Spots in Iwate Area

  • Chuson-ji Temple
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    4.5
    795 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    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.

    The Temple is made up of a few buildings, surrounded by forest. To reach the temple,one has to walk up a slope, which is equiped with rope and anti-slip feature. There is also a lookout pavilion...

  • Motsuji Temple
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    4.0
    446 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Osawa 58
    This temple that belongs to the Tendai sect was constructed in 850. It is said to have been founded by the priest Jikaku Daishi. Sights to see include the Jodo (Pure Land) garden that is arranged to unify the Buddhist temple and garden pond. As a valuable garden that even now conveys the thoughts and techniques of the Sakutei-ki, the oldest book concerning gardens in Japan, this is a symbol of Motsu-ji Temple. The temple premises have been designated as a Special Historic Site, and the Ennen-no-mai (a dance performed here for peace and longevity) has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Culture Property.

    The entrance fee is a bit too expensive (700 yen + 300 yen for parking) for what there is to do in the temples precinct. The Pure Land Lake is pretty, and the temple main hall is beautiful in...

  • Ryusendo Cave
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    4.5
    229 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    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.

    This spot is far from any station, so you need a car or bus to reach it. The entrance fee costs 1000 yen per person. Business hours are from 8:30 to 17:00, and open everyday. It is one of the three...

  • Koiwai Farm
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    4.0
    313 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Iwate-gun Shizukuishicho Maruyachi 36-1

    The Worlds Best Butter! Iwate Koiwai Pure Butter Ultra Smooth, Creamy & Silky With Four Leaves Snow Blanc & Danish Loaf! #iwate #koiwai #pure #butter #ultra #smooth #creamy #silky #fourleaves...

  • Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
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    4.0
    187 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    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.

    I recommend to book Donguri to Yamaneko bus service to take you many spots in the area in classic style little bus costing about USD52 for whole day tour(half day also available) In the morning...

  • Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building
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    4.0
    153 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Pref. Moriokashi Nakanohashidori 1-2-20
    The Bank of Iwate building is located in the Nakanohashidori area of Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Opened to the public after its renovation in 2016, it exhibits documents related to the Bank of Iwate. In addition, it has multipurpose halls that can be used for a variety of events. The building has been selected as a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property, and is visited by many tourists.

    Very eye catching building in Iwate city. We drove it and it immediately captured my attention. Later on when I was going for lunch, I walked past this building again and admired the historical...

  • Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Hall (Takkoku Seikoji Temple)
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    4.5
    150 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Kitazawa 16
    This temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism is located in the Hiraizumi-cho area of Nishiwai County, Iwate Prefecture. This cascade temple worships Bishamonten, which is in the Bishamondo Hall, and is a nationally designated Historic Site. In addition, it is also famous for having a torii gate, which is rare in temples. Many tourists visit to enjoy the different scenery of every season.

    This temple does not take that long to visit with its main feature being the Buddha carved into the cliff face. Nevertheless it played an important role in the history of this area and has impressive...

  • Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
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    4.0
    92 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    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).

    Walk about 20 minutes from the castle park to find this imposing shrine on a small hill. “Fishing” for a fortune was amusing (I won’t spoil it). Excellent modern restroom a surprise.

  • Morioka Handi-Works Square
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    4.0
    95 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Pref. Moriokashi Tsunagi Oirino 64-102
    This facility is home to first-rate artisan groups who craft authentic handiworks every day. It consists of the industry revival center, the handi-works square, and the “magariya” zone. The handi-works square offers visitors a chance to craft various Morioka specialty products and hosts events as well, giving people a chance to observe artisans up close and try their hand at making their own items. The local cultural site “Nanbu Magariya” is a must-see as well. It’s about 20 minutes by car from the Morioka Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway.

    We visited here on our way back from a local Onsen and it was very interesting. You can see how local cast iron teapots are made, make your own Japanese cookie and purchase handicrafts.

  • Matsukawa Hot Spring Kyounso
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    4.0
    74 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Iwate Pref. Hachimantaishi Matsuoyoriki Matsukawa Onsen
    This hot spring accommodation facility is located in Hachimantai National Park in Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture. The hot spring water is milky white, and you can overlook the scenery of the four seasons from the open-air bath, such as the pristine forest of beech and Mongolian oak. Many tourists visit to spend a relaxing day in the hot spring for day trips.

