Iwate

Travel Guide

• 2019 Snow Resort Guide in Japan: Asia’s Winter Wonderland

  

  18.10.2019

• The Magnificent Natural Wonders of Hachimantai

  

  02.08.2019

• Japan’s Best Matsuri Festivals and Fireworks during Summer 2019 July-August

  

  06.07.2019

• Morioka Sansa Odori Festival

  

  27.06.2019

• How to Experience Seven of Tohoku's Festivals in One Week

  

  27.06.2019

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Top Things to do

• Chuson-ji Temple

  Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Koromonoseki 202

  This temple was reportedly founded in 850 by Jikaku Daishi, a monk associated with Enryaku-ji Temple in Hieizan (Mt. Hiei). Fujiwara Kiyohira is said to have laid the substantial foundation of the temple. Sights on the premises include the Konjikido, which has been designated as a National Treasure, and the Sankozo, which houses a collection of more than 3,000 cultural properties left by the Oshu Fujiwara lords. In 2011 the cultural heritage of Hiraizumi including Chuson-ji Temple was registered as a World Heritage Site.

• Ryusendo Cave

  4.5

  186 Reviews

  Iwate Pref. Shimoheiguniwaizumichou Iwaizumi Kannari 1-1

  This massive limestone cave is one of Japan’s three largest, and is designated a National Natural Monument. The cave is over 5,000 meters long overall, and hosts eight underground lakes that are among the clearest in the world. The color of the water, called Dragon Blue, is astonishing and the mystical sight is worth visiting. A 700 meter walking route in the cave and three of the eight lakes are open to the public. One section of the trail is barrier-free, with full wheelchair access. The limestone filtered water has been named one of Japan’s top 100 waters, and is available to drink at the cave entrance.

• Koiwai Farm

  Iwate Pref. Iwategunshizukuishichou Maruyachi 36-1

  A spacious, 3,000 hectare farm, one of the largest in Japan, located in the southern foot of Mt. Iwate. In addition to a horse riding facility and sheep field, the farm’s tourist area is dotted with attractions children and adults can enjoy. Many of the farm’s structures are historically important, and 21 of the farm’s buildings, including the office and storehouse, built between the Meiji and early Showa periods, were designated Important Cultural Properties in 2017. Visitors who take part in the guided Cultural Property Tour can view some of these Cultural Properties.

• Jodogahama Beach

  Iwate Pref. Miyakoshi Hitachihamachou 32

  This beach is adorned with sharp white rock formations, creating an other-worldly atmosphere. The name Jodogahama refers to the Buddhist “Pure Land.” The beach is filled with bathers in summer. The rock formations visible include flow structures formed by rolling lava, and plate shaped fractures called “joints” formed when magma cools rapidly. The unusual geology led to this area being designated a Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park & Sanriku Geopark.

• Genbikei Gorge

  Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Gembichou Minamitakinoue

  Genbikei is a valley of the Iwai River originating in Mt. Kurikoma and flowing to Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. Dynamic landscapes such as waterfalls, strangely shaped and magical rocks continue for two kilometers. The specialty of Genbikei is of course the Kakko-dango Dumplings. When ordering and paying, you place your money in a basket attached to a rope stretched to the other side. After sounding a wooden hammer, the basket is pulled up and the dumplings and tea are delivered in return instead. Fun to watch, and delicious to eat.

• Miyazawa Kenji Dowa Mura (Village of Fairy Tales)

  4.0

  101 Reviews

  Iwate Pref. Hanamakishi Takamatsu 26-19

  An experience-oriented museum dedicated to the fairy tales of Kenji Miyazawa located in Takamatsu, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. Surrounded by hills and fields, you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into the world of Miyazawa’s fairy tales in the museum’s charming, magical atmosphere. The Kenji’s School area is divided into five zones themed after the Miyazawa’s works. Other museum facilities include Milky Way Station, the Sky Plaza, Kenji’s Classroom, the Fairy Path, the Owl Path, and the Yamano Soen forest. Visitors are encouraged to slowly stroll the facility’s grounds and enjoy the fairy tale world and various sculptures scattered here and there. The nearest station is Shin-Hanamaki Station.

• Hachimantai Sancho Rest House

  Iwate Pref. Hachimantaishi ツキ Semboku, Akita prefecture

  At this rest area located near the peak of Hachimantai, there is a restaurant and souvenir shop where you can buy local products. Also, the Observatory spot also makes this a great location for looking out over Hachimantai. The rest house has one floor above ground and two basement floors—the first floor features the observatory spot and a rest area with tons of information on the natural surroundings of Hachimantai. The basement first floor has a section for light meals like udon and curry, and a section with sightseeing information. In the hall of retail shops on the basement second floor, you can purchase Hachimantai original goods.

• Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum

  Iwate Pref. Hanamakishi Yasawa 1-1-36

  The Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum is located in the city of Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture. It contains video images, as well as materials related to the poet and author of children's stories, Miyazawa Kenji, organized into exhibits in five fields. There are presentations about the creative process that led to Miyazawa's works, commentaries, and the results of research about him. Special events are held inside the museum, including limited-time exhibits of the manuscripts of his children's stories.

• Morioka Hachimangu Shrine

  4.0

  68 Reviews

  Iwate Pref. Moriokashi Hachimanchou 13-1

  Morioka Hachimangu Shrine was built in 1680 by the 29th feudal lord Shigenobu Nambu. The god enshrined here has been revered by the locals since ancient times as the god for the roots of human life which include farming, industry, commerce, learning and the other basics of life. Many people know about the various festivals held throughout the year including the Dashi-gyoji (float) Festival and Yabusame Jinji (a horseback archery ritual).