Iwate Prefecture rests in the northern part of Tohoku, the second biggest prefecture in Japan after Hokkaido. Each city, town, and village has its unique character and beauty, making it well worth setting aside a few days to explore fully.
The Iwate shoreline faces the Pacific Ocean and is dotted by ports and restaurants offering a wealth of gourmet seafood dishes. This article will show you the best tourist attractions in Iwate like shopping, and food spots to inspire your trip!
Top Tourist Destinations In Iwate, Japan
1. Jodogahama Beach
Jodogahama Beach is directed as the gem of the Sanriku Coast. Inside the clear, blue waters rise sharp, white rocks, weaving together dynamic settings. The best viewing site is the Jodogahama relaxation House on the shoreline, which displays the white stones, and the Odaiba lookout, close to the car park, which offers panoramic sights of the entire gulf. It is one of the best attractions in Iwate to visit for vacation.
2. Miyazawa Kenji Museum
Kenji Miyazawa is a revered poet and children’s author famous for works like “Night on the Galactic Railroad” and “Ame ni mo Makezu .” The Miyazawa Kenji Museum is devoted to the life of Kenji Miyazawa, his beliefs, background, and artistic accomplishments. Displays like his dearest cello, written manuscripts, and other personal items connected to this legend of Japanese poetry and literature.
3. Morioka Castle Site Park
Morioka Castle Site park was founded on the remains of Morioka Castle, which used to house the Nanbu clan of the Morioka Territory(1185 – 1870). Also, it is well known for being frequently explored by Takuboku Ishikawa, the Iwate-born poet, and the previously mentioned children’s author Kenji Miyazawa. It is also one of Japan’s top cherry blooming hotspots, with around two hundred and fifty cherry trees blossoming during the springtime.
4. Miracle Pine
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami damaged the city of Rikuzentakata, as well as washed away over 70,000 pine trees above a two-kilometer outstretch. Yet, despite the harsh attack, one black pine, now labeled the “Miracle Pine,” stays standing. It now draws both locals and international visitors striving to make a wish.
5. Genbikei Gorge
Genbikei Gorge is a famous attractions in Iwate for lovers of untouched natural splendor, flaunting water falls, and rocks of all sizes and shapes. Suitable walking paths allow easy access to occupy the colors of each season. Another beautiful reason to visit Genbikei Gorge is for its famous “flying Dango.” directly put money in a basket at the relaxation center, tap the woody label, and the basket will “float” to the teahouse on the other side of the gorge through a rope and pulley means. Then, after waiting for some minutes, the basket will return carrying tasty tea and Dango.
6. Chusonji Konjikido
Chusonji Konjikido is a registered world heritage site situated in Hiraizumi. The building construction began in 850 and was concluded in 1105. It is the only building that has since been constructed. This is because there are so many national treasures and significant cultural properties in Chusonji.
7. Ryusendo
Ryusendo is one of the three largest limestone caves. It is over 3500m long and is a certified national natural mausoleum, the same as a bat house. There are six lakes inside; you can only see three of them; the water is named dragon blue. Let’s visit a famous sightseeing spot in Iwate.
8. Kosode Coast
The Kosode coast houses the unique Kuji City and one of the most beautiful coasts of the Rikuchi Kaigan National Park. It was named after the popular Ama-chan TV show from the famous Ama divers, female freedivers who catch abalones and sea urchins. The divers were local wives to fishermen who had to feed and preserve the family. Most Ama divers can see ten sea urchins and hold their breath for a minute within a single dive. The Kosode Ama Center displays the heritage of the Ama, and from July to September, free diving performances are held where you can eat freshly caught sea urchins.
9. Ryusendo Limestone Cave
Ryusendo is one of Japan’s most enormous limestone caverns, evaluated to be more than 5,000 meters in length. Explore the caverns and pass through three fresh underground lakes filled with emerald-green waters. Arches and Wooden walkways are constructed through the mountain within an underground river for visitors. Numerous bat collections can be viewed in caves. The caves also host Japan’s hugest underground lake measuring 120 meters deep.
10. Koiwai Farm
Tourists can experience Japan’s most extensive private farm. The land was once utterly volcanic ash but has been transformed over the past 120 years into green lands and lively pastures. Koiwai is a well-known visitors attractions in Iwate with the Japanese as a local escape for therapy and is also famous for its animal shows, dairy products, and beautiful starlit skies. Partake in events like forest therapy tractor bus tours, wool spinning, and butter churning. In addition, there are lots of fantastic shopping and dining moments to try out local products such as ice creams, cheeses, beef, lamb, and milk.
