes Japan’s first swing designed for wheelchair users, embracing its concept of being ‘A place with no barriers’ and features Australian themed designs and play equipment.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.jlgc.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-22-130331-300x221.png\")
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\nEach facility stands as a symbol of the lasting bond between the two regions and offers a meaningful space for community engagement.<\/p>\n
\nichinosekilife.com or follow us on ichinosekilife.com)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.jlgc.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/QR-ichinoseki-life.png\")
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