[Japan] Tohoku Iwate Where rice fields meet World Heritage sites
Iwate Prefecture is an area of great importance because it retains various year-round cultural events based on Tohoku, vivid folk culture, rough natural scenery and pride.
Iwate Prefecture, located in the Tohoku region, faces the Pacific Ocean along the Sanriku coast, supported by the Ou Mountains, which have Japan's best ski resorts and hot springs. Iwate Prefecture is largely divided into four regions and shares nature worship, traditional folk culture, and samurai history. Gourmet is intoxicated by Japan's best wagyu, rice, and sake. Hiraizumi's World Heritage Site is drawing attention as a starting point for enjoying Iwate Prefecture's rich heritage and natural scenery.
directions
There are JR Tohoku Shinkansen trains from Tokyo, Sendai, and Hakodate to Iwate Prefecture every day. You can also go to Iwate Prefecture by JR local train, express bus, or car. It operates domestic and international flights from Iwate Hanamaki Airport.
Don't miss.
Exploring the World Heritage Site of Kkumidang and Hiraizumi at Chusonji Temple
Exploring Hashino Iron Mine and the site of the oldest Western-style furnace in Japan
Relax in the best hot springs in Japan, Hanamaki and Hachimantai
Exploring mysterious shapes of rocks along the coast of Iwate and the Ryusendo Cave of Iwaiizumi
1. Coastal Iwate Experience the rugged, unspoiled beauty of Iwate's coastline
Meet Iwate's coast, which retains the curvy and clean beauty of nature
From rocks made by natural forces to villages destroyed by earthquakes and tsunamis in 2011, the Iwate coast retains its dark charm. From remote beaches to mysterious caves, Iwate's beaches contain wonderful places to see.
Don't miss.
Kita Yamazaki's Rock Shape and Jodo-Kohama and Koishi Coast
Ryusendo Cave and Mysterious Underground Lake
Making Pumpkin Jewels at the Local Pumpkin Museum
directions
Go to the beach at Morioka Station.
The beach is accessible by train or bus from several cities in Iwate, including Morioka, Hanamaki, and Ichinoseki. Morioka Station has the most transportation, so it is accessible.
brief information
Iwate Beach is part of Sanriku Fuko National Park
The beach was hit by a massive tsunami on March 11, 2011
Rock of Kitayamazaki
a beautiful piece of rock made by nature
The Iwate coast is very famous for its unique rock formations. You can see some of these rocks from Kitayamazaki in Tanohata, where the Unos Cliff, which seems to have been cut 200 meters high, looks down the sea. You can take a walk along various trails in Kitayama-zaki or take a boat tour to see cliffs from the sea.
a bat cave
Although there are no batsmen in the Ryusendo cave, there are many kinds of bats living in four very clear and clean underground lakes. You can buy bottled lake clean mineral water at the cave store. Bats sometimes fly overhead, but most of them hide behind the vast stalactites in this cave.
remnants of destruction
To the north of Miyako is the tarot district, which was severely damaged by the 2011 tsunami. The Taro Kanko Hotel has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the disaster. The six-story hotel was destroyed by a tsunami on four floors. You can be guided by a tour guide on the spot, or you can tour the museum by yourself.
the Buddhist world of paradise
If you follow the coast, you will find Jodo-gahama Beach in the middle. It is good to swim in the calm water of the narrow bay where rain and wind do not hit. The beautiful scenery of the beach created by the uneven rocks is comparable to the Pure Land or Buddhist paradise. The most popular tourist destination around here is the vivid blue cave. You can take a small fishing boat and look around the interior like the famous blue cave on Capri Island.
a sacred place for sports
Located between Miyako and Ofunato, Iwate's beach Kamaishi has long been the mecca of rugby. Occasionally on weekends, you can watch the local semi-professional team Gamaishi Seawaves play. Kamaishi has also been selected as the host of the Rugby World Cup, so if you like rugby, it would be good to visit in 2019.
