Leisure / Outdoors Spots in Iwate Area

  • 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...

  • 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。

  • Iwate Prefectural Museum
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    4.0
    15 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Moriokashi Ueda Matsuyashiki 34
    This museum that opened in 1980 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the creation of Morioka Prefecture is located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. It exhibits materials about the natural environment in Iwate and the history of the prefecture from the geological age to the modern era. You can see Mt. Iwate from the second floor on day with clear weather. The private houses Former Sasaki Residence and Former Fujino Residence, both Important Cultural Properties, are exhibited on the premises and visited by many tourists.

    盛岡駅から松園バスターミナル行き路線バスに乗り、松園バスターミナルでバスを乗り換え片道410円、約40分位。入館料310円。 予想以上に立派な建物で、展示内容もとても充実していたので大満足。新型ウィルス感染症の世界的流行で観光施設が軒並み営業中止している中やる事がなくなり、博物館へ急遽行き先変更。特に、岩手県の地質についてはとても印象的で、化石が数多く発掘されているのが面白かった。 ただ、松園...

  • Tono Municipal Museum
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    4.5
    35 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Tonoshi Higashidatechou 3-9
    Established in 1980, this museum is the first of its kind in Japan. It is a museum introducing the folklore and folk culture of the Tono peoples' lifestyle, environment, history, and culture. The life of the Tono people in the Tono basin valley is displayed in an easy to understand manner through documents and photographs. One can enjoy viewing the Tono Story, the picture works based on local folklore and topics, and the animated film ''Shigeru Mizuki's Tono Story.''

    This is of surprisingly high standard for a municipal museum. The 500 yen admission fee includes the loan of an audio visual device which provides a commentary in English. The displays are well...

  • Cassiopeia Messe Nanyato
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    4.0
    19 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Ninohe-shi Ishikiridokoro Moriai 68
    This Ninohe region wide sightseeing and local products center adjoins Ninohe Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line. Remodeled and reopened in April 2018, the local products center on the first floor now carries an even more extensive selection of specialty products from 19 cities, towns, and villages in Aomori, Akita, and Iwate. In the restaurant on the second floor, you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients from Ninohe. In addition, coworking spaces and a pergola deck have been added to the third floor, making this a facility with a full array of spaces for everyone from families with children to businesspeople.

    なにゃーとは、二戸駅の西口に隣接しているビルで、駅の改札口とつながっている3Fに観光案内所があり、1Fはなにゃーと物産センターになっています。なにゃーと物産センターは広々としていて、二戸だけでなく、岩手県北・青森県南・秋田県東19市町村の特産品、名産品を販売していました。二戸駅に停車する新幹線は少ないので、新幹線の待ち時間をつぶすのに丁度よかったです。

  • Kitayamazaki Nature Guided Trekking
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    3.5
    20 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Shimohei-gun Tanohata Mura Kitayama 129-10 Kitayamazaki Visitor Center
    Shared tourist taxis run from Tanohata Station. Trekking is available with local guides along the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail, including Kitayamazaki. They know the Tanohata area well, and the treks can be adapted to your fitness level and time available, as well as to your preferred course or theme. You can take in highlights such as earthquake remnants, the Unosu Cliff Nature Trail, and the Kitayamazaki Nature Trail, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Walks. You'll enjoy hiking in the great outdoors while experiencing the story and background of the area.

    北山崎展望台のそばに建つ、自然や観光のインフォメーションセンター。旅の途中で北山崎を訪ねた折、手荷物を預かってもらった。館内には、北山崎の自然や動植物に関する展示がある。手作り感満載でさほど充実した展示とはいえないが、スタッフの北山崎愛を感じる。奥にはハイビジョンシアターがあり、四季折々の北山崎の魅力を綴ったムービーが鑑賞できる。建物の裏手にトイレがある。

  • Iwate Safari Park
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    3.5
    18 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Fujisawachoukinomi Yamaya 121-2
    This zoo is located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. Besides animals including white lions and tigers, you can also interact with herbivores such as giraffes and camels inside the park. In addition, you can feed animals up close while riding in a bus designed with a tiger motif. Various events are held in the park, drawing many people and their families.

    ゾウライドは正直あまり良い印象を受けませんでした。象にドリルのようなものを刺して痛みを与えて従わせていたからです。人が乗るたび毎回刺されているかと思うと、あまりに可哀想なのでもう乗りません。

  • Aiina Center
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    4.0
    4 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Moriokashi Moriokaekinishidori 1-7-1
    This glass structure, located to the west of JR Morioka Station, aims to be a base for the use of all the citizens of Iwate Prefecture. It houses public facilities such as the prefectural library and has a multi-purpose hall with a maximum capacity of 507 people. It also houses the Iwate Prefectural University campus where courses, including those for lifelong learning, are held mostly for local residents. Another of its features is that it is a complete universal design. There is tactile paving and audio guidance on each floor.

