Introduction to Iwate Prefecture
The charm of Iwate Prefecture is its abundant nature. Facing the Sea of Japan, Iwate Prefecture offers a variety of natural attractions, including a coastline with magnificent scenery (Sanriku Coast), beautiful mountains, and lush forests (Mt. Iwate).
Iwate Prefecture is also a region with a rich history and culture. Visitors can experience a variety of history and culture, including the World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi, historical buildings such as the Morioka Castle Ruins, and traditional events such as the three major festivals in Morioka.
Geographic location
Iwate Prefecture is located in the northern part of Japan’s Tohoku region. It is bordered by Akita Prefecture to the north, Miyagi Prefecture to the south, Yamagata Prefecture to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The center of Iwate Prefecture is Morioka City. Morioka City is the capital of Iwate Prefecture and has a population of approximately 330,000.
History & culture
Iwate Prefecture has long been a prosperous region. During the Heian period (794-1185), the Oshu Fujiwara clan flourished in Hiraizumi, which is registered as a World Heritage site. In summer, festivals are held throughout the Tohoku region, and Iwate Prefecture is especially famous for the Morioka Sansa Festival. The Morioka Sansa Festival in Iwate Prefecture is known as one of the five major festivals in the Tohoku region: the Nebuta Festival in Aomori Prefecture, the Kanto Festival in Akita Prefecture, the Hanagasa Festival in Yamagata Prefecture, the Sendai Tanabata Festival in Miyagi Prefecture, and the Morioka Sansa Dance in Iwate Prefecture.
Tourist attraction
Iwate has many places of natural beauty and historical interest.
Mount Iwate
Mount Iwate is a 2,038-meter-high active volcano that straddles Iwate and Akita prefectures. It has been selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan and is known as a representative mountain of the Tohoku region.
Mt. Iwate juts out into the Sea of Japan and offers a magnificent view. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for mountain climbing and hiking. Various trails are available for both beginners and advanced climbers.
Iwate also offers winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding in winter.
Morioka Castle
Morioka Castle is an Edo Period castle located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. As the residence of the Nanbu clan, the castle flourished for approximately 260 years.
Morioka Castle’s greatest feature is its beautiful stone walls. Morioka Castle’s stonewalls are built with a technique known as field masonry, in which rough stones are stacked on top of each other, giving the castle a massive and majestic impression.
Morioka Castle was destroyed by fire during the war of 1868, but was later restored.
Morioka Castle is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Iwate Prefecture. Please visit and experience its history and charm.
Sanriku coastline
The Sanriku Coast is the Pacific coastline that straddles Iwate, Miyagi, and Akita Prefectures. The total length of the coastline is approximately 600 km, offering a variety of natural landscapes such as sheer cliffs, beaches of white sand and green pines, and rias coastlines. Take a ride on the Sanriku Railway and enjoy the scenery!
The Sanriku coastline is characterized by a calmer coastline than the Japan Sea coastline. For this reason, marine leisure activities such as swimming and playing on the shore are popular. Jodogahama is one of the most popular beaches.
The Sanriku coast is also famous for its abundant seafood. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood such as bonito, tuna, mackerel, and squid.
Hiraizumi
Hiraizumi is home to many historical buildings, including temples such as Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji, as well as Mt. These structures are a valuable heritage that conveys Hiraizumi’s history and culture to the present, and were registered as a World Heritage site in 2011.
Food culture
Iwate is an area where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Sanriku Seafood
The Sanriku coastal area is rich in fresh seafood, especially kaisen-don (bowls of rice topped with seafood) and sashimi. Bowls of rice topped with sea urchin, oysters, and a variety of other fish and shellfish are boldly piled on top of each other and can be enjoyed at a variety of restaurants. Sushi is also highly recommended.
Hittsumi
Dumpling-like noodles made of wheat flour are cooked in a soy-sauce flavored broth.
Jajamen
Morioka cold noodle is one of the three most popular noodle dishes in Morioka, along with “Morioka cold noodle” and “Wankosoba,” and is the soul food of Morioka citizens. It is a flat noodle dish similar to kishimen, topped with meat miso, cucumbers, and green onions, and looks similar to Chinese “jarred noodles.
When eating, add raayu or garlic to taste and stir to taste. You are free to choose the type and amount of seasonings you add, so you can enjoy finding your own favorite flavor.