Go to the south
Pebbles on the coast of Koishi are worn out over the years and sparkle like go stones. Baduk is called "go" in Japanese, and for this reason, the name of this place became Goishi. Like the northern part of the coast, there are many unique shapes of rocks in the south. It is also an experience you can't miss to hear the loud sound like thunder as the water escapes from Kaminariiwa.
with kaminari
the most famous pine tree in Japan
Rikuzentagata is located just south of the coast of Oishi. The city was completely swept away by a tsunami in 2011, but only one pine tree remained there. Unfortunately, the pine tree died of salt water pollution in 2012, and the grafted seedlings took over as a symbol of hope. You can see this pine tree near the beach.
a treasure caught in the sea
In Iwate, you can taste the freshest sushi in Japan with beautiful beaches. Visit either Sanriku Beach or several restaurants in Tanohata, or taste fresh sea urchin, abalone and saury at Miyako's fish market.
a jewel of nature that has been made for many years
The Coogee Pumpkin Museum is located on the outskirts of Coogee. You can also learn about the unique history of fossil resins and watch pumpkin art and jewelry making workshops. Of course, we also sell pumpkin souvenirs.
Take part in the museum workshop. There are programs such as digging pumpkins outdoors or making your own jewelry.
2. Morioka A city of strength, from ironware to workhorses
From ironware and hard-working horses, visit Morioka, the city of power
Morioka is located under Iwate, in the Kitakami and Nakatsu rivers basins. The region, which offers a glimpse of the history of wealth and power, retains a rich historical culture with crafts and music.
Don't miss.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom in Iwate Park from late April to early May
Sansa Festival, the world's largest Taiko Book Festival
Contemporary Art and Brutalist Architecture at Iwate Museum of Art
directions
You can go to Morioka Station by Shinkansen from Tokyo.
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen or Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. The journey takes about two hours.
brief information
Morioka Castle was demolished in 1874 when Iwate Park was built
The Chaguchagu Festival was first started by resting horses tired of hard work and praying for their health
a center of power
Iwate Park is located in the center of Morioka. Built on the old site of Morioka Castle, the park was first opened in 1906 and continues to this day. This is a popular place to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves. From the highest point of the park, you can see a wonderful view of Morioka City.
All night long, all day long
There are many events and festivals in this park. If you love music, participate in the Ishigaki Music Festival held every September. Ten stages are scattered throughout the city, and the main stage is in Iwate Park. Even if you are not a music fan, you can eat and drink with other festival participants and enjoy an exciting festival.
a colorful horse festival
At the Chaguchagu Festival, you can see horses dressed in elaborate costumes made of hundreds of bells. The horses march 15 kilometers from Takizawa to Morioka. When the horses take a break twice in the middle, they can go close to the horses and feed them and take pictures together.
a dance that forgets the night
Morioka Sansa Festival is the largest Taiko Book Festival in the world and is held every August. Participants dance to the sound of drums, flute, and trumpets. When the day begins to dawn, you can jump among the dancers and dance together. Morioka Sansa Festival is held when summer is ripe and the temperature is at its highest.
I wish you a good harvest, good health, and a good hit
Another big festival is the fall festival, Aki Matsuri. Gloriously decorated kilns, taiko masters and dancers march around the city. On the last day, an event is held to set the arrow to the target on horseback. People here believe that if an arrow hits, peace and security will be guaranteed along with a good harvest.
Living like a snowman
The Iwate Snow Festival is held every February at Koiwa Farm just outside Morioka. You can enjoy snow sculptures, have snowball fights, watch fireworks, and taste the delicious dairy products of Koiwai Farm. This farm is famous all over Japan for its delicious ice cream.
the treasure and heavy metals of the village
If you're looking for the perfect gift to take back, visit Morioka Handicraft Experience Center. You can see about 4,000 specialties made by local craftsmen. Morioka is famous for its traditional ironware and teapot called Nambutecki. It's heavy but very popular. You can also create your own works here, from ceramics to ironware to ramen noodles.
"Powder Snow
For ski and snowboard lovers, Morioka is a great place to go on a snow-filled adventure. There are several resorts, including Api, about an hour north of the city. Api is considered one of the best ski resorts in Japan. It has 21 slopes, so you can enjoy skiing to the fullest regardless of the level.
Api is just north of Morioka.
Enjoying a Warm Hot Spring
After skiing hard or enjoying the Iwate Snow Festival, soak in the hot spring and warm yourself up to relieve your fatigue. The nearest hot spring is the Tsunagi hot spring area, which is at the end of the blue lake. This hot spring has a wide range of options for day travelers and overnight guests.