Spots in Iwate Area

Area

Iwate
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Category

Chuson-ji Temple

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

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

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...
Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum

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...
Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Hall (Takkoku Seikoji Temple)

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...
Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building

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...
Morioka Hachimangu Shrine

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

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.
Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

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...
Jodogahama Visitor Center

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.

Well designed visitor center next to a stunningly beautiful coastline. Furniture fans will enjoy the upholstered chairs made to look like smooth rocks. Simple, clear exhibits that get the point...
Matsukawa Hot Spring Kyounso

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...
Iwate Museum of Art

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 Municipal Museum

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...
Tono Furusato Village

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...
Roadside Station Kuji Yamase Dofukan

3.5

42 Reviews

Transportation

Iwate Pref. Kujishi Nakamachi 2-5-6

This roadside station is located in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture. It sells local sake and also locally grown agricultural products and marine products. In addition, there is a restaurant using local ingredients where you can eat ryoshi nagekomi-don (sashimi rice bowl) with plenty of seafood and kaiun-don (good fortune bowl). It is visited not only by local shoppers but also tourists looking to purchase souvenirs.

久慈駅から徒歩１０分ほどのところにある道の駅。お土産などの販売以外に観光交流センターも併設されています。久慈祭の巨大な山車が展示されています。
Roadside Station Hraizumi

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...
Morioka History and Culture Museum

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...
Roadside Station Mitakaibunko

4.0

41 Reviews

Transportation

Iwate Pref. Shimoheiguniwaizumichou Kado Mitakai 47-2

This roadside station is located in the town of Iwaizumi in Shimohei County, Iwate Prefecture. It uses the site of the Mitakai branch school of Iwaizumi Town Kado Elementary School, and is characterized by being built with the remains of the school. In addition to snacks such as grilled rice balls and croquettes, there is a co-op that sells local farm products and processed goods and a school lunchroom where you can eat, making it a place where you can get a sense of nostalgia.

廃校を活用した、道の駅。木の椅子、机の上で、昔なつかしの給食(日替わりで、イカリングや紙パックの牛乳など)や揚げパンを楽しむことができる。少しばかり童心にかえる時間が持てます。
Jodogahama Beach

Travel / Tourism

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.
Motoyu Geto

4.0

45 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Iwate Pref. Kitakamishi Wagachouiwasakishinden 1-22

This hot spring facility is located in the valley of Mt. Yakeishi of the Waga-cho area of Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture. A natural hot spring with water flowing directly from the spring source, it has one inside bath and five open-air baths. In addition, the open-air baths are exclusively for women during specific times. In the winter, it is a secluded hot spring because of closed roads, and used by locals and tourists. Pick-up from JR Kitakami Station to the facility is available with a reservation.

ツアーで１泊しました。川沿いに露天風呂が点在し、坂道・階段を下りて行くので、足の弱い方には難しいでしょう。ぬるめ、熱めなどあり、女性専用時間帯もあり内湯もあります。部屋には、テレビ、トイレ、水道、電話がなく、スマホも繋がりません。トイレ、洗面所、外用のサンダル、スリッパは共同。それなりの覚悟が必要です

Morioka City / Shizukuishi Town / Koiwai Hanamaki / Tono Hachimantai / Appi Highland Sanriku Coast Hiraizumi / Oshu / Ichinoseki

Leisure / Hobbies Shopping Gourmet / Alcohol Style / Fashion Life / Living / Hospital Accommodations / Hot Spring Travel / Tourism Transportation

Iwate Areas

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.