Wanko soba
Wankosoba is a type of soba noodle from Iwate Prefecture. It is an entertaining style of soba noodle dish in which bite-sized pieces of soba noodles are dipped in warm soba sauce and then filled into bowls by the waiter, who continues to fill the bowls until the waiter says “stop”. The waiter will fill the empty bowl one after another with buckwheat noodles until the bowl is full, and then “close the lid” to stop. There should be an explanation beforehand, so there is no need to worry. Wankosoba can only be experienced in Morioka, so please give it a try!
Activities
There is a wide variety of activities to enjoy in Iwate Prefecture.
Mountain climbing and hiking
Mountain climbing and hiking are popular in Iwate Prefecture, which is home to a series of mountains over 3,000 meters high, including Mount Iwate and Hachimantai.
Especially in Hachimantai, the “Hachimantai Dragon Eye” phenomenon occurs from late May to early June. It is a mysterious scenery created by the natural phenomenon of “Kagami-numa” located near the summit of Hachimantai Mountain.
How about hiking for this?
Tour of a hot spring
There are hot spring facilities in the central, northern, southern, and coastal areas of the prefecture.
Tsunagi Onsen is especially recommended. About 30 minutes by bus from Morioka Station, 12 hotels and inns stand side by side on the shore of Lake Gosho, which is beautifully shaded by mountains.
In addition, there are many leisure facilities such as canoeing, windsurfing, and lure fishing on Lake Gosho.
Skiing and snowboarding
Iwate Prefecture is home to some of the best ski resorts in Japan. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
Bathing in the sea and playing on the shore
The Sanriku Coast has many beautiful beaches and spots where you can enjoy playing on the shore.
Strolling in limestone caves
Ryusendo Cave is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan. The caves, including the bats that live in them, have been designated as natural monuments by the government. The total length of the cave, which is currently known, is about 4,000 meters, of which about 600 meters are open to the public. It is also famous as a power spot for love.
Seasonal Recommendations
Iwate Prefecture offers beautiful scenery and events in each of the four seasons.
Spring
Tour of cherry blossom viewing spots
Iwate Prefecture is home to many famous cherry blossom viewing spots, including Mt.
Gathering wild plants
In spring, a variety of wild vegetables can be gathered in the mountains of Iwate Prefecture.
Summer
Sea bathing
The Sanriku Coast of Iwate Prefecture is crowded with bathers in summer.
Firework(s) display
Fireworks festivals are held in Morioka City, Ichinoseki City, and other locations in Iwate Prefecture.
Local Culture
Traditional Noh plays, tea ceremonies, and martial arts are deeply rooted in Iwate, and local festivals are diverse.
Festival
Morioka Sansa Festival
It is one of the five major festivals in Tohoku and the largest festival in Morioka City.
Morioka Hachimangu Shrine Festival
This is the annual festival of Morioka Hachimangu Shrine in Morioka City.
Traditional craft
Ironware from the south
It is a traditional craft representing Iwate Prefecture.
lacquerware
Iwate lacquerware is known for its beauty and durability.
Japanese paper
Iwate washi is known for its delicate beauty and strength.
Transportation
Access to Iwate Prefecture from Tokyo is by Shinkansen bullet train, train, or highway bus.
Airplane
Please note that there are no routes from Haneda Airport to Iwate Hanamaki Airport. It is accessible by air from Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, and Fukuoka, and is the most efficient means of access.
Shinkansen
It takes about 3 hours from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station by Shinkansen bullet train.
Railway
It takes about 10 to 12 hours from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station on the Tohoku Honsen Line, but unless you are a big train enthusiast, we recommend that you take the Shinkansen to avoid wasting precious time.
Express Bus
It takes about 7-8 hours from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station by express bus.
Lastly
Iwate Prefecture is an attractive tourist destination with its rich nature, history, and culture. You can enjoy nature in each of the four seasons, experience traditional culture, and have fun in many other ways. We hope you will visit Iwate Prefecture.
Iwate Prefecture is a prefecture rich in nature, surrounded by both sea and mountains, facing the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. There are many places of interest, such as Mount Iwate, one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains, and the World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi. Iwate Prefecture is also known for its traditional festivals, such as the Morioka Autumn Festival.