    The bus ride from East Exit of Morioka Station took about 2hrs. There are no pit stops so be prepared. We booked the only room with western bed. It was expensive @ ¥17,500pp. Room was larger n...

  • Jodogahama Visitor Center
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    4.0
    69 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Pref. Miyakoshi Hitachihamachou 32-69
    This information facility is located inside Rikuchu Kaigan National Park in the Hitachihama-cho area of Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture. It gives you information about various natural areas in the national park such as the Jodogahama rock formations and Sanno Rock. There are exhibits related to the Sanriku coast and also a rest space, making it a place used by many local residents. In addition, it also holds events to maintain the Michinoku Coastal Trail footpath.

    浄土ヶ浜ビジターセンターの駐車場に 車を止めて、浄土ヶ浜に行けます。 ビジターセンター内には 案内展示などもありました。

  • Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center
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    4.0
    87 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Hanadate 44
    This free facility introduces the history and culture of Hiraizumi in an understandable way through wall panels and videos. Items such as documents related to Hiraizumi’s World Heritage sites and articles recovered from the ground during excavation projects are displayed. Paying a visit before sightseeing will deepen your understanding of Hiraizumi’s history and culture and make for a more enjoyable visit. Audio guides that support four languages are also available for use by foreign visitors.

    If you have time, start here to understand the 100 years when Hiraizumi was the most important center of Japan. Chusonji is the head temple of Tendai Buddhism in northeast Japan and it was founded...

  • Iwate Museum of Art
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    4.0
    67 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Moriokashi Motomiya Matsuhaba 12-3
    This art museum that opened in 2001 is located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Paintings and sculptures by artists related to Iwate Prefecture, such as Tetsugoro Yorozu, Shunsuke Matsumoto and Yasutake Funakoshi are on display. In addition, in the permanent exhibition, commentaries by volunteers, collection talk events and other events are regularly held, drawing many tourists to the museum.

    This is a beautiful museum. I was impressed when I stepped into the lobby. When I went there was barely anyone there so I had the museum to myself. There are many exhibits of local artists...

  • Tono Furusato Village
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    4.0
    56 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Tonoshi Tsukimoushichoukamitsukimoushi 5-89-1
    Tono Furusato Village is an experience-type theme park that recreates the beautiful natural environment of the Tono region in days gone by. Several traditional farmhouses that retain Tono’s unique character have been relocated to the Village, which is frequently used as a location for the filming of period dramas, etc. Besides the old farmhouses, there are also facilities where visitors can experience aspects of traditional lifestyles such as woodworking, ceramics-making, charcoal burning, etc. There are also special seasonal events based on traditional festivals, such as the “Dobekko Festival.”

    It was a shame that I lacked enough time to explore this place fully as there was a lot to look at. We only had about 30 minutes, but you could easily spend more than an hour exploring the grounds...

  • Takuboku Newlyweds' House
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    3.5
    66 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Pref. Moriokashi Chuoudori 3-17-18
    Takuboku Newlyweds' House is a historic building in the city of Morioka in Iwate Prefecture. The poet Ishikawa Takuboku lived here for three weeks with his wife Setsuko, his parents, and his younger sister. In 1984, it was named a Morioka City Designated Tangible Cultural Property. It is the building where Takuboku wrote his essay, My Four-and-a-Half Mat Room, and it is the only extant relic of his life in the city of Morioka.

    You can freely enter this residence. When I went there were only a couple other people there. So I had the house to myself for the most part. It was a peaceful place. The condition was just ok...

  • Morioka History and Culture Museum
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    4.0
    50 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Pref. Moriokashi Uchimaru 1-50
    This museum that opened in 2011 is located inside Morioka Castle Park in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. You can see exhibited documents related to the history and culture of Morioka. In addition, it regularly holds various events such as workshops, seasonal events and Morioka Sansa Odori performances. It is not only visited by local residents but also many tourists.

    This museum took us no more than 30 minutes to go through. I went mainly for the armour and clothing, which were beatiful. The lack of English means that its hard for english speakers to fully...

