Valley Spots in Hachimantai / Appi Highland Area

  • Matsukawa Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Pref. Hachimantaishi Matsuoyoriki
    A gorge located a 20-minute drive from the Matsuo-Hachimantai Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. Extending out from the Matsukawa Onsen area, the gorge is one of Hachimantai's top fall foliage viewing destinations. The Matsukawa Genbugan, a local sight, consists of a riverside basalt cliff with pillar-like walls; each year in autumn, the cliff is enwrapped in a sea of beautiful fall foliage. Those walking on the Mori no Ohashi Bridge spanning the gorge can view the sprawling carpet of yellow and gold foliage directly underneath; there's also a parking area, making this a great place to stop and take in the spectacular view.
  • Basen Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Ninohe-shi Ishikiridokoro
    This gorge is a scenic area along the Mabechikawa River in Ishikiridokoro, Ninohe City. Part of the gorge lies within Oritsume-Basenkyo Prefectural Nature Park. Ogami (male god) Rock and Megami (goddess) Rock are the largest of the so-called “married couple rocks” in Japan. Along with Mt. Torigoe on the opposite bank, they have been designated as Spots of Scenic Beauty. Tourists can admire the massive scenery of the gorge, created by the seasonal changes of foliage and the huge rocks from an observation point that has been set up for that purpose.
  • Ojigokudani
    Travel / Tourism
    Iwate Hachimantai-shi

Iwate Areas

around-area-map

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.

Iwate Photo Album

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