    盛岡駅から、けっこう近くにある公共文化施設です。図書館などが入っていて、市の中では中心的な役割を果たしているのだと思います。

  • Ichinoseki City Museum
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    4.0
    14 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Gembichou Okinono 215-1
    This museum is located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. You can learn about the history and culture of the Ichinoseki area and the accomplishments of previous generations. It shows cultural assets and tools from the stone age until the modern era. In addition to permanent exhibitions separated by theme, it also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures and experiential learning events.

    いわゆるローカル観光地にありがちな取って付けたような博物館かな思いきや、蘭学・辞書編纂・和算などのテーマ別に掘り下げて展示することで地元出身の学者の業績をわかりやすく展示していたり、舞草刀(もぐさとう)という、日本等の源流となる刀の展示もあり、かなり見応えがある博物館でした。厳美渓に来たらここにも立ち寄らない手はないです。

  • Sekino-ichi Brewery Sake-no-minzoku Culture Museum
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    3.5
    14 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Ichinoseki-shi Tamuracho 5-42
    A sake folk museum runs by Iwate's 100-year-old Sekinoichi brewery. Originally it was Tohoku’s largest storehouse for the initial stages of the brewing process, then was remodeled into a museum. A variety of sake brewing equipment is on display, including a large barrel for preparation. The sake making process is explained in detail. You can also visit the brewer’s room, dedicated to Matsuo Daimyojin, the god of sake. There is also a literary museum with materials from authors with ties to Ichinoseki.

    以前にも来たことがありました。今回は併設されているレストラン(ビアレストランと和食レストランがある)で餅御膳をいただきました。おいしい日本酒がたくさん陳列されていて、利酒をしながら選ぶとよいなあと思いました。

  • Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Oushushi Esashi-ku Iwayadou Konamaru 86-1
    The Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park, which is near the World Heritage Site Hiraizumi, is a theme park that allows visitors to feel the history of the Tohoku region. You can try on actual ceremonial wear (Juni-hitoe and Sokutai), do clamshell decorating, try archery, wear armor, and more to experience the refined grace of the Heian period. The restaurant serves famous Esashi cuisine and Heian-period food. It’s about 20 minutes by car from the Mizusawa Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway.
  • Yorozu Tetsugoro Memorial Museum
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    4.0
    11 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Hanamaki-shi Towacho Tsuchizawa 5-135
    "About two minutes by car from Towa Interchange on the Kamaishi Expressway. An art museum that honors Yorozu Tetsugoro, a painter from Tsuchizawa, Towa-cho, Hanamaki City and one of the pioneers of modern Japanese art. Under the theme of ""Yorozu and Tsuchizawa,"" the museum displays collected work that includes oil paintings, ink paintings, sketches, and other items such as notebooks, letters, photographs, and his personal articles. The Haccho Dozo on the west side of the museum is the earthen storehouse from his family home that was transferred to the site and rebuilt. The gallery holds exhibitions with a focus on contemporary art. The adjacent cafe is open to everyone, not just museum visitors."

    大正から昭和初期にかけて日本洋画における前衛を切り開いた 萬鉄五郎の記念館。 その作品の収蔵数も充実しており、 萬の一生を通して作品を観覧することが出来ました。 見学していてふと思った事、 萬の絵の情緒は土地の風土が影響していたのではと感じた点、 宮沢賢治とは分野が違えど、同じ地域で育った人、 二人共、自然と地域の人との関係性が、情操の成長に作用していたのではと ふと考えていた自分に気づきました...

  • Kesen Carpentry and Folklore Museum
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    4.5
    10 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Rikuzentakata-shi Otomocho Myoga 1-237
    A museum located a 90-minute drive from the Ichinoseki Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. The museum is modeled after early Meiji period Kesen homes and was built to pass on the techniques of Kesen carpentry to future generations. The museum was built exclusively with local materials like Kesen cedar wood. The main building is made of wood and modeled after a single story thatch roof family home. Looking up from beyond the irori sunken hearth, visitors can spot Kesen carpentry techniques everywhere, such as three stage beams. There's also a 3.11 Light of Hope eternally lit gas lamp on the grounds which was lit from the 1.17 Light of Hope in Kobe.

    The Kesen carpentry style is unique to the area and unfortunately there are very few carpenters (if any) left to carry on the techniques. Inside the main building with high ceilings is a...

  • Morioka Study Museum of Archeological Site
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    4.0
    10 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Morioka-shi Motomiya Araya 13-1
    "The museum is located in ""Morioka Central Park"" in Hongu-araya, Morioka City. The museum exhibits excavated materials from the Odate Town Ruins, a historical site designated by the prefecture, as well as other ruins excavated in the city. In addition to thematic and special exhibitions, the museum also offers hands-on learning opportunities such as pottery making. There is also a library with access to historical materials."