  • Kuji Amber Museum
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    4.0
    39 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Kujishi Kokujichou Dai19chiwari 156-133
    This museum is located in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture. Among the amber used in jewelry, this is where you can see amber from Kuji, which has the world's oldest deposits. There are exhibits that show the production of amber and artworks using it. With prior reservations, you can also participate in events where you can experience digging amber.

    様々な種類の琥珀や琥珀のモザイク画等が展示されていました。 琥珀を触れたり、歩いたり出来るコーナーがありましたが、コロナ禍で触れず残念でした。 一番の目的は琥珀の採掘体験で、春から秋にかけて体験出来ます。 スタッフの方が色々気に掛けてくれて、アドバイスをくれたり親切でした。 1時間があっという間に過ぎ、夢中になり楽しめました。 体験後に小さい琥珀の御守を貰えます。

  • Roadside Station Hraizumi
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    3.5
    27 Reviews
    Transportation
    Iwate Nishiiwai-gun Hiraizumicho Hiraizumi Kyara Raku 112-2
    "This roadside station, located on National Route 4 in Hiraizumi Town, opened in April 2017. It is nicknamed the ""Kugane Hanasaku Risokyo"" (Ideal Land of Golden Blooming Flowers). The station's exterior, mixing black with gold highlights, blends in nicely with the scenery of Hiraizumi. The spacious interior is accented with warm woods and is divided into an information center, local specialty products area, and a restaurant. The local specialty products market carries fresh farm products, popular doburoku unrefined sakes, and other products from Hiraizumi Town. In the restaurant, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh vegetables and other local ingredients."

    2020年9月に車中泊で利用しました。 駐車場も広く普通車と大型車が区分けされています。 駐車場は全くの平坦ではなく若干傾斜(水勾配程度)がありますが、気になる程ではありません。 駅入り口前のテント売店は夕方着早朝出発だったので閉店していましたが、駅中は広くトイレも広くとても清潔です。道の駅のホール(トイレに行くときのエントランス?通路?)も広く道路情報などもモニターでチエックできます。また、ホー...

  • Taro Kanko Hotel
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    4.5
    46 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Miyako-shi Taro Nohara 80-1
    Located about a 20-minute walk from the Sanriku Railway Rias Line’s Taro Station, the facility was damaged by the tsunami that is said to have exceeded 17 meters in height due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. The building, which was flooded up to the fourth floor, leaving only pillars up to the second floor but not collapsing, is preserved as a tsunami archaeological site to pass on to future generations so memories of the massive damage of not forgotten. You can participate in a guided tour to learn about disaster prevention that is held by the Miyako Tourism Cultural Exchange Association that allows visitors to visit the building and watch tsunami videos taken at the hotel on the day of the earthquake.

    Taro Kanko Hotel, which was located on the north side of Taro fishing port, was located directly in front of the collapsed seawall. As for the outer walls and interior, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors...

  • Amihari Onsen Ski Resort
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    4.0
    27 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Iwategunshizukuishichou Nagayama Komatsukura 14-3
    This ski area consisting of eight courses in total is located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate County. It holds a skiing school for beginners, and is a slope enjoyed by skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. In addition, with a hot spring facility just a one-minute walk away, going there to heal your body after skiing is a popular activity.

    「玄人好み」のスキー場(ゲレンデ)という表現が一番しっくりくるかも。雪質(安比、田沢湖より)がパウダー、斜面が面白い、やや人里離れている、アフターに至近距離にいい温泉がある、昭和のリフトがまだある、リフト料金が昭和の値段。第1リフトで滑走可能なスラロームバーンは面白いが、そこだけだと飽きるので、第2リフトを使おうとすると、いかんせん、遅くて長い。だから、寒い。フード付き高速リフトやゴンドラに慣れて...

Iwate Areas

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A northern Tohoku prefecture promising peace and quiet, Iwate is sparsely populated, replacing people with snow-capped mountains, history-rich sites, and fields of crops that are to thank for the region’s delicious local cuisine. Meander along the three-city Golden Route, where you’ll visit the grand Buddhist temples of Hiraizumi and the Tono folk villages before tasting the three famed noodle dishes of Morioka.

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