    入口が道路とは反対側にあるので、ちょっと見過ごしてしまいがちですが、結構おもしろい博物館です。土器や石器がたくさんあって、時代ごとの変遷も併せて学べます。

  • Kitakami Tenshochi Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Kitakamishi Tachibana
    Located at the point where the Kitakawa River and Waga River meet, the Kitakami Tenshochi Park is a municipal park which is referred to as one of the three famous cherry blossom spots in Michinoku (Tohoku). The name “Tenshochi”, meaning beauty spot, comes from the wonderful view of the cherry blossom seen from Jingaoka Hill. 10,000 cherry blossom trees and 100,000 azaleas are planted at the approximately 30,000 square meter site, and in 1990 the park was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The Sakura Matsuri Festival (cherry blossom festival) is held each year from the middle of April to the beginning of May, with lots of tourists coming to visit at this time.
  • Denshoen
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    4.0
    8 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Pref. Tonoshi Tsuchibuchichoutsuchibuchi 6-5-1
    Located in Tono, land of Japanese folklore, Denshoen is a facility which exists to share the lifestyle of farmers in the area once lived to future generations. Visitors can learn about old folk tales, experience traditional events, and try making folk crafts. The facility also engages in silkworm raising. Each year a festival to pray to the household god Oshira-sama is held at Denshoen. In addition, the facility regularly has a storyteller share old Tono folktales (fee and reservation required). You can enjoy local Tono cuisine in Denshoen’s cafeteria, and there’s also a memorial museum dedicated to Tono storyteller Kizen Sasaki, as well as the Oshira-do Hall.

    古民家や水車小屋・雪隠・井戸などの昔の建物や、土着神オシラサマを祀るオシラ堂を見ることができます。また遠野物語の語り部である佐々木喜善に関する展示もしています。レストランもあり、郷土食のひっつみ(すいとん)やけいらん(もち粉の皮で餡を包んで茹で汁をはったデザート)を食べることができます。総じてなかなか満足度が高い施設でした。

  • Yukiyagawa Dam Forest Park Karumai
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    3.5
    7 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Kunohe-gun Karumaimachi Kogarumai 20-3-1
    A natural forest park located a 15-minute drive from the Karumai Interchange on the Hachinohe Expressway. The park was designed to make use of the beautiful scenery created by the surrounding forest and dam. The grounds have been planted with some 150 thousand tulips which come into beautiful bloom from late April through mid-May. In addition to colorful tulips in spring, visitors can take in seasonal scenery throughout the year such as hydrangeas in summer and fall foliage in autumn. The park is adjoined by a campground and tennis courts and offers a class in which you can try making charcoal.

    雪谷川ダムでつくられたダム湖を囲む広大な自然森林公園で、高さ16メートル、羽根の直径が20メートもある風車がシンボルになっています。また、ダム湖に架かる全長154メートルの赤い吊り橋からは、緑豊かな自然景観を眺めることができます。6月末に訪れたのでアジサイが奇麗に咲いていました。

  • Fureai Land Osaki Cape
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    4.0
    4 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Ofunato-shi Akasakicho Torisawa 188-7
    This is an outdoor facility located in Torisawa, Akasaki-cho, Ofunato City. Surrounded by lush greenery in the form of 2,500 camellia bushes, an observation deck offers views of the Goishi Coast across the bay. The park is equipped with bungalows, campsites, and playgrounds, and visitors can enjoy barbecuing in spots that overlook the sea.

    通年を通して営業しているキャンプ場で、料金も安くいつも利用しています。キャンプ場から眺める景色もとても綺麗で、とてもオススメのキャンプ場です。 が、しかし、受付の年配女性は少し曲者です。正直、電話対応もイラッとする時があります。他の受付の方は、愛想もよくいつも気持ちよく帰ることができます。

  • Hachimantai City Museum
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    4.5
    3 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Iwate Hachimantai-shi Kamasuda 230
    This museum is located in Kamasuda, Hachimantai City. It houses a collection of materials about the culture and history of the old town, which grew up as a key transport center leading to Tsugaru and Akita. Its four permanent exhibitions are “Life and Culture in the Appikawa and Yoneshiro Watersheds,” “Lacquerware: Beauty in the Midst of Everyday Life,” “Carrying Past Ways of Life into the Present Day,” and “Literature, the Jomon Era, and Skiing.” Other exhibits include specially produced Appi lacquerware, everyday goods from the past, and items connected with Kojun, the 15th great high priest of Kan’eiji Temple Gokoku-in.

    It was a great place to see Japanese ancient histories and their old stuff. There are many sections by each era, starting from Jomon period. The most fascinating things are Appi Urushi bowls and